From the beautiful, elemental coast of Ireland to the hills of Hollywood, the Aran sweater has made a remarkable journey that enshrines its place in fashion history forever. Aran sweaters hold a rugged charm and the timeless styles are popular all over the world, but many people do not realise that their roots are in the tiny islands off the Galway coast, where they were created as a practical choice for the hardworking communities who inhabited the Aran islands centuries ago.
Here at Aran Sweater Market, we value the heritage of these classic sweaters and we love the legends and stories that are reflected in the intricately stitched designs they feature. We are proud to share a piece of Irish history with the world, and since they have become a favourite of celebrity style icons, they hold a special place in the hearts – and the closets – of fashion conscious individuals all over the globe. We’ll take a look at how some of our favourite A listers wear their Aran sweaters and share our top picks for the forthcoming year.
The Aran Wool Sweater: Quintessentially Irish
Aran wool sweaters were originally designed to stand up to the rigours of intense physical labour, keeping the fishermen and farmers of the Aran Islands warm and dry as they worked. The families of the workers poured many hours of love into these garments, weaving stories into their stitches and layering up the beautiful cable knit work to provide extra insulation against the elements. Wool is a naturally waterproof material, as the lanolin in it is water repellent, and this makes it the ideal choice for wearing outdoors.
The stitches featured in classic Aran sweater designs are unique and beautiful, and each has its own meaning, woven into the wool. For example, items decorated with the intricate zig zag stitch are popular gifts for newly weds, as this stitch is said to represent the ups and downs of married life, and the Trinity stitch is symbolic of family and the importance of the bonds built at home. Whenever you put on your Irish wool sweater, you’re wearing a piece of Irish history and honouring the connection with the people who lived and worked on the Aran Islands so many years ago. However, these sweaters are now synonymous with chic, stylish celebrity fashion and we love the way our talented craftspeople have adapted their designs seamlessly to this role.
Hollywood Icons in Aran Knitwear
When you think of Hallmark Christmas films and effortless celebrity style, the Aran sweater comes to mind immediately. There’s no ignoring the fact that we’re surrounded by movies in which actors such as Cameron Diaz sport the finest Aran knitwear as they enjoy cosying up by the fire or walking in the snow, and this summarises the combination of style, practicality and warmth that the Aran sweater offers.
Some of the celebrities who have made this style famous include:
- Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly was an iconic American actress and became the Princess of Monaco when she married Prince Rainier III in 1956. She starred in several high profile films, including the Arthur Hitchcock masterpieces, Rear Window, Dial M for Murder and To Catch a Thief. She was renowned for her exquisite sense of style and the Aran sweater was a staple in her closet, often worn for casual occasions where the rustic charm of the knitwear perfectly complemented her understated elegance. As a fashion icon across the globe, Grace Kelly’s decision to embrace the Aran sweater raised its profile and made it a garment of choice for fashionistas everywhere.
- Steve McQueen
Steve McQueen was a legendary movie star of the ’60s and ’70s, rising from a troubled childhood to international stardom in films such as Girl on the Run, Never Love a Stranger and The Great Escape. He was nicknamed the ‘King of Cool’, inspiring many young rebels all over the world, and his statement style included the Aran sweater, the perfect symbol of his rugged image. He frequently wore Aran sweaters with jeans and boots, making this a popular look that combined practicality and style.
- JFK
John F. Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States after being elected in 1961 as the youngest President in history. He was one of the most high profile individuals on the planet during his lifetime and was assassinated in 1963. The suave style John F Kennedy brought to fashion was highlighted by his association with icons such as Marilyn Monroe, who are renowned for their impact on the fashion world. It is thought that JFK chose the Irish sweater as a reflection of his Irish heritage, and he was often seen wearing a classic Aran style while enjoying his leisure time. This cemented the garment as a symbol of luxury and understated style, and its popularity soared.
- Taylor Swift
Although she is iconic in the music industry rather than in the world of film, Taylor Swift is undoubtedly a household name all over the world and her adoption of the Aran sweater is contributing to its image in popular culture. Swift has worn her favourite Aran sweaters in music videos as well as when she is relaxing out of the limelight and reportedly loves the folklore of the classic knitwear as well as the way it fits. Now 35, Taylor Swift has been in the public eye since before her teen years and signed a songwriting deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing when she was just fifteen years old. She is adored by millions all over the globe and has inspired many fashion trends, so it is particularly interesting to see her adopt the timeless Aran sweater as part of her statement style.
- Harry Styles
While we’re dabbling in the world of music, let’s take a moment to look at the superstar Harry Styles and his penchant for an Aran sweater. Styles is an English singer, originally rocketing to fame with his band, One Direction, and later developing his successful solo career. He has been spotted in several woollen knits and the classic, natural white Aran sweater is our personal favourite. It’s a cosy choice, designed to keep the wearer warm and look great, and we think Harry pulls it off in style. Harry Styles is only 30, bringing the Aran love to his generation and demonstrating the timeless nature of this look.
- Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker is an American actor whose work spans five decades, and she is best known for her lead role in Sex and the City. Her effortless style has been picked up by fans of the show all over the world and she is often pictured with an Aran sweater or cardigan on. The comfort factor makes Aran sweaters a great choice for anyone, and Parker has worn several gorgeous knitwear designs both on and off screen. Pairing her sweaters and cardigans with skinny jeans and t-shirts creates a chic signature look and we love this style for casual dates and coffee with friends.
Styling your Sweater Like the Stars
Aran sweaters encapsulate the best of Irish heritage and can become family heirlooms as well as legendary catwalk garments. The key to wearing your Aran sweater is to style it correctly and this will ensure that you make the most of celebrity glamour rather than looking mumsy. An Aran sweater is the perfect choice for a casual outfit, workwear or even a more formal occasion, and we’ll show you how to get the look you want.
For a casual look, you’ll love the chunky knits and heavyweight sweaters that are most similar to the original Irish sweaters created on the Aran Islands. These are gorgeous, authentic styles and you can get the celeb look when you pair a sweater like this Women’s Heavyweight Merino Wool Aran Sweater with your favourite blue jeans. The style of your jeans will contribute to your look so don’t be afraid to try out the options and experiment with different footwear, too. Ankle boots will give a slightly more dressy vibe while sneakers will keep your outfit young and fun.
If you’re styling up your Aran sweater for work, you’ll be impressed with the results when you layer it over a shirt with the collar and cuffs visible. This is a look embraced by many a Hollywood starlet and we think it works with tailored trousers or a pencil skirt for the ultimate in style. Keeping your colours simple here is crucial, and we love the Women’s Super Soft Aran Crew Neck Sweater in Classic Aran, Toasted Oat or Ocean Grey for a co-ordinated and understated office outfit. Black or plain dark tailored trousers will look fantastic with this beautiful sweater, and we love ankle boots for the perfect modern outfit.
An evening out is a great opportunity to dress up and is also a chance to ensure that you are comfortable and feel like you can be yourself. There are many ways to make your Aran sweater look unique, including playing with trends such as maxi skirts in interesting fabrics such as leather or satin, or belted waists to define your figure and draw attention to the design of your sweater. Sweaters like this Aran Polo Neck Cable Sweater are a great choice when you want to add some superstar style to your look, as this simple, understated style speaks volumes about your classy attitude at the same time as flattering your physique and complementing the rest of your outfit. High heeled boots are an extra detail that will really turn heads and a long coat or an eye catching scarf will provide a touch of extra flair.
And don’t forget that an Aran sweater is also the perfect companion for all your outdoor adventures, enabling you to hike, camp or explore in style. You can combine your sweater with cargo trousers or sports wear and you’ll be able to regulate your temperature more easily with natural wool outer layers. You can layer up your look for a practical and cosy outdoor style and sweaters like this Ladies Super Soft Drawstring Sweater with Pouch Pocket make an ideal choice when you’re looking for some extra protection from the elements.
The accessories you wear can also make a big difference to your look, and adding a beanie hat or a scarf can draw attention to the colours and flattering fit of your sweater. Conversely, an elegant bag and some delicate jewellery can complete a more formal look and ensure you look the part at work or when you’re out for dinner with friends.
Find Unique Aran Sweaters at Aran Sweater Market
Our range includes beautiful Aran sweaters for every occasion and you can see our designs online or come and visit us in one of our stores, located in the Aran Islands, Galway, Killarney or Dublin. We have a great selection of cardigans, sweaters and wraps to create the look you want and we aim to preserve the skill and craftsmanship of original Aran sweaters so you can be sure you’re investing in a real piece of Irish history.
Aran sweaters are a beautiful reflection of the unique style of our little corner of the world, and you’ll find heirloom garments and homewares in our collection. Our friendly team will be happy to help you find the meaning behind the stitches and create the Hollywood style you want, and we look forward to helping you find the perfect Aran sweater to suit you and your lifestyle.
