Any fashionista traveling to Ireland makes sure to take home at least one or two classic “fisherman sweaters,” and our Irish-made Women's Supersoft Wool Knit Irish Cable Crew Neck Sweater affords you traditional style without the price of a plane ticket. The lovely cabling and crew neck are reminiscent of the original Aran sweaters, but the slimmer cut and raglan sleeves update the piece in a modern and feminine way.
The authentic Irish fisherman sweater dates back over a hundred years when the style first began production in Ireland’s Aran Islands, where the locals needed a heavy garment to keep them warm and dry while out in their boats on the ocean. Knit from local sheep’s wool, the original wool Irish sweaters featured heavy patterns and cables to add warmth, and lanolin, an oily substance in the wool, rendered the garments water-repellant. The intricate patterns not only added bulk and warmth but meaning, as well. Many believe the different knit designs had different meanings—the lovely cables that decorate our Ladies Crew Neck are thought to represent the ropes the original fisherman used. The design was intended to bring them luck.
Today, Aran-style sweaters are wonderful cozy additions to a winter wardrobe, and no longer need to be made from scratchy sheep’s wool. Our lovely crewneck sweater is made in Ireland by Saol, a leading textile company that translates traditional Aran knitwear designs into contemporary patterns and garments. Knitted from a pre-washed Merino wool blend, the women's Irish sweater is incredibly soft to the touch and extra cozy for the long winter days. Ribbing at the neck, waist, and cuffs accentuates the cables.
