ShamrockGift.com’s SAOL collection offers a wide selection of traditional Irish knit sweaters, cardigans, ponchos, scarves, kids knitwear and home goods inspired by the homespun patterns of the rugged Aran Islands.
SAOL Irish Aran Knitwear
Saol is the Irish word for “life,” signifying both the daily hustle of survival and the universal miracle of existence. It is a word that connects the individual to community and culture. It is both a fact of life and what makes life worth living. Our SAOL collection is made in Ireland, and channels these themes throughout several lines that seek to provide high-quality garments based on traditional Irish apparel, updated for modern tastes, and perfect for everyday wear.
Traditional Aran Knitwear Made with Machine Washable Merino Wool
Give life to your wardrobe with SAOL. All Saol garments and accessories are made from the highest quality Merino virgin wool and finished to perfection. Merino wool is an organic yarn, sustainably and ethically sourced from Merino sheep. It’s so renowned because of its luxuriously soft feel and for being heat-insulating, wrapping you in a comfortable sensation of warmth while also keeping your skin breathing. With SAOL, each item is specially washed, dried, and steamed, then treated with an innovative anti-shrink technology that makes every piece machine washable and ensures it will not change size at the expense of getting clean. So if you’re here looking for a truly comfortable piece you’ll reach out for season after season, a Merino wool garment is what you’re looking for. Additionally, each section of every garment is hand-linked, including the collar, sleeves, and sides, making for a seamless finish that looks like it’s finished by hand because it is! The knit styles of the Saol collection date back to the turn of the 20th century in the remote islands off the coast of County Galway in the west of Ireland. The Aran Islands, still today one of the last vestiges of ancient Irish life and traditions, have long held a prominent position in the popular imagination.
Authentic Aran Woollen Sweaters
Our SAOL collection features authentic Aran garments, all taking inspiration from the original Aran fisherman sweaters traditionally hand-knitted by wives and mothers so their beloved fishermen will brave the cold during their sea ventures. Today, SAOL has refined the traditional style to cater to contemporary demands: from elegant traditional colors such as natural and navy to more modern, bold colors including teal, wine, and connemara green to suit everyone’s style and preference. With several lines to choose from, the collection offers great quality at a range of prices. Besides the numerous SAOL Irish sweaters and cardigans for men and women, you can also find ponchos, shawls, and even vests to keep you warm up and cozy during the cold seasons. For wintertime, you can stay snug with our beautifully crafted Aran knit hats and soft, insulating scarves. And to bring Irish warmth into your home we have selected some Aran home essentials, including luxurious Irish blankets and throws – ideal as stylish living room décor, to be used as cozy wraps by the fire, or even as picnic companions, thanks to Merino wool’s moisture-wicking properties.
A Meaning woven in every stitch
The beautiful patterns seen in our SAOL sweaters and accessories, such as the honeycomb, cable, and moss or basket stitches, gave the sweaters a much-needed dimensionality that allowed air to circulate throughout the garment, providing a crucial insulating layer that kept cold winds out, and warm body heat in. Each of these patterns carries stories, and blessings, and is inspired by the day-to-day lives of the people inhabiting the islands. The cable is thought to resemble the fisherman’s ropes, just like the basket stitch is inspired by fishing baskets – and they are both believed to represent a wish for protection, safety, and a bountiful catch. The honeycomb stitch represents a longstanding idea that sweet rewards always come after hard work, and the tiny moss stitch looks just like Ireland’s mossy cliffs – and are a symbol of abundance and prosperity.
Feel the difference of authentic Aran knitwear and shop now from our SAOL collection.