Wear a modern Irish classic this winter with our Super Soft Merino Wool Ladies M/C Raglan Sweater. The beautifully intricate cabled design is a contemporary spin on the traditional Aran fisherman sweater, a staple of Irish knitwear. The seafoam green is a beautifully contemporary color that evokes the Irish waters around the Aran Islands. And the crew neck shape that hits at the hip is traditional, as well. However, the super soft 100% Merino wool is a cozy update to the original sheep’s wool; it provides all of the warmth with none of the softness or bulk. A delicate braided collar adds a lovely bit of detail on this instant closet favorite.
The Aran sweater dates back to the late 19th century. Then, knitters on the Islands began producing heavy crewneck sweaters made of undyed sheep’s wool for the local fishermen to wear while working on their boats. The undyed wool was an off-white color, and without treating, the yarn contained a substance that made the sweaters repel water, a must for anyone working long days in the rain and ocean spray. Even the iconic sweater patterns as cables had a purpose—the extra knitting added weight and warmth to the sweater.
Now, people worldwide covet Irish sweaters for their quiet elegance and classic style. Many believe that the different knit patterns contain different meanings—the intricate and ornate cables that decorate our lovely crewneck represent the ropes used by the original Aran fishermen, and the design was hoped to bring luck to those who wore it. Today, you won’t need luck when you wear this sweater—the lovely design will turn heads and start conversations for you!
