When you think of chunky knit sweaters, you’re probably thinking of traditional Irish Aran sweaters. These warm wool sweaters were originally knit for the seamen of Ireland’s blustery Aran islands. Today, the style has become beloved around the world for its warmth, seaside aesthetic, and timeless sense of style.
When I was traveling around Ireland this August, I had one souvenir on my mind: a made-in-Ireland Aran sweater. I ended up finding an indulgent cream handmade sweater at the Dublin boutique, Stable of Ireland. But locals also highly recommended Moss & Cable, should you find yourself traveling through Donegal.
Before you seek out the Irish winter knit, there are a few important things to know about the Aran sweater:
- Look for 100-percent wool: Real Aran sweaters aren’t made of artificial yarns like polyester and acrylic blends; they’re made of wool — an all-natural, insulating fiber that is antimicrobial, durable, water-repellent, renewable, and biodegradable.
- Wear a shirt underneath: You might know wool as an itchy fabric, but it’s not meant to be worn directly against the skin. Layer your sweater with a shirt underneath. This also helps prolong the sweater’s life in between washes.
- Don’t put it in the wash: Wool isn’t meant to be tossed in the washing machine after every wear (and definitely don’t put it in the dryer). It’s naturally odor-resistant, so you can feasibly wear your sweater all season long without a wash if you don’t soil it. Dry clean it or hand wash it with wool detergent.
- Pay attention to the pattern: “Cable” is just one of many kinds of knitting patterns you’ll see in an Irish sweater. Each stitch has meaning and significance, and when woven together, the pattern tells a story of the wearer. Traditionally, each Irish family had their own unique stitches and sweater designs. Pay attention to which ones you like.
With all this in mind, I found 14 Aran sweaters you could have at your doorstep if you can’t hop on a flight to Ireland (although I highly recommend it if you can), including the Irish sweater I purchased after hunting all over the Emerald Isle for the perfect one.
Aran Crafts Store Men’s Irish Soft Cable Knitted Zip Neck Jacket
This half-zip cable knit sweater has a high 4.3-star average rating. The weave has natural flecking in it which is a result of keeping the wool fiber natural and undyed. This New England shopper said it made a great gift, writing, “This is a wonderful, beautiful sweater. Got it for my husband as a gift. He says it doesn’t make a lot of static (most sweaters do), warm but not too hot for New England winter, and suitable to wear anywhere.”
Saol Irish Cable Knit Jumper
This pure wool sweater uses honeycomb, cable, and diamond knit patterns. A turtleneck adds extra warmth for harsher winter weather. Reviewers note that this style runs slightly smaller than traditional US sizes, so you might want to order one size up for a more spacious fit. Available in a rich, wine color, a deep green, or a natural cream, these are great tones that fit into a neutral winter wardrobe.
Peregrine Hudson Aran Cable Knit Merino Wool Sweater
The Peregrine label has been making garments since 1796 and sources wool from the U.K. Nordstrom’s shopping expert calls this a “forever piece that will last a long time.” They recommend folding the cable knit sweater instead of hanging it so it doesn’t stretch the shoulders over time. Grab it in navy, pictured here, or a soft cream color. Dress it up with loafers or more casually with white sneakers.
Flint and Tinder Aran Cable Knit Crewneck Sweater
This classy sweater is made of a blend of lambswool and nylon and would look great layered under a Patagonia vest or a large barn coat. One shopper called it a“phenomenal heavy-duty sweater” that isn’t too heavy, adding, “It’s extremely warm and comfortable, basically only requires a T-shirt to be worn underneath. Also, it looks very classy.”
L.L. Bean Cotton Fisherman Sweater
This fisherman’s sweater is made of cotton, so it won’t be as warm and insulating as its wool counterparts. But L.L. Bean’s website notes that it’s “a classic cable-knit sweater” that can be worn in any season. You could wear this comfortably in fall and spring when the temperature isn’t severe enough to warrant the insulating properties of wool. Though this sweater is listed as a men’s sweater, the boxy fit also works for women as a comfy, oversized layering piece. Or, take a look at the women’s fisherman’s sweater, and see which fit you like best.
Ralph Lauren Wool & Cashmere Cable Knit Sweater
This Ralph Lauren sweater combines two of the world’s warmest fibers for a luxurious, deeply insulating sweater. Wool (derived from sheep) brings the tradition and warmth of the Aran sweater, while the addition of 10 percent cashmere (derived from the soft underbelly hair of Mongolian goats) adds a luxurious softness to the sweater. Now is the time to get this high-performing winter piece while it’s 40 percent off.
Land’s End Women’s Oversized Drifter Cable Tunic Sweater
This 100-percent cotton sweater is designed to be perfectly drapey and oversized, ideal for a winter trip to a coastline where you want to stay curled up with a book by the fire. Layer it with a white collared shirt that peeks out of the crew neck neckline.
J.Crew Wool Cable Knit Sweater
This J.Crew knit sweater will keep you warm as it’s made of 100-percent Merino wool. Its rich purple amethyst color pairs well with navy and feels indulgent. Right now, get it for a shocking 60 percent off — a surprisingly good deal for a pure wool sweater.
Theory Wool Cashmere Aran Knit Sweater
This luxury label sweater is made of wool and cashmere and is currently 40 percent off during Bloomingdale’s Friends & Family sale, which ends December 17. Theory is known for crafting timeless wardrobe staples, and this rich indigo sweater is certainly a classic piece to add to a winter wardrobe. You can also find it on sale in a classic white.
Irelands Eye Knitwear Bramble Berry Liberty Diamond Crew Neck Sweater
With a cropped silhouette, this knit sweater is well-suited to wear with high-waisted pants. Made by a Dublin-based brand, it is woven from a wool and cashmere blend, lending to a soft, rich feel and truly warm sweater. Wear it with wide-leg jeans and white sneakers for an effortless look you’ll reach for all season. If you’re just dipping your toe into wool knit sweaters, start with this vest, which looks great paired with a white collared shirt.
Buck Mason Alpaca Cable Crew Sweater
Where most wool knit sweaters use Merino wool, this one incorporates alpaca wool, which is slightly softer than sheep’s wool but just as warm. The Peruvian fiber adds a bit of loft and lightness to the sweater. It hits at the hips, so pair this with jeans, cargo pants, or trousers for an easy, warm outfit on your winter travels.
The Irish Store Unisex Traditional Crew Neck Aran Sweater
This made-in-Ireland sweater has over 600 reviews and an average 4.7-star rating. It highlights the honeycomb stitch, which according to The Irish Store, “represents the hard-working honey-bee and wishes the wearer plenty and good fortune.” This sweater will be warm as it’s made from 100-percent Merino wool. Order for yourself or as gifts from a selection of over 17 different colors.
Stable of Ireland Natural Donegal Aran Jumper
This is the exact sweater I purchased on my travels through Ireland this past summer, and it has already more than paid for itself in my cold winter trips to Boston, and next, Wyoming. I love the natural undyed wool and the organic flecks of color you can still see in the yarn. Made by artisans in Donegal, it features the basketweave stitch and the diamond stitch, a design meant to replicate the look of fishing nets and used as a symbol of wealth and success. I had a hard time deciding between this creamy ivory color, or the deep Irish moss green.
Weavers of Ireland Men’s Merino Aran Sweater
This 100-percent Merino wool sweater combines honeycomb and cable knit stitches for a classic look. One American shopper suggests ordering one size down from your US size and says they already “will be ordering another in a different color … Excellent shopping experience without being in County Kerry!”
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