Learn about the fascinating Fisherman sweater (Aran sweater) and its uniqueness to the Aran Islands in this article. The Aran Islands are undoubtedly among the most beautiful places on earth, but living there is challenging. Cultivating the unproductive land and particularly the sea provided a life for the inhabitants of Aran. For the people of the Aran Islands, fishing has always been essential. The Islanders could not have endured for very long without the sea and fishing because Aran’s soil is insufficiently fertile. Fishing was the main source of income for the vast majority of the males on the island.
However, fishermen had a difficult time on the stony Atlantic waters, particularly while traveling in their traditional Irish boat, the currach. There were times when the fishermen were subjected to bitter cold and powerful waves that would have tested any man’s strength and fortitude. Thus, they had to wear a unique jumper known as the Fisherman Sweater to survive the extreme cold.
But what is a fisherman sweater? How was it created? How can you wear a fisherman’s sweater and how can you knit one? These questions are answered in this article.
What Is a Fisherman Sweater?
Fisherman Sweaters, also known as Aran sweaters, were the uniform of the farmers and fishermen who lived on the Aran Islands, off the coast of Ireland. Fisherman sweaters are wind and water resistant.
Origin Of Fisherman Sweaters
Fishermen’s sweaters, also known as the Aran Jumper, were first knit by the wives of fishermen in Aran to keep their husbands warm at sea using coarse wool that had the lanolin coating. Depending on who knitted it, the fisherman’s sweater had a variety of patterns. They were frequently regarded as lucky objects. And the men were able to spend more time on the lake because of the hefty Irish wool sweaters. Fisherman sweaters are now available in merino wool, cashmere, cotton, acrylic silk, and wool blends. They are also available in cardigans, crew necks, and turtlenecks. Additionally, there are numerous colors available for fishermen’s sweaters. Are you looking for one or more fisherman sweaters to keep you warm and fashionable during the winter? Aran Sweaters Direct creates the most fashionable and comfortable Fisherman Sweaters.
What Makes Fisherman Sweaters Unique?
Fishermen’s sweaters can easily be identified by their color, type of wool and pattern, whether they are traditional hand-knit or modern machine-made.
1. Color
Although Aran sweaters can now be found in numerous colors that depict the Irish countryside, the majority of them are retained in their original color, ‘báinin’ in old Gaelic or Ecru in English.
2. Type of Wool
Unscoured wool was originally used to create all Aran sweaters. This wool still has lanolin and its organic oils. As a result, the wool is water-resistant. It can take up 30% of its weight in water before becoming wet. This characteristic, as well as its inherent capacity to breathe, makes wool the ideal fiber for both farmers and fishermen. It stands out because it can absorb moisture from the skin while retaining heat. Irish native sheep provide beautiful merino wool that ranges in color from white to cream. Since merino wool has finer and fewer fibers than wool with larger ones, it is not only softer and more flexible against the skin but also shouldn’t itch.
3. Pattern
Each of the lovely Aran sweater patterns has a unique significance and represents a special aspect of Irish culture and way of life.
Types of Aran Sweater Patterns
Aran sweaters are symbolic of Ireland because of the stitches that have been passed down through the centuries. Each pattern has special significance for the Aran Islands’ farmers and/or fishermen. A few of these patterns listed below can be combined and matched to produce a sweater that specifically depicts the wearer’s lifestyle. In modern times, they are adaptable, gorgeous, and useful fashion statements.
● Diamond Stitch
The Diamond Stitch is a representation of the island’s modest patchwork of agricultural fields. It represents good fortune as well as wealth and success in the fields.
● Cable Stitch
The fishing ropes and a successful day at sea are depicted in Cable Stitch. It assures security and good fortune. It also shows the connection between hard labor and everyday living.
● Honeycomb
Honeycomb serves as a reminder of the hard-working bees and ensures a reward for their efforts. In other words, the sweet benefits of hard labor. It is thought to bestow luck on the wearer. It also symbolizes the importance of industry and efficiency.
● Zig-Zag
Zig-zag, which frequently appears at the sides of the central cable stitching, symbolizes the ups and downs that married couples experience as well as the island’s twisted cliff paths.
How To Wear A fisherman Sweater
You might be unsure of how an Aran sweater should fit if you’re unfamiliar with this look. A decent fit should not feel too tight and should feel comfortable on the body. Create great casual looks with an Aran sweater in a variety of ways by pairing it with casual bottoms like leggings, relaxed pants, and jeans. On warm days, fisherman sweaters look great paired with shorts. Try pairing white shorts with a grey sweater. To create a classic appearance, you can try layering a button-down shirt under a round or V-necked sweater. By pairing Aran sweaters with skirts that are the right length for your body, you can add a touch of femininity to your fall/winter outfit. They complement wool skirts, denim skirts, and skirts made of many fabrics well. Try out different patterns with different skirts and cables. Fisherman sweaters also go well when paired with plaid bottoms and accessories. For women, a red plaid skirt and a white Aran sweater are a winning combination. Any colored plaid scarf works as an accessory on guys.
How To Knit A Fisherman Sweater
Aran knitting makes use of complex cables, bobbles and occasionally lace motifs, among other sophisticated stitch patterns. Traditionally, Aran sweaters were made by hand-knitting naturally colored yarns from freshly spun sheep’s wool. The fiber could maintain its natural lanolin, a waxy component sometimes used for water-proofing, by not washing the wool before spinning it into yarn. In the present era, hand knitting is slow and hence not particularly profitable, so the majority of sweaters offered to visitors in Ireland are machine knit or created on a handloom. Aran knitting has grown outside the Aran islands’ confines in contemporary times. Knitters all across the world are capable of producing patterns that feature cables and other textured, detailed stitches.
Conclusion
Fisherman sweaters are fashionable and classic. They’re still in style today, and they remain as valuable as they were two hundred years ago. With our premium collection of Aran knitwear, you can stay warm and cozy on chilly winter nights while experiencing the warmth of traditional stitches rooted in Aran Island history. Visit us today at Aran Sweaters Direct and find a wide range of beautiful, handmade, stitched Irish Aran sweaters.
