How to Style Aran Jumpers

Image by Pawel Nowak Photography & Styling by Laura MacSweeny for Kerry Woollen Mills.

From Oscar Nominated films to Taylor Swift albums, Aran jumpers have been making a comeback in a big way.

Not to brag… but at Upfront, we have been Aran jumper fans for a long time. From working with our friends at Aran Sweater Market, our models have been styling an array of stylish knits from the start.

So even though our trusty Aran are often called the fisherman’s jumper, this iconic staple should not be ruled out of the style stakes just yet.

What are Aran jumpers?

As the name would suggest, Aran jumpers were originally made in the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. Traditionally, they are made from undyed cream-coloured báinín, a yarn made from sheep’s wool.

As time has passed, Aran jumpers have evolved to allow for an array of colours and styles with everything from pink knits to trendy cardigans. However, the original Aran comprised of cable patterns on the sleeves and body.

The History of Aran Knitting

So where did it the idea behind Aran knits start? Despite what many may assume, Aran’s are about much more than keeping warm. According to the Aran Sweater Market, they are a ‘a symbol of Irish Clan heritage’ which should be honoured and respected.

“The Aran Islands lie at the mouth of Galway Bay, at the mercy of the relentless Atlantic Sea. The Islanders were fishermen and farmers whose lives and livelihoods were deeply intertwined. The Aran Sweater was born of this environment, passed down from generation to generation, and has since become the ultimate symbol of Irish Clan heritage.”

Although we may all pick a favourite pattern, the knitting styles were not just a fashion choice. Like a lot of Irish tradition, they are rooted in symbolism.

“From its origins, the Aran sweater has been intimately linked to clans and their identities. The many combinations of stitches seen on the garment are not incidental, far from it. They can impart vast amounts of information to those who know how to interpret them. Aran sweaters were, and remain, a reflection of the lives of the knitters, and their families. On the Aran islands, sweater patterns were zealously guarded, kept within the same clan throughout generations.”

Are Aran jumpers warm?

Since they are knitted from sheeps wool, you won’t find a warmer knit.

For our Upfront Models, you won’t find any of us shivering on set with our Aran’s always on hand in our kit bags. It’s an additional perk that they provide the perfect ‘off-duty’ model look…

Are Aran jumpers on trend?

As a sustainable style staple, Aran jumpers never go out of fashion. However, they are having a huge moment thanks to modern media.

Who could forget the style choices of the Banshees of Inisherin or the classic cardigan of Taylor Swift’s folklore?

As demonstrated by a few famous faces, Aran’s are timeless, ageless and genderless. So whether you are due to star in your next flick, or perhaps fancy a walk through the Irish countryside - you know which versatile piece should be on top of your case.

How to Style Aran Jumpers

So if you do want to invest in this sustainable staple, how do you style it? Not to be confined to just the colder months, Aran’s are the perfect cover up for chilly summer evenings or for cosy evenings in.

As demonstrated by our wonderful Upfront Models, discover how to style Aran jumpers below.

Keep it Classic with a Pair of Jeans

With Aran knits, it makes sense to keep to tradition. Pair your chunky knit with slim or flared jeans to ensure you still have a flattering silhouette.

Get layering!

Want to know a style secret? Layering is your best friend.

Not just for the added warmth, layering effectively can help give you the model off duty look you’ve been looking for. As demonstrated by our model Aishling, nothing about knitwear needs to be conventional.

Keep it cosy & casual

For colder days or for times you just don’t want to turn the heating on, Aran’s are the perfect way to stay warm (whilst not looking like a penguin!)

Try it Cardigan Style

Don’t think a chunky jumper is your style? Get your folklore on and grab a cardigan to introduce a chic layering piece to your wardrobe.

Let our gorgeous girl Naoimh be all the inspiration you need.