Top 15 Women’s Irish Aran Merino Wool Sweaters and Cardigans

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Aran knitting originated in the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. Traditionally, an Aran jumper is made from undyed cream-coloured báinín (pronounced “bawneen”), a yarn made from sheep’s wool. They were originally made with unwashed wool that still contained natural sheep oils called lanolin, which made the garments water-repellent. These sweaters were worn by fishermen to keep them warm and dry.

The Aran sweater stitches symbolised Irish life. Here are some examples:

The cable stitch – depicts the fishermen’s ropes and symbolise a wish for a fruitful day at sea
The diamond stitch – reflects the islands’ small fields and symbolise a wish for success and wealth
The zigzag stitch – typically reflects the twisting cliff paths of the islands

The beautiful cable patterns were unique to each family, so they were used to help identify the bodies of fishermen that washed up on the beach following an accident at sea. These days they have become a fashion icon and are a popular souvenir snapped up by visitors to the Emerald Isles. However, you don’t have to visit Ireland to enjoy owning one of these beautiful pieces, as they are available to buy online. Here are my top 15 Aran women’s sweaters and cardigans made in Ireland using 100% Irish merino wool.

Check Out My Other Aran Wool Posts

Women’s Aran Merino Wool Sweaters

Aran Crafts Traditional Aran Crew Neck Sweater

Made from 100% pure new wool, this round neck sweater incorporates a variety of Irish Aran stitches that were believed to bring luck, success, and health to the wearer. Honeycomb indicates the hard working honey bee, and Aran basket stitch brings the omen of good luck. The diamond is said to bring wealth.

Available colours: Ecru, skiddaw, and blackwatch a green/navy mix.

Carraig Donn Ladies 100% Merino Wool Vented Roll Neck Jumper

Stay warm all winter with this lovely cable knit sweater made from 100% super soft Merino wool. The relaxed fit, rolled neck, and side slits make this a comfortable and stylish addition to any wardrobe. This sweater looks great either paired with jeans or a skirt.

Available colours: Connemara green, natural, wicker and soft grey.

West End Knitwear Irish Cowl Neck Merino Wool Sweater

With a warm cowl neck and convenient front pockets to warm your hands on chilly days, this classic Aran wool sweater is the ultimate in cozy style. Featuring traditional cable stitching reminiscent of the fields of the Aran Islands, the horizontal pattern is a flattering take on the classic Irish sweater. Pair with jeans or leggings for a sporty, winter casual look.

Available colours: Grey and navy.

Boyne Valley Knitwear The Máire Merino Wool Irish Sweater

This sweater features a thick turtleneck collar adorned with columns of cable rope patterns. This cable rope motif travels down to the sleeves and body, where it is paired with elaborate cable braids and basket and honeycomb patterns in a chunky knit. Adding more delicate detail is the fine basket stitching that adorns the cuffs of the sleeves and the cable stitching on the hem that matches that of the collar. The basket and cable represent wishes for prolific catches for the island fishermen, while the honeycomb represents the worker bees of the islands. Full of culture and traditional style, this sweater is great to wear with both casual and formal looks.

Available colours: Connemara green, natural, and mist marl blue.

100% Irish Merino Wool Turtle Neck Aran Sweater by West End Knitwear

This Aran turtle neck sweater by Westend Knitwear features an array of traditional Aran stitches. The cable symbolise the Fisherman ropes, and the centre panel with the diamond stitch represents wealth or success. The pattern used on the back reflects the same one that has been used on the front. The sleeves have a mixture of cables, diamonds and basket stitches.

Available colours: Ecru, wedgewood blue and garnet.

SAOL Cable Knit Crew Sweater

For a feminine, sporty take on the traditional Irish crew neck sweater, this cable knit crew sweater is the perfect fit. It features a range of Aran patterns including eye-catching cable rope and braid variations. Complementing the fine stitching is a crew neck collar which features more gorgeous cable rope stitching. Finished off with practical front pockets for hand warmth and style, this sweater will be your go-to piece for the fall and winter seasons.

Available colours: Natural, navy and grey.

Aran Woollen Mills Supersoft Merino Wool Chunky Cable Cowl Sweater

This chunky cowl neck style sweater features intricate cables, making it a versatile design that is just what your closet has been missing.

Available colours: Irish sea blue, natural and ocean grey.

Aran Woollen Mills Carraig Donn Ladies Irish Multi Cabled Raglan Super Soft Merino Wool Sweater

This cozy, soft merino wool sweater is decorated in cable patterns and is designed to sit a little longer, dropping over the hips.

Available colours: Jam red, natural, sea foam green, ink blue, and blue sailing.

Women’s Aran Merino Wool Cardigans

Merino Wool Knit Irish Peplum Cardigan

Warm and elegant, this beautiful Irish peplum cardigan is a modern classic. The Aran stitching complements the dramatic deep shawl collar. With hidden button closures and stylish accent buttons, this chic cardigan can easily be paired with any look.

Available colours: Grey and navy.

Ladies Merino Wool Edge to Edge Long Knit Shawl Cardigan

Cozy and comfortable, this long cardigan will be the go-to piece you’ll wear again and again all winter long. The open front design features a textured knit shawl collar that adds texture to the classic silhouette. The body of the design features a mix of cable knits with front patch pockets.

Available colours: Natural, navy and thundra.

Aran Crafts Irish Merino Wool Aran Knit Boyfriend Sweater

This 100% Irish merino button cardigan comes in a boyfriend style with a loose, comfy and casual shape. Throughout the sweater are the famous Aran stitching patterns complete with brown buttons down the front.

Available colours: Natural, and army green.

Asymmetrical Irish Multi Cable Wool Cardigan

This Merino wool cardigan is perfect for cool evenings. This beautiful cable cardigan features a traditional Irish cable knit pattern and polished wooden buttons.

Available colours: Natural, slate grey and Irish sea.

100% Soft Irish Merino Wool One Button Aran Ladies Sweater by West End Knitwear

Made from 100% extra soft merino wool, this cardigan has been created in a traditional Irish style with a modern twist. It features a wide collar flowing down into an over-lapping lapel with a hidden button underneath helping the garment sit in place correctly, as well as a button on the outside. There is a variety of combinations of Irish knitting patterns used throughout this garment, ranging from cable, diamonds, and basket.

Available colours: Natural and green.

Ladies Merino Wool Plated Zip Cardigan

Featuring a small stand up collar, this style has a centre front Celtic knot zip closure that can be worn fully open or closed to the neck to totally transform the overall look. The honeycomb knit design highlights the masterful craftsmanship of this Merino wool piece that is cozy and comfortable without sacrificing style.

Available colours: Natural, charcoal, sherwood and soft grey.