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

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. These commissions help keep this website up and running, and I thank you for your support. Read my full disclosure here.

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 They were originally made with unwashed wool that still contained natural sheep oils called lanolin, which made the garments water-repellent.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 – Click on the links to see other colours

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.

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.

West End Knitwear Irish Cowl Neck Merino Wool Sweater

This Irish wool sweater features gorgeous Aran stitching that originates from the Aran Islands off the western Irish coast. Beautifully displayed are cable rope and braid variations that symbolise fishermen’s ropes and wishes for successful trips. Pair with jeans or leggings for a sporty, winter casual look.

Cable Turtleneck 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.

SAOL Cable Knit Crew Sweater with Pockets

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.

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.

Women’s Aran Merino Wool Cardigans – Click on the links to see other colours

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ladies Merino Wool Hooded Cardigan

This ladies cardigan is thigh-length with a large hood and deep front pockets, making it a practical yet stylish layer for colder days. It features classic repeating Aran patterns, including the cable knit and the tree of life, which symbolise the ropes of Aran fishermen as well as the cycle of life.

Ladies Traditional Button Cardigan

This cozy, soft merino wool cardigan features eye-catching rope and braided cable patterns. This cardigan is a traditional style with a modern finish, making it perfect to wear on any occasion. Adding a traditional and stylish touch along with fun contrast are the seven brown football buttons that fasten the front of this cardigan. Both practical and stylish, the two front pockets add lovely symmetry to the style of this garment.