When you love an outdoor adventure, you need clothing that can keep up with you and an Aran sweater is the perfect companion! Whether you’re hiking, camping, fishing or golfing, there’s a sweater for you that will ensure you stay warm and comfortable while you enjoy your activities, and you’ll look great, too. Here at Aran Sweater Market, we have a great range of Irish Wool sweaters for men and can help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Aran sweaters are an iconic fashion statement but did you know they were originally designed as a practical garment? Today, they’re as warm, durable and comfortable as ever and this makes them a great choice for your outdoor pursuits. In this article, we’ll explore what makes them such a good option for all-weather activities and we’ll take a look at some of our favourite designs.
Irish sweaters: A practical choice
Aran sweaters and Irish wool sweaters are designed to give you the best of practicality and style. Your sweater will be:
- Warm. Irish sweaters were first created as practical outerwear for the fishermen and farmers of the Aran Islands, who spent their days carving out a livelihood on the harsh Atlantic coast. The pure, natural wool ensured that these sweaters were a warm, cosy choice, protecting the workers from the weather, and the stitches were designed to represent elements of their lives and bring them luck and abundance. These traditions persist today. For instance, the original cable stitch is said to represent the ropes of the fishing boats and the trellis stitch is evocative of the fields enclosed by stone walls. The extra insulation created by the decorative cable stitches is ideal for trapping body heat to provide extra warmth, and many of our designs bring a contemporary twist to the traditional styles.
- Dry. Aran sweaters were a great option for keeping the workers dry and warm at sea and in the fields, as wool is a naturally water-resistant material. Wool contains lanolin, which enables it to absorb up to 30% of its weight in water without feeling wet, so it’s a great choice for the unpredictable Irish weather. Our sweaters, coats and cardigans for men are an excellent option to keep you dry in all seasons and will protect against rain and snow showers.
- Breathable. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you’ll find it helpful to have garments that do not need frequent washing and are designed for comfort and versatility. The beauty of Irish wool sweaters is that they are great in any weather as the fibres help to wick away sweat, meaning that they can keep you cool on warmer days as well as keep you cosy in the colder months. Wool sweaters are a breathable option that gives you the perfect balance and helps to regulate your body temperature whether you’re on an endurance hike or toasting marshmallows by the campfire.
- Durable. Wool is a durable material, lasting many years when cared for correctly. This means that your Aran sweater will stand up to the test when you’re physically active, looking great for much longer than synthetic fabrics. It’s also a natural, sustainable material, so you’re doing your bit for the planet when you invest in an Irish wool sweater. Our designs are made from pure wool and come with a stamped and signed certificate of authenticity so that you can be sure you are wearing the genuine article.
- Lightweight. When you’re packing for a trip or an activity, you’ll be pleased to know that Irish wool sweaters won’t add much weight to your luggage. They won’t take up as much space as heavy jackets or fleece layers, so they’re a great option when space is limited. If you’re only carrying hand luggage or camping in the wilderness, you’ll be able to wear your wool sweater many times due to its breathable nature, so you can minimise the amount of clothing you take with you.
- Great for layering. An Aran sweater is the ideal option for changeable weather or when you need to be adaptable. Your sweater can be layered over lighter clothing, such as long or short-sleeved t-shirts, or under a waterproof jacket for more protection from the rain. In all but the coldest weather, you’ll find that your wool sweater or jacket is a good outer layer that will protect you from the elements and will keep you warm on a long walk or while camping.
Irish wool sweaters we love
We have an extensive range of great-looking sweaters that are well suited to the American outdoorsman, and it’s difficult to pick just one favourite. The Donegal Crew Neck Aran Sweater is a heritage-inspired garment that has a distinctive rolled edge on the collar, hem and cuffs, like those worn by the fishermen of the Aran Islands many years ago. This is a great choice paired with jeans or walking trousers for your adventures, and can also be dressed up with a shirt and trousers for a more formal occasion. The natural white ‘baw neen’ colour is the classic choice, but we also love the blue and grey shades that are a little more forgiving when you’re roughing it in the wilderness.
We love the rugged, hard-wearing styles that encapsulate the timeless style of the Aran sweater and include a modern twist. The Donegal’s Zip Troyer Aran Sweater is a versatile style that offers all of the benefits of the original Aran sweaters with a warm ribbed collar and convenient zip. It’s a warm, soft outer layer that works over a lighter sweater or t-shirt and the cable knit patterns display the best of Irish craftsmanship to ensure you turn heads for all the right reasons.
The Men’s Merino Aran Button Collar Sweater is an eye-catching design with a two-button collar that looks great and is practical to wear. It’s made from 100% merino wool, which gives it a soft feel and excellent insulating qualities. You can choose from a range of natural shades that evoke the countryside here in Ireland, and you’ll find that this is the perfect companion for walking the fields or heading out on a camping trip with friends.
This rugged Irish Fisherman’s Ribbed Sweater with Patches is a traditional sweater with a warm rib pattern and suede patches for additional durability. It’s designed to be hard-wearing and is an ideal choice for outdoor adventures, made from 100% pure new wool that is comfortable and warm. It’s a sweater that is perfect for camping, fishing trips and walks with friends, and you can choose from a selection of gorgeous, nature-inspired colours such as Moss, Caspian and Charcoal, all of which are flattering options that will be robust enough to keep up with your activities.
If you’re looking for an outer layer that will keep you warm and cosy all year round, you’ll love the Hand Knit Zipper Cardigan with Pockets. It’s comfortable and stylish with traditional cable and diamond stitches that represent the ropes and fishing meshes used by the fishermen in their daily lives, symbolising luck, wealth and success for the wearer. With two front pockets and a ribbed high collar, this is a practical, convenient choice for outdoor activities.
Adventuring with your Aran Sweater
Imagine heading out into the wilderness with just the essentials and a good book… or your best buddy, of the human or canine variety! You don’t need much to have a great camping trip, just warm layers of clothing (hello, Irish wool sweater) and some food for a cookout, maybe a couple of drinks and some sunscreen… pack up your tent and your sleeping bag and you’re all set to go.
If you’re planning to be away for a couple of days or more, you’ll be grateful for clothing options that are versatile and do not need daily washing. Wool performs better when it is not washed frequently and airing it between wears is often enough to keep it in great condition. You can easily hang it up overnight to get rid of dirt and odours, and then simply wear it again as needed. When you’re at home, you should ideally air it out for a day or two between wears, but this is not essential in outdoor conditions, which will help in the airing process.
You can pack your Aran sweater rolled or folded to compress the air and reduce the amount of space it takes up, or you can simply wear it or wrap it around your waist or shoulders to create a little extra room in your bag for a good book. It’s designed to be hard-wearing and stand up to the rigours of outdoor life – that’s what it was originally intended for, after all.
Create amazing adventures
Whether you’re exploring the beautiful coastline of Ireland or discovering the diverse landscapes of the United States, you’re sure to find the perfect adventure. Planning a trip or expedition will involve considering your budget and your lifestyle, as well as thinking about what you would like to do. Maybe you have a bucket list to work your way through, or maybe you are considering a once-in-a-lifetime trip with friends.
If you’re new to outdoor adventuring, starting with a National Park adventure is a great idea, and there are many ways to do this. Whether you want to explore the West Coast and take a trip to Yosemite for the fishing and climbing opportunities, or walk part of the Pacific Crest Trail that covers 2,650 miles from Canada to Mexico, you should start by looking at how long your trip will take and planning a route and a budget that suit you. If you only have a short time to travel, you can do a section of a longer trail or a smaller area of a National Park or State Park.
White water rafting is a popular activity, and if you’ve never tried it before, you’re in for a treat. The Snake River, which runs through the Grand Teton National Park is a good choice for beginners and expert rafters alike and you can rent everything you need for your trip so you don’t need to buy or transport expensive kit. You can camp out in the park or visit nearby Yellowstone and explore the incredible scenery, staying at one of the campgrounds or in a lodge or hotel if you want to enjoy a little luxury during your break.
If you prefer skiing, head for Colorado or try Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevadas for an outdoor adventure you’ll always remember – and don’t forget that your Irish sweater is perfect for keeping you warm and dry on the slopes! Fishing and birdwatching can be enjoyed all over the States, from the Everglades in Florida to the mountains in California. The sky’s the limit, so make a list of your dream destinations today and start planning some adventures that inspire you.
Cable Knit Sweaters from Aran Sweater Market
At Aran Sweater Market, we know that cable knit sweaters are the perfect choice for the American outdoorsman, and we will help you find the best fit for your physique and your lifestyle. Our knitwear reflects the unique heritage of Ireland and offers the ideal blend of style and comfort. We also stock a wide range of flat caps and knitted hats to complement your outfit all year round, as well as an extensive selection of heritage clothing and homewares.
You can see our full selection of Aran sweaters and Irish knitwear in our online store or pop into one of our stores, located in the Aran Islands, Galway, Killarney or Dublin. Our friendly team will be delighted to help you find exactly what you are looking for, so you can start planning your next adventure today!