The King-of-Cool Steve McQueen, President John F. Kennedy, Elvis Presley, Robert Pattinson, Captain America‘s Chris Evans and most stylish men all have one thing in common: The fisherman sweater. Also known as an Aran sweater, the hand-stitched pullover is famous for its intricate patterns. Did you know that behind the stitches of your fisherman sweater, lie stories of family clans, and each Aran sweater stitch represents different symbolism and meanings?
First, Why are They Called Aran or Fisherman Sweater?
The cosy pullover originated on the Aran Islands, in Ireland, in the 17th century, mostly populated by fishermen and farmers. Because of the harsh weather, the fishermen’s wives started knitting warm and water-repellent sweaters that would protect their husbands from ocean water and rain. In fact, the cable-knit jumper made of natural wool can absorb 30% of its weight in water, before you’d feel it wet. The jumpers also needed to be durable, easy to mend and comfortable so that the fishermen could move freely. Women took up to 8 weeks to hand-knit an Aran sweater and the intricate stitches that became popular on the island.
Why is the Fisherman Sweater so Popular Around the World?
In the ’50s and ‘60s, the Aran sweater grew in popularity not only in Europe but also in America, after appearing in Vogue and yachting magazines. The fisherman sweater with its beautiful stitches became chic. People like John F. Kennedy and Princess Grace of Monaco were seen sailing in the Hamptons or the Riviera wearing Aran sweaters.
Recently, after Chris Evans appeared in the movie Knives Out in a classic cream fisherman sweater, the cable-stitch pullover went viral. In fact, the Irish Blarney Woollen Mills, for example, had a 150% increase in Aran jumper sales, proving that the heritage sweater is totally timeless. Additionally, the hand-made jumpers are sustainable and show incredible craftsmanship, which we value more and more.
Fisherman Sweater Stitches
Far from being merely decorative, the intricate combination of stitches forms unique patterns that each clan passed down from generation to generation. This is why the Aran sweater is the quintessential symbol of the Irish clan heritage. Some say that each family had its own stitch, like a crest of arms so that if a fisherman should drown, the family could identify his body by the sweater design. Others say this is only a myth, but se non è vero, è ben trovato! Keep scrolling to find out the meaning of the different Aran sweater stitches.
- Cable Stitch
The Cable Stitch represents the fishermen’s ropes, so an Aran sweater with these stitches promises safety and good luck when fishing, no wonder it’s the most popular pattern.
- Diamond Stitch
The Diamond Stitch symbolises the mesh fishing nets and hopes for success and wealth.
- Tree of Life
The Tree of Life stitch represents the family clan, and the fishermen’s sweater baring this stitch hopes for family unity, strong children and a long-lasting family line.
- Ladder of Life
The Ladder of Life stitch hopes for the good health of the person wearing that fisherman sweater.
- Honeycomb Stitch
This Aran sweater stitch is inspired by the bees. The Honeycomb stitch represents the sweet rewards of hard work.
- Trellis Stitch
The Aran Islands have a unique landscape; small fields are divided by a lacework of ancient stone walls. The Trellis stitches on the Aran sweater represent the farming communities and the stone walls that protect the islanders against the strong winds on the island.
- Zig Zag
The Zig Zag stitches of the Aran sweater represent the ups and downs of marriage.
- Irish Moss
The Irish Moss stitch promises a good harvest. It represents a seaweed found on the Irish coast, carrageen moss, which is used in the fields as a fertilizer.
- Trinity Stitch
The Trinity stitches represent the Holy Trinity hence the religious faith of the Irish. It is also a blessing, promising a long life and a healthy family.
And here you have 4 online shops where you can buy your Aran or Fisherman Sweater in pure wool and be warm the whole season: