The Aran Islands contribution to fashion

The Aran Islands contribution to fashion

On the west coast of the Republic of Ireland, and at the head of Galway bay, the 3 Aran islands sit in the sea. They are buffeted and battered by the many storms and weather fronts that scud in off the Atlantic ocean. The relationship between the island and the sea is a complex and close one.  The sea provides life with its fish and crustaceans but it also has the ability to take life as well. In this inhospitable environment clothing becomes incredibly important and this is where irish mens sweater like those from https://www.shamrockgift.com/aran-sweaters/mens-aran-sweaters/ were born.

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The sheep of the island had a particularly strong keratin content in their wool.  As the women knitted the jumpers for the fisherman as they made their way out onto the sea the wool was working in two ways.  Firstly it was keeping them warm and dry as they faced the  rough sea spray and Rain from the choppy Waters.  Also the wool contained water resistant properties.  meaning that even if they did get wet the jumpers could soon be dried and used again.

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Naturally there were wives and mothers who wanted to put their own spin on the particular jumpers and so the cable style that we see today was developed.  This was an adaptation from the islands of Guernsey which first used the style.  However, it is synonymous with Ireland and with mens  style   gracing many Hollywood style icons.

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