Aran Sweaters are a type of sweater that take their name from the Aran islands off the western coast of Ireland. Originally a sweater which was traditionally made by hand on the island, Aran sweaters were created in mass production by a company based in America. The original Aran Sweater was a long-sleeved, waterproof wool-blend knitwear made for fishermen and farmers. Over time, different varieties of this style have emerged. Today, an Aran sweater can be a fashion statement as much as it can serve as an essential weather-proofing layer and you can find some great styles from places such as Shamrock Gift.
One of the most classic styles of Aran sweaters is the Aran sweater, which traditionally features cable-like vertical lines on the front and back which signify the stitch used to attach the neck to the frame of the sweater. A more modernized version of Aran sweaters feature straight vertical lines on their front and back, which signify the same stitch method but with a more horizontal style. Regardless of the type of Aran sweater you choose, they all share a common element: they have a cable pattern running the entire length of the sweater.
The diamond stitch, which is the most famous type of Aran knitwear stitch, is made using a single strand of yarn that has been looped (cable) around and knotted (dipped) into another strand of yarn that also has been looped. This pattern of diamond stitch is what gives any Aran sweater its signature look – a diagonal stripe running along each side of the sweater. Each of the vertical lines symbolizes a stitch that has been incorporated into the fabric of the sweater, including the cable pattern. The diamond pattern is made even more notable when compared to some of the other Aran patterns such as the double cable, half-cable and full-cable.