Women's Merino Wool Irish Cardigan
This cozy merino wool sweater is a virtual sampler of Irish Aran knitting patterns. Each pattern symbolizes an aspect of local fishing culture: Celtic rope for Irish pride; fisherman's cable for safety on the waters; basket stitch for a plentiful catch; and diamond, the shape of a fishing net, for success. The warm wool is renowned for its extremely soft hand, providing warmth and comfort without the itch of lower-quality fibers.
Made in Ireland of 100% merino wool. Women’s sizes S (4–6), M (8–10), L (12–14), XL (16–18), XXL (20).
Hand-wash or dry clean.
The thick-knit, cream-colored sweater that we often associate with fishermen has its origins on the Aran Islands at the mouth of Galway Bay in western Ireland. Enterprising women on the islands began knitting the sweaters in the early 1900s, using untreated, lanolin-rich wool. The goal was not only to provide a heavy and water-resistant garment to keep their families warm in Galway Bay's rough weather, but also to supplement the island's fishing economy by making a craft that could be sold year-round and utilized traditional skills and patterns. Journalist and Irish culture activist Pádraig Augustine Ó Síocháin helped make the Aran sweaters especially popular in the mid-20th century by organizing the export of hand-knit sweaters to other countries.
There is a myth that families each have their own patterns of stitches, and that a drowned fisherman could be recognized by the designs on his sweater, much like a Scottish clan tartan. While it's true that certain stitches have come to take on symbolic meanings, the diversity of patterns is more accurately attributed to the creative group of artisans who started making the sweaters. Always eager to show off new ideas, creative knitters developed new patterns and taught them to their friends, who added their own twists and passed the pattern along again.
Today, folks on the islands and visitors from around the world often choose sweaters based on the symbolism that the different intricate stitches have taken on. Just some of the patterns found include:
- Cable stitches represent fishing ropes and therefore the tools of a hard worker and safety on the water.
- Braided cable stitches evoke the strength of close family ties.
- Moss stitches represent abundance in nature.
- Diamond stitches mimic the shape of fishing nets mesh, the key to success on the Arans.
- Basket stitch represents a plentiful catch.
- Honeycomb stitches represent the hard work of the honeybee and the rewards of an industrious life.
- Trinity stitches are traditional Celtic motifs and signify cultural pride.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 18 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
83%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Comfortable (13)
- Great color (13)
- Warm (12)
- Flattering (10)
- Soft (8)
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual wear (11)
- Layering (11)
- Travel (8)
- Going out (7)
- Cold / extreme (6)
- Chest Size:
Feels too small
Feels true to size
82%
(14 reviews)
Feels too big
- Sleeve Length:
Feels too short
Feels true to length
82%
(14 reviews)
Feels too long
- Was this a gift?:
- No (14)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Classic style (11), Comfort-oriented (9), Practical (8), Stylish (6), High-end shopper (4)
Most Liked Positive Review
Beautiful in Color and Design
These sweaters look like the kind of thing your grandmother would have spent a year knitting for you, for Christmas. I bought one in each color. The red was so gorgeous that I bought...Read complete review
These sweaters look like the kind of thing your grandmother would have spent a year knitting for you, for Christmas. I bought one in each color. The red was so gorgeous that I bought a second one. I am 5'4", weigh 122lbs, and the small size fits perfectly in every way. The colors are deep and beautiful. The oatmeal color is very natural looking. Someone mentioned shrinking and odor. It is hot water and agitation that causes wool to shrink, the detergent really makes little difference, and wet wool can sometimes smell a little like a wet dog, but this disappears when the garment dries. The detailed knitting pattern is stunning. This sweater is well worth owning.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Disappointed...
I bought this sweater because I was looking for a heavier weight, non-scratchy sweater to wear walking, snowshoeing, etc. The wool used in this sweater looks a bit thin, unlike the photo, ...Read complete review
I bought this sweater because I was looking for a heavier weight, non-scratchy sweater to wear walking, snowshoeing, etc. The wool used in this sweater looks a bit thin, unlike the photo, and does not look like it is worth the price. Also, I noticed almost immediately, that it was scratchy--not what I was looking for. I ordered a large (I'm 5'5", 145#). I think it might run a bit small. It fit great across the shoulders and chest, but the bottom was very wide, with a gap. It's a straight fit. Might look good on someone with a different figure. I had to send mine back.
Reviewed by 18 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
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Pros
- Comfortable
- Great Color
- Lightweight
- Soft
- Warm
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual Wear
Comments about Women's Merino Wool Irish Cardigan:
The red is a nice shade and the quality is very good--the stitches are impressive. Have had many compliments. Only downside is the sweater is a bit boxy. I like my clothes a little more fitted. i'm 5'7" and 165 pds and the medium fits easily. In the NW where I live, this is a year-round sweater.
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels true to length
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Stylish
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual Wear
- Layering
- Travel
- Work
Comments about Women's Merino Wool Irish Cardigan:
I love the details in this sweater. There are so many different stitches that it looks extremely difficult to make. It is soft enough for being wool and warm. I bought the oatmeal color which goes with anything. It fits perfectly but always look at the size chart before buying. I sometimes buy an extra large but this is a large and it's just right.
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels true to length
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Flattering
- Great Color
- Soft
- Stylish
- Versatile
- Warm
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual Wear
- Cold Weather
- Going Out
- Layering
- Travel
- Work
Comments about Women's Merino Wool Irish Cardigan:
I typically wear this as a jacket, or on top of an outfit when going to a meeting. When I ordered the sweater, I used the measuring chart on the web. I measured another similar sweater I have that fits and wound up ordering S. I had to return it and get XL. The new sweater fits great. The XL is the equivalent of a 10/12. The sweater keeps you warm outside and doesn't overheat you indoors. It was a great buy.
- Chest Size:
- Feels too small
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels too short
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Flattering
- Great Color
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual Wear
- Layering
Comments about Women's Merino Wool Irish Cardigan:
I got this lovely sweater for Christmas. I love pretty much everything about it. It is very, very slightly fitted—comfortable but not baggy or matronly. Was looking for an aran cardigan that was not too "OL", and this is it. Nice medium weight, great for layering. This is especially good as I am at that "hot flash" age and tend to get too hot in sweaters. Oatmeal color is GORGEOUS, a little bit of white woven in for interest. Only thing I would change is I would like a little less banding at the bottom...but that is a minor complaint. Overall a nice wearable style that will work with many pieces in my casual wardrobe.
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels too long
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Warm
Cons
- Poor Fit
- Thin Fabric
Best Uses
Comments about Women's Merino Wool Irish Cardigan:
Beautiful sweater, but if you're smaller than a size 8 or 10, it's going to fit like a 99 cent poncho.
- Chest Size:
- Feels too big
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels true to length
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Comfortable
- Detailed
- Flattering
- Great Color
- Soft
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual Wear
- Going Out
- Travel
Comments about Women's Merino Wool Irish Cardigan:
These sweaters look like the kind of thing your grandmother would have spent a year knitting for you, for Christmas. I bought one in each color. The red was so gorgeous that I bought a second one. I am 5'4", weigh 122lbs, and the small size fits perfectly in every way. The colors are deep and beautiful. The oatmeal color is very natural looking. Someone mentioned shrinking and odor. It is hot water and agitation that causes wool to shrink, the detergent really makes little difference, and wet wool can sometimes smell a little like a wet dog, but this disappears when the garment dries. The detailed knitting pattern is stunning. This sweater is well worth owning.
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels true to length
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Great Color
- Soft
- Warm
Cons
Best Uses
- Cold Weather
- Travel
Comments about Women's Merino Wool Irish Cardigan:
use it instead of a coat
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels true to length
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Flattering
- Great Color
- Lightweight
- Soft
- Stylish
- Versatile
- Warm
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual Wear
- Cold Weather
- Going Out
- Layering
- Travel
- Work
Comments about Women's Merino Wool Irish Cardigan:
Not as heavy and hot as most Irish sweaters .It is beautiful , comfortable and I will enjoy it for many years to come !
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels true to length
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Women's Merino Wool Irish Cardigan:
I am a size 2-4 and was looking forward to wearing a comfy winter sweater but this was way too big. If it had fit I would have definitely kept it. My guess is that the small would be good on a size 6-8.
- Chest Size:
- Feels too big
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels true to length
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Flattering
- Great Color
- Lightweight
- Soft
- Stylish
- Warm
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual Wear
- Cold Weather
- Going Out
- Layering
Comments about Women's Merino Wool Irish Cardigan:
I like to layer in winter and this is perfect because it is cute-chunky but extremely light! Hardest thing is not wearing it every day. Going to order another, wish you would carry it in the light blue I have seen. the lighter shades show off the workmanship..this said from an Irish girl!
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels true to length
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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