Are Aran Sweaters Good Quality?
Posted by Aran Sweater Market on 18th Jul 2025
You want more than warmth and style when investing in a new sweater for your wardrobe or shopping for a gift for a loved one. You want peace of mind knowing you’re buying a garment that will stand the test of time.
We get asked all the time, are Aran sweaters good quality? As a matter of fact, we think the Irish sweaters we have in store for you at Aran Sweater Market are as good as quality gets! We’ve earned a reputation for consistently exceeding customer expectations:
“Wow the quality is impeccable 100% fits perfectly looks great too. I can say that if you are looking for a quality sweater look no further. I'm Amazed with my purchase.” - Colin
“I have ordered on Aran.com for years and have always been very satistied with the quality and the very speedy deliveries.” - Catherin
“I absolutely loved the items I purchased, they are beautiful and of high quality. Shipping was incredibly fast. I will buy from you again.” - Cynthia
With a 4.7 star rating across nearly 50,000 verified reviews on Trustpilot, it’s easy to see what keeps customers coming back for more. But why are Aran sweaters good quality? Because we actually care about the garments we make.
That’s why we empower our skilled artisan craftspeople with the best wool materials possible. Learn more about our Irish sweaters for women and Irish sweaters for men below, or discover the difference firsthand by placing your order today!
What Are Aran Sweaters?
These distinctive knitwear styles originated on the Aran Islands, off the west coast of Ireland, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As you might imagine, life on these rugged islands called for clothing that could stand up to cold, damp conditions, especially for fishermen and farmers.
So, families hand-knit their own garments using locally spun wool, which retained its natural lanolin and provided warmth and some water resistance. These sweaters aren’t just functional, though. They quickly became part of the islands’ cultural identity.
Each family developed its own distinct patterns and stitch combinations. The sweaters gained widespread popularity over time for their balance of durability and style.
But another defining feature of Aran sweaters is the textured stitches they’re known for. Many of these carry symbolic meanings passed down through generations, such as:
- Cable stitches symbolize the ropes fishermen used, and are thought to represent strength and good fortune.
- Diamond stitches evoke the small fields of the islands. They’re linked to wealth and success.
- Honeycomb stitches are a nod to the hard work of bees, representing diligence and reward for the wearer
- Tree of Life and Ladder stitches signify family, growth, and spiritual connection.
Each sweater combines these elements in ways that make it both meaningful and personal, turning a simple garment into a story of heritage and craft.
That all sounds peachy…but are Aran sweaters good quality?
Are Aran Sweaters Good Quality?
Short answer, yes. But we hope you’ll follow along as we give you the long-winded answer, because we’re so passionate about our craft here at Aran Sweater Market. Let’s take a deep dive into the things that make Aran sweaters high-quality.
Materials Traditionally Used in Aran Sweaters
The foundation of any high-quality garment is the material, so let’s start there. Aran sweaters were traditionally knit using locally spun sheep’s wool, which retained its natural lanolin oils. This is why these sweaters are slightly water-resistant and super warm.
Today’s authentic Aran sweaters usually use Merino wool specifically, because of its fine fibres and soft, breathable feel. We get asked often, is merino wool itchy? Not at all! You get the warmth of traditional wool but with a more refined texture that’s comfortable against the skin.
Now, some Aran sweaters will use a blend of natural fibres like wool and cashmere to enhance softness without sacrificing durability. At any rate, the key takeaway is that Aran sweaters rely on natural fibres for excellent insulation while allowing moisture to escape, so you stay warm and dry without overheating.
Unlike synthetic materials, natural wool also holds its shape well over time. It won’t sag a few years from now as long as you take good care of it. You won’t have to deal with nearly as much sweater pilling, either.
It’s the Craftsmanship That Sets Aran Sweaters Apart
While high-quality wool provides the foundation, it’s the craftsmanship that brings an authentic Aran sweater to life. Knitting is a skill passed down through generations on the Islands and across Ireland, so every sweater reflects the care and precision of its maker.
Each stitch pattern, be it the Cable, Diamond, Honeycomb, or Tree of Life, must be executed with accuracy to create the textured designs that make Aran sweaters so distinctive. No machine-made, mass-produced sweater could ever reflect this level of quality.
The result is a garment that doesn’t just look beautiful but also performs exceptionally well for the long haul. The knit’s thickness and structure help trap heat, while precision construction keeps the sweater’s shape intact over time.
Durability and Longevity
Aran sweaters are just as high-quality years down the road as they are when they show up at your doorstep on day one. Wool is naturally resilient. Its fibres can bend thousands of times without breaking. Especially merino wool, which is the highest-quality variety.
The dense knitting technique used in Aran sweaters also helps prevent pilling and keeps the garment looking polished wear after wear, wash after wash - as long as you follow proper care guidelines, of course.
Many people find that their authentic Aran sweaters not only hold up well but actually improve with age, becoming softer while maintaining their shape and structure.
Comfort and Wearability
What good is a high-quality sweater if you don’t genuinely love wearing it? Comfort is paramount, and Aran sweaters deliver here as well.
Wool’s natural breathability means these sweaters regulate temperature effectively. You stay warm when it’s cold out, but won’t sweat profusely when you enter a warmer room.
Like we said earlier, too, merino wool is soft against the skin - no itchy, scratchy sensations to worry about here. Plus, the fibres are quite flexible and move with you, so it’s easier to make these fit if you’re stressed about sizing.
More Reasons You’ll Love Aran Sweater Market
So are Aran sweaters good quality? Yes - the best, in our humble (slightly biased) opinion. But the quality we’ve built our reputation on is just one of many reasons customers prefer to shop with us for all their sweaters and wool garments.
Tons of Styles and Colours to Choose From
Whether you’re looking for a V-neck vs crew neck sweater or a crochet vs knit sweater, your search ends here at Aran Sweater Market. We have so many unique styles to choose from, including jacquard sweaters, Fair Isle sweaters, and everything in between.
All the different styles are available in a range of colours, too. Understated neutrals or rich seasonal tones - whatever shades you prefer, you'll find them here in our collection. Just take a look around and see what catches your eye!
Made in Ireland With Authentic Craftsmanship
Every sweater in our collection is knit in Ireland, using methods that reflect the heritage of the Aran Islands. Our makers use only natural wool, often Merino for its softness and durability, and follow time-honoured patterns like the Cable, Honeycomb, and Diamond stitches.
Every garment comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, so you can be confident you’re getting the real thing, made to the same high standards as those worn on the islands for generations.
See What Other Customers Had to Say!
We’re proud to have sold our wool sweaters worldwide to countless customers, both online and in person. Although we could go on and on about what makes our garments the best choice for those who refuse to compromise on quality, style, and comfort, why not hear from those customers themselves?
“The garments are amazing quality and look great on and are extremely warm! Also, I received my garment within 5-7 days which is fantastic service considering they’re all the way in Ireland! I will definitely be ordering more in the near future! Thankyou Aran! :-)” - Sharlene
“5 stars all the way! Easy to purchase and delivery from Ireland all the way to New Zealand was quick and easy. The QUALITY of these jumpers and cardigan is so impressive. I love it and will definitely be buying more!” - Jarrod
“I have purchased at least 5 sweaters from Aran. Top quality, great service, fast and reliable receipt. sweaters fit perfectly and questions are answered almost immediately. Will continue to purchase more in the future.” - Susan
It’s funny - you’d think we cherry-picked these reviews since they follow the same common theme…but these were just a few reviews we pulled from within the past few days! They’re 100% authentic, all from Trustpilot, too.
There are tens of thousands of other happy testimonials where those came from, too. But at this point, why not take a chance on Aran Sweater Market and discover the difference firsthand? With 90-day returns on all orders, you’ve got nothing to lose.
Experience the Aran Sweater Quality Firsthand Today!
So, are Aran sweaters good quality? They’re everything you could ever want in a garment, from natural, premium materials to genuine craftsmanship, and a wide selection of timeless styles.
This is authentic Irish knitwear at its finest. Shop the Aran Sweater Market collection today and bring a piece of heritage into your everyday wardrobe!