The Aran jumper is a recognisable icon in today's fashion age. Its luxurious cosy style has been spotted being appreciated by celebrities since the 1950s, but did you know these fascinating facts about the famous jumper's roots? 

1. The origins -

The Aran jumper was named after a collection of islands off Ireland's West coast, where the well-known jumper was birthed. The Aran Islands are located near Galway Bay on the Atlantic Sea and are where fishermen and farmers dwelled and worked together. It is believed Aran jumpers were fashioned as early as the 1890s. 

2. A purposeful design - 

Initially designed for fishermen, the Aran jumper is designed for the duration of harsh conditions. Aran jumpers can absorb large amounts of their weight in water before feeling wet. The natural fibre used in the sweaters allows the fabric to vaporise away from the skin, causing the material to be breathable and allowing the body to maintain an ideal temperature. While today this design is less for those harsh historical conditions, it's still handy if you get caught on a rainy day! 

3. The significant stitch - 

Every stitch within an Aran jumper carries its own historical meaning, a historic legacy from the lives of the Island community many years ago. Different stitches
represent different stories. For example, the cable stitch represents the fisherman's ropes and the hope for a successful and safe day at sea. The diamond stitch historically represents the small fields on the Aran Islands, while the ZigZag stitch represents the winding paths. You can read more about the history of the Aran jumper stitch here. 

4.  From tiny islands to global takeover - 

After growing local popularity, the jumpers developed demand. The first Aran jumpers to be sold commercially were shipped in the 1940s, and by 1950 they were featured in Vogue magazine. This led to an explosion of interest, and the exportation of jumpers began from the Islands to the USA. By the late 1950s, they were a phenomenon. Celebrities like Elvis Presley were sighted wearing the now-famous jumper, driving sales even more. Over in Ireland, communities were gaining mass employment opportunities due to the demand. Companies exploded in growth, and May & Mairtin Standen employed over 700 knitters throughout the country. Hundreds of women were trained in Aran jumper knitting, and the industry became a relied upon source for income. 

5. A place in fashion history

In 2017 the Aran jumper was awarded a place in The New Y
ork Museum of Modern Art, within the award-winning exhibition "Is Fashion Modern." The jumper applauded for having majorly influenced fashion over the past 100 years. With massive celebrities like Bob Dylan, Marilyn Monroe, Steve Mcqueen and Grace Kelly photographed in the iconic jumpers, it's easy to see how the Aran jumper was catapulted into fashion history.