Guest blogger modestdeposits here and this week, I’m going back to the basics with this classic Irish Wool Aran Sweater. This beautiful piece deserves its moment in the spotlight, see for yourself –

Think classic.

Think timeless.

Think this exact Aran Sweater.

Truly, my closet is not complete without this piece. Of course we all need our go to knit sweater; the one that you can wear casually, layer over or under other items, and dress up or down. Yes, this sweater satisfies the requirement of this universal staple that all men and women should have in their closet but it’s more than just that.

I love the simplicity of this sweater. It’s perfectly simplistic but only because it’s really not. As you begin to look closer, this sweater becomes anything but simple. Every single detail from the fit, structure, pattern, knit, yarn, material, collar, sleeves, etc. is planned and executed exceptionally. The sweater seems perfectly simple really, even I initially failed to notice these little details because you put this sweater on and it’s just right. It feels right. It looks right. It fits and falls on your body right. It’s easy because you know in all circumstances, in all styles, this sweater fulfills its purpose passing its test with flying colors.

Again, I have to give a shout out to this garment’s quality of wool. This sweater is not only made locally in County Kildare, but it is also 100% pure new Irish wool. This Aran sweater is exceptionally warm yet breathable and the Irish wool gives the garment a structured, shapely fall. I say this time and time again but you really don’t know this quality of wool exists until you experience it first-hand. This for me took moving to Ireland and wearing the locally sourced, 100% Irish made wool as seen in this sweater.

Pictured above: Our lovely unisex Irish Wool Aran Sweater, in oatmeal color. Numerous other colors and sizes available in store.

From me to you, I wouldn’t go another season without having this gem in my closet. For inquiries or to place an order see our website here or email us at info@donegalshop.ie.

Guest blogger modestdeposits here and let me tell you, I am absolutely in love with this Aran jacket. I think this jacket has made me fall in love with Merino Wool. I mean look how lovely this garment is-

First, I’m obsessed with the style of this jacket. It falls perfectly and has an effortless look to it. I get the impression that it’s quite universal in its fit as well, flattering all different body types. Plus, you get two completely different looks depending on how you zip the jacket. I’m also fond of the different styles of knit design featured on the jacket. It’s the subtle details like this and the buttons that make this jacket even better.

Second, I am officially in love with Merino Wool’s softness. This jacket is made of 100% Merino Wool made in Ireland and you can tell. The quality of this wool is unparalleled. I typically would associate wool with some kind of itchiness or scratchiness, but this Merino Wool lacks both these qualities and instead is incredibly soft. The wool in this jacket is touchable and my sensitive skin found it quite pleasant.

Also, I will never get used to how warm Merino Wool is. It truly surprises me every time. I threw on this outfit on a chilly, windy 9°  C afternoon then proceeded to walk along the canal. My company was dressed in a heavy winter coat and gloves and then there was me, in my super cute jacket warm as a pug. I swear it’s not sorcery, it’s just the incredible capability of Merino Wool to keep one warm.

Any who, I’m excited to have this cozy piece in my closet this winter. I’m even thinking about gifting it to my loved ones.

This jacket comes in two colors, this dark green pictured above and a lovely light camel. See it here.

Similar to the little black dress, the classic Aran Sweater is a must have staple in any Irish closet. With any good staple piece, comes versatility and the ability to be styled in numerous ways.

We’ve partnered with American/Dublin blogger, modestdeposits, in order to bring you our favorite ways to style your classic Aran Sweater:

Style 1: Classic wear

Keep it simple by partnering your Aran with your favorite pair of jeans. This look is timeless, easy, yet guaranteed to look great while keeping you oh so warm!

 Style 2: Layer underneath

So you love your Aran Sweater, but you want to change it up a bit. Try adding layers underneath. We recommend layering a flowing tank underneath or even a classic button up with the collar peeking through the neckline.

Style 3: Layer over

You can’t go wrong by partnering your Aran Sweater with a jean or leather jacket. We also love adding layers of jewelry to give yet another look for your classic Aran.

Interested in other styling tips or wanting to purchase an Aran Sweater for yourself? Email us at orders@donegalshop.ie

We have been selling arans the whole year round for many years now. You would think in the middle of a balmy Irish summer, a wool sweater or cardigan would be the last thing you would have in the wardrobe, but in fact they are perfect for those long evenings in the garden when the sun has gone in and there’s a wee chill in the air.

They are also the perfect accessory for festival goers, they are warm, brreathable and they can be a little water proof! Our lightweight aran was a very popular piece for The Electric Picnic festival last year.

Roisin here is modelling a variation of the Aran Cardigan that works just as well for summer as it does for winter made of 100% lightweight Merino wool cardigan over a pair of jeans which gives a lovely casual look .This cardigan is in a cropped style and in this light grey colour suits alot of colourings and clothes.

So don’t rule out wool for the summer, think of it as your summer jacket, it’s breathable, warm and you can see how chic they can look with a pair of jeans!

The Aran Cardigan is a classic that has been changed many times to suit fashion and trends, but the original cardigan is something people will always come back to. It’s an ageless piece, and we’ve enjoyed the age range it has attracted, from the young hipster to the more mature lady let’s say!

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