It is widely known that the fashion industry is extremely problematic for the environment, with many fast fashion companies using slave labour to create cheap, mass-produced clothing that carries a huge carbon footprint. However, many movements within the fashion industry aim to change this, and buying clothing made from more sustainable materials can make a big difference to our impact on the planet.
Why Aran Sweaters Are the Ultimate Sustainable Fashion Choice for Americans
It is widely known that the fashion industry is extremely problematic for the environment, with many fast fashion companies using slave labour to create cheap, mass-produced clothing that carries a huge carbon footprint. However, many movements within the fashion industry aim to change this, and buying clothing made from more sustainable materials can make a big difference to our impact on the planet.
At Weavers of Ireland, sustainability matters to us. Our mission is to preserve the essential art forms of spinning and weaving in our native land, bringing together a range of beautiful products from artisan craftspeople who maintain these traditional skills. Our commitment to the heritage of our products is at the core of everything we do, including sustainability and ethical production. Aran Irish Wool sweaters, made from sustainable wool that is renewable and biodegradable, are an excellent choice for fashion-loving Americans who want to reduce their carbon footprint and do their bit to look after the environment.
Wool is a Sustainable Choice
Our Aran sweaters are made from 100% wool and take their name from the Aran Islands where they have been knitted for hundreds of years. Much of the wool used in our sweaters still hails from Ireland, and wool is an impressive material to work with. Wool is completely natural and is made of keratin, grown year-round by sheep, llamas, alpacas, goats and other animals. It’s a great choice for clothing because it is comfortable, hardwearing and protects against the elements, and it is also a sustainable choice for the planet since it is natural and renewable, with sheep being shorn each year before re-growing their fleece.
Wool is biodegradable and as an organic material, it is easy to obtain without damaging biodiversity or soil health, especially where farmers are committed to sustainable and regenerative practices. When it is disposed of, wool will naturally decompose in soil over a number of years and will act as a fertiliser, releasing nutrients and carbon back into the soil. This is a stark contrast with the materials used in fast fashion, such as polyester and acrylic, which are refined from fossil fuels and have a devastating impact on the planet.
Aran Sweaters: Longevity Matters
Here at Weavers of Ireland, we choose Aran Sweaters because their quality stands out and makes them an excellent choice for style and comfort all year round. However, we are committed to doing better for the environment and we know how much difference it makes that Aran sweaters are a durable clothing option that will last for many, many years if cared for correctly.
Wool is a material that doesn’t need washing often and can be hung up between wears to air and refresh the fibres. This will protect the wool and keep it looking great, and it will only need washing on occasion if it is dirty. Folding or hanging your Aran sweater will help to protect it and ensure it keeps its shape, and your sweater will provide you with years of service as a handy layer all year round or a stylish companion piece to your favourite outfits. The Aran sweater is a timeless fashion choice that will never go out of style so you can even pass your classic designs down to the next generation, making them heirloom pieces.
The Impact of Fashion
Cheap, manmade materials that are used to mass produce throwaway fashion items are extremely damaging to the environment, both in terms of their manufacture and the plastics they contain. It is estimated that we have enough clothing on the planet today to clothe the next six generations and the environmental impact of this industry continues to grow.
The manufacturing processes of the materials and the clothes they are used to make are highly damaging to the environment, using a vast amount of water and often relying on very cheap or unpaid labour carried out by vulnerable people and children. As fashion enthusiasts, we have a role to play in challenging these practices and calling for higher standards and choices. Read on to find out how we can all do our bit by making more sustainable choices about the clothing we wear.
Embracing Slow Fashion
The slow fashion movement takes us back to basics, addressing the incredible and damaging growth of the fast fashion industry in the last twenty years and prioritising sustainable, durable fashion choices and practices. It takes the emphasis off the consumer and puts it back onto the producers and suppliers of fashion items, forcing us to consider the impact our decision-making has on the world around us. Simply choosing to embrace the slow fashion movement means you will be contributing to a worldwide movement that aims to challenge the harm done to the world and its people in the name of fashion.
Slow fashion does not mean compromising on style but is all about embracing the timeless classics that are well-made and will last for many years so that you always look your best. Capsule wardrobes are well suited to this approach, creating a smaller clothing collection that is all about quality and great design. Aran sweaters are the ideal item for your capsule wardrobe, combining practicality with chic style and enabling you to create looks similar to those that have graced the cover of Vogue magazine for years.
Aran sweaters are the perfect example of slow fashion, which aims to make clothes from strong, durable materials that do not have such a damaging effect on the environment. Wool will keep you warm and dry throughout the colder months and is great for layering up all year round so you can create a range of gorgeous looks that give chic, celeb vibes.
Cultivating an Environmentally Friendly Wardrobe
There are several ways to take a greener approach to your wardrobe and give yourself peace of mind that you are doing your bit for the planet. We recommend:
- Buying sustainable garments. Sustainable fashion items have much less of an impact on the planet and will last much longer than their fast fashion counterparts. It may cost more initially when you buy an artisan, high-quality item but you will get much more value from it than from a mass-produced item that is poorly made and costs very little. Sustainable items such as organic, handcrafted clothing will use less water to manufacture, will have better quality materials and will be much more likely to wear well. You can check the sustainability policies of any companies you are considering buying from and find out how your purchase will affect the planet.
- Buy secondhand. When you buy pre-loved garments, you send a valuable message to the clothing industry about what consumers want and this can ultimately help to slow the demand for production. Vintage shopping and charity shops are a great way to indulge your shopping hit without breaking the bank or contributing to the environmental crisis, and there are many online options so you can shop from the comfort of your own home. There are enough clothes on the planet to last for many, many years and committing to avoid buying new where you can help to alleviate the environmental cost of resources and manufacturing as well as enable you to create a variety of unique looks.
- Donate your old clothes. You can help to extend the life of your garments by passing them on to others or giving them to charity. Clothes-swapping events and parties are increasingly popular, making the most of the opportunity to trade in clothes you no longer wear and restock your wardrobe at the same time, and there are several websites devoted to selling your unwanted clothing, which can earn you some money to buy more sustainable options.
- Take care of your clothing. Looking after your clothes properly will extend the life of your garments and ensure that they look great for longer. Always read the manufacturer’s care labels follow instructions carefully, and consider repairing clothes instead of replacing them if they get damaged. Learning to sew can help you fix rips or areas of wear and can even enable you to customise your clothes for a totally unique style.
Making more deliberate choices about the provenance of your clothing will enable you to build a wardrobe full of quality items that look great. Remember that less is more when it comes to style and a few carefully chosen items will last longer and look better than a whole lot of cheap items.
Classic Aran Sweater Designs
At Weavers of Ireland, we love the timeless Aran sweater designs that have their roots in the historic Aran Islands and the people who built their lives there. These beautiful garments were originally made for the farmers and fishermen who worked on the harsh Atlantic coast and their designs and stitching still reflect this. Some of our favourite designs feature the original stitches used in these sweaters, such as the cable stitch, which is said to represent the ropes used by the fishermen and the winding paths down the cliffs.
The women’s Merino Aran Sweater is a traditional style that features the classic cable stitch as well as honeycomb stitch, which is said to bring the wearer good luck and abundance as a result of hard work. This sweater looks great with jeans and boots, or worn with tailored trousers for a more formal occasion, and you can choose from a gorgeous range of colours. The deep, rich shades are ideal for the colder months, bringing a touch of glamour to your outfit, and the traditional baw-neen white is a beautiful choice all year round.
The Celtic Troyer Sweater reflects Irish heritage with its Celtic knotwork design that is said to protect the wearer from harm. This is a sweater made from New Wool, with a thick knit collar and decorative buttons that can be left open or closed as you wish. It’s a good choice for outdoor wear, providing the warmth and protection from the elements you need for unpredictable weather.
For women, the Wool Cashmere Aran Trellis Sweater is a lighter choice that reflects the classic Aran style and gives it a contemporary twist. The design incorporates the delicate Trellis stitch and is the perfect companion to a summer dress or long skirt in warmer weather, perfectly combining style and comfort.
The Men’s Cable Knit Crew Neck Aran Wool Sweater is one of the most traditional designs we stock and also one of the most popular – for good reason! This is based on the design that was worn for centuries by fishermen and has been featured in Vogue magazine many times. It’s a rugged choice that is practical and stylish and works well with any outfit so you can style it for all occasions.
All of our Aran sweater designs come with a signed and stamped Certificate of Authenticity, giving you the reassurance you need that your sweater has been made with the greatest respect for the planet and the people who inspired and created it.
Find Sustainable Aran Sweaters at Weavers of Ireland
At Weavers of Ireland, we bring traditional Irish crafts to a global audience and we select the best artisan items that reflect our unique Irish heritage. As well as Aran sweaters, we have an extensive collection of hats, shawls and scarves made in traditional Irish style. We can help you to find the perfect sweaters and gifts for yourself and for every member of your family and we want to share these beautiful items with you.
You can visit us in one of our stores in Ireland, located in Killarney, Kenmare, Dublin, Galway, Glengarriff and Kinsale, or view our full selection online at Weavers of Ireland.
