How to Get Real Aran Sweaters

Aran sweaters originated from a group of islands found off the coast of Ireland where fishermen and farmers clad themselves in hand-knit sweaters to stave off the cold Atlantic winds. The sweaters have since become the most common symbol of Ireland and are sought after for their beauty and durability. The Aran Sweater Market located on Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands, provides authentic hand-knit sweaters and historical information about the designs as well.

Instructions

Aran Sweater Market

1. Go to the Aran Sweater Market -- The Famous Original Since 1892: http://www.aransweatermarket.com/index.php

2. Click on "Clan Aran Sweaters" found on the left side of the window.

3. Search for your clan in the search bar or select a clan from the list on the left by left clicking on the name. Examples of clans include Kelly, Magee, Callaghan and O'Brien. Each clan's stitch design is unique. Fishermen who were lost at sea were sometimes later identified by the stitch pattern of their sweaters.

   If you can't find your clan name in the Aran Sweater Market selection you can go to Census Finder and search by geographic area of origin and then return to the market to select your sweater. http://www.censusfinder.com/irish_surnames.htm

4. Click on the image of the sweater to see a close-up view of the knit.

   Select a sweater by clicking on the name of the sweater below the image. You'll be provided with both a brief history of your clan and detailed information about the knit design. For example, the Ahern clan's territory was originally in the southeast of Ireland. The clan migrated to counties Cork, Waterford and Limerick. The knit of the Ahern clan is traditionally made up of a three-column cable combined with a moss stitch.

5. Select chest and height measurements. Because true Aran Sweaters are handmade, each sweater is custom designed for the wearer's body. Measure your chest and height in order to obtain a sweater that fits. (Larger chest proportions require an additional fee.)

   Select your quantity.

   Click on "Add to Cart."

   Click on "Proceed to Checkout."

6. Register a username on the site or proceed to checkout as a guest. Click "Continue."

   Provide your billing and contact information: name, address, email and telephone. Click "Continue."

   Provide shipping information if different than billing information. Click "Continue."

   Select your method of shipping. There is only one option--"Table Rate"--but you are required to click and select the option. Click "Continue."

   Provide your credit card information. Click "Continue."

   Confirm your order.

References

• Aran Sweater Market "About Us"
• Aran Sweater Market "History"
• Aran Sweater Market "Clan Sweaters"