Product ID: 306711
In just a century since they first appeared, the textured wool sweaters of the Aran Islands have become "as tenacious an international symbol of Ireland as the harp and shamrock," writes fashion historian Deirdre McQuillan. It wasn't until the home crafts movement in the early 1900s that Aran's distinctive patterns became known around the world. Today, from tourist shops to fashion shows, one can find sweaters based on stitches that were invented by grandmothers and great-grandmothers only a few generations ago.
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Due to the outrageous shipping and handling charges; I have no product comments.
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This is a classic sweater in the button up cardigan style, made in Ireland by Carraig Donn, a highly regarded maker of Aran sweaters and other wool garments. Its highly versatile: It can be worn with a dress shirt and tie in all but formal business environments, yet it looks equally good with a black T-shirt and jeans. The sweater is 100% wool. As such, it has the best properties of wool, such as warmth and moisture-wicking. I find it ideal for use in the 35-55 degree Farenheit range, with no jacket on top of the sweater. (For lower temperatures, a jacket over it would work fine). Note that it does not have any man-made fibers such as acrylic or nylon; some makers make their sweaters with 10-20% of these fibers to lower costs, but they also can have the advantage of adding strength or helping a sweater keep its form. Bottom line: Very high quality, made with nothing but pure new wool -- but you do have to treat it nicely (dry cleaning is best, as is keeping it folded and away from moths!) The only (minor) negatives about this item are: Because its 100% new wool, it is a bit itchy against exposed skin - but not a problem at all so long as you wear long sleeves underneath. Also, the buttoms are resin. Hardwood would make it a real classic, but also much more expensive and the resin buttons are almost indistinguishable from hardwood unless you examine them closely. All in all, a very nice item that you wont easily find unless you travel to Ireland. Its worth the price, as it will probably last 10 or 15 years if you take care of it.
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I liked the sweater, but the thing was way too small. I would think that a XXL would be plenty big enough for me, because I usually wear an XL. I couldnt even get the sweater on it was so small. It was probably truer to size L.
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I bought one for me last year and just purchased one for my son who is an avid hiker. I love the English wool (having worn the OD green Wooly Pully in the Marine Corps). The ribbing around the neck, wrists and waist is excellent.
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I purchased this for a dear friend who is also a military historian. Its for Christmas, and I am sure he will really enjoy wearing it while doing his research and wargaming.
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Bought this for my son who lives in Nevada and he loves being outdoors in the cold! I m giving this to him for Christmas so he hasn t had a chance to try it on. He is tall and trim and usually wears a size large. This looks like it will fit him; I ordered a size Large. It really is a beautiful and soft sweater!!
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