Aran Sweater Care

How to Care for Your Aran Sweater

Aran sweaters originate from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland, where they were traditionally knitted from undyed báinín wool. The natural lanolin in the wool made them water-resistant — a vital quality for fishermen braving the Atlantic. Proper care preserves both the intricate cable patterns and the wool's natural properties.

Washing

Hand washing is always the safest method for Aran knitwear. Fill a basin with lukewarm water (no warmer than 30°C / 86°F) and add a small amount of wool-specific detergent or mild soap. Submerge the sweater and gently squeeze — never wring, twist, or rub the fabric. Agitation causes wool fibres to felt and mat together permanently.

Rinse thoroughly in water of the same temperature. Sudden temperature changes cause wool to shrink, so avoid switching between hot and cold water.

Drying

After washing, press the sweater gently against the side of the basin to remove excess water. Lay it flat on a clean, dry towel and roll the towel up to absorb moisture. Then reshape the sweater on a fresh dry towel or a mesh drying rack, away from direct heat and sunlight. Never hang a wet Aran sweater — the weight of the water will stretch it out of shape.

Drying can take 24 to 48 hours depending on humidity. Flipping the sweater halfway through speeds the process.

Storage

Fold your Aran sweater and store it flat in a drawer or on a shelf. Hanging causes the shoulders to stretch and lose shape over time. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets deter moths naturally without chemicals. Store in a breathable cotton bag — never in plastic, which traps moisture and encourages mildew.

Pilling

Some pilling is normal with natural wool, particularly in areas of friction like the underarms. Use a fabric comb or pill shaver to gently remove pills. This is not a defect — it's a natural characteristic of wool fibre and diminishes over time as shorter fibres work their way out.