Are Aran Sweaters Itchy? The Answer from The Aran Experts

This question is one of the most common queries we get asked on a daily basis and we have decided to put together the definitive answer to the question "Are Aran Sweaters Itchy?". We are delighted to confidently state that our 100% Merino Wool Aran Sweaters are NOT itchy!

Typically Aran Sweaters are assumed to be itchy by most due to their rugged appearance and the fact that they are made from wool.

Merino wool, unsurprisingly, comes from the Merino sheep. The Merino sheep is famed worldwide for its soft wool and is used widely in clothing. The Merino sheep is incredibly woolly giving farmers a high yield in terms of wool. A Merino sheep can produce up to almost 40 pounds of wool each year, something loved by their farmers!

The reason Merino wool is soft and therefore Aran Sweaters are not itchy is that the fibres of wool are fine and smaller in size than other types of wool. The fact that they are finer allows them to bend more than the traditional, rougher wool fibres. This increased flexibility allows the wool to move with your body more naturally and give a better fit which also helps remove any itchiness.

The high quality and desirability of Merino wool mean it was a very strongly protected product of Spain. Up until 200 years ago, the export of Merino sheep was punishable by death! It is rumoured that Merino Wool first came to Ireland by the means of smuggling into the Irish West Coast.

Why Do We Use Merino Wool in Aran Sweaters instead of Other Wools?

Due to its soft texture, warmth, durability, price/value and breath-ability Merino Wool is the best choice for Aran Sweaters. We have compared Merino wool in the table below to show why it used for Aran Sweaters.

Material	Positives	Negatives
Lambswool	Less Expensive than Merino, Hypoallergenic	Itchier than Merino
Cashmere	Good warmth to weight, Very Light compared to Merino	Expensive compared to Merino
Cotton	Easy to care for, cool in warm weather	Poor warmth to weight compared to Merino
Synthetic	Cheaper than Merino, incorporates positives of many materials	Worse climate control than Merino
Blends	Positives of more than one material.	Can be less durable than Merino.

We hope the table above illustrates how Merino Wool is the perfect mix of all the desired traits in an Aran Sweater making it ideal for our customers.

Don't Believe Us That They Aren't Itchy? Read What Our Customers Say.

About our Women's Hooded Aran Zipper Classic Coat

"This coat is very well made and true to size. It is very cozy and warm and is made with the finest merino wool (very soft). I would definitely recommend to anyone that seeks the best quality."

About our Women's Classic Aran Boyfriend Button-Front Cardigan

"I was surprised - in a good way - by the softness and lightness of the garment. Some Irish knit sweaters are stiffer and more substantial than this one, but this is flexible, soft, and could easily be layered over a turtleneck jersey for indoor wear during fall and winter."

Ready to just go ahead and buy an Aran Sweater?

See our full range of Irish Fisherman Knit Sweaters here now and experience the beautiful, soft comfort of Ireland's most famous garment for yourself.