If you know something about Ireland, it’s probably about its natural beauty and many places worth visiting. If you’ve visited, these are bits that you probably fell in love with. But Ireland is not only about beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage, a huge part of its rich history stays in its traditional knitted clothing. These garments, with their timeless appeal, not only reflect the country's history but also go well with the modern need for sustainability. In this article, we’re gonna explore how the authentic Irish knitwear pieces are made and what makes them so special. Read along to find out more about “the green thread” of Ireland and we’re sure you’ll be tempted to get one for yourself.
The history
Irish traditional clothing has its roots in ancient Celtic culture, dating back over a thousand years. The first garment, the "léine," was a loose, knee length tunic made from natural fibers such as linen or wool. This ancient garment was functional, comfortable to wear and naturally made out of local resources, making it sustainable from the beginning. You can imagine this piece wasn’t the most fashionable, so Irish traditional clothing went through some changes. What you will see today as Irish traditional clothing, is the Aran knitwear pieces. They were born a little bit later, in the 19th century, and they have more detailed designs that can take a modern approach as well. Aran knitwear used to be a staple piece for Irish fishermen, and the designs of the stitches were made to send them at sea with wishes of good fortune. Nowadays, these pieces are made into more modern styles, but still keeping the traditional essence of Ireland. They are also made of natural wool, making them sustainable.
Sustainable fabrics of Irish clothing
One of the most iconic aspects of Irish traditional clothing is its use of wool, a material that is both natural and sustainable. The woolens and tweeds produced in Ireland have always been known for their warmth, durability, and eco-friendliness. You can see for yourself and get such an authentic knitwear piece on online shops as Shamrock Gift. The wool is usually taken through processes that make it feel soft to the touch and not scratchy, showing the dedication that the Irish put into their traditional pieces. The sheep farming traditions in the Irish countryside provide a renewable source of wool, promoting local economies, ethical and sustainable practices. Most traditional Irish brands will proudly tell their stories, proving to the customers that their business is local and eco friendly. Look out for this transparency when buying traditional clothes, so you know how it’s made and how authentic it is.
Natural dyes
Another aspect that makes Irish knitwear sustainable, is the use of natural dyes. Most of the clothes we get use materials that are dyed with chemical dyes. The problem with these dyes is that some of them contain harmful solutions such as mercury or lead. These toxic metals can affect aquatic life, soil and overall harm the environment. In the production of traditional Irish clothing, on the other hand, natural dyes from plants were usually used. This practice added interesting natural shades to the clothing pieces and also helped avoid the harmful chemicals associated with synthetic dyes. Another practice used is keeping the wool’s natural color, which is on the same sustainability page. This practice is still used today, so you can check for naturally dyed wool to make sure you keep your materials chemical free and sustainable. The natural dyes also ensure that all traditional Irish pieces have the same color palette, making them more easy to recognize.
Modern interpretations
The stylish Aran sweater became more popular recently, being featured in movies and celebrity apparitions. If you’re a movie fan, you can see Aran knitwear in the highly appreciated “Knives out” movie. And if you’re a Swiftie, you’ll be happy to know that Taylor Swift is one of the biggest celebrities to wear this traditional garment. The knitwear products didn’t change their style too much, but their versatility can make them fit in very modern outfits, keeping them stylish and timeless. It’s important to know that modern Irish designers are still taking inspiration from their heritage and incorporating sustainable practices into their creations. From fashion houses to independent designers, Irish clothing brands are usually using eco-friendly materials, ethical production methods, and conscious consumerism. Because these practices are deeply rooted into the tradition of these clothes, changing the production process would mean taking out the authenticity of the actual pieces. This can be seen in the high quality of the products, and the transparency of most brands. If you want to make sure that your Aran knitwear piece is 100% sustainable, make sure you buy from small brands that list their materials and production processes.
