Few things feel as satisfying as adding a timeless, well-made sweater to your wardrobe. But with so many different styles at your fingertips, it’s easy to become overwhelmed when sweater shopping. 

One common source of confusion we see our customers encounter is the difference between a cable knit vs fisherman sweater - so we’re here to clear it up once and for all. 

Both are iconic, richly textured styles deeply rooted in Irish tradition, but each brings its own character and history to your outfit. Cable knit sweaters have intricate, raised patterns that symbolize strength and luck. Fisherman sweaters have rugged warmth and all-over heritage stitching.

You can learn more about the differences between a fisherman sweater vs cable knit sweater below - but just know we craft both these styles here at Aran Sweater Market. 

Whether you go with a fisherman sweater or any other handknit sweater, it’s made in Ireland from natural wool and authentic techniques. See what makes our knitwear so special today!

“I love my Aran Fisherman sweater. It's beautiful quality and so lovely and warm. It also arrived in less than a week to south western Australia. This is the second sweater my family have purchased from Aran Sweater Market and I highly recommend them!” - Justine

“Love my Cable Crew Sweater. Beautifully made and the color is spectacular! I feel like I’m in Ireland when wearing it. Thank you for sharing your beautiful country with the rest of the world.” - Claudia

“The quality of your knitwear is exceptional, and warm. I was very grateful for your advice regarding sweater size and pleasantly surprised how quickly the sweaters arrived after ordering, Ireland to Australia in less than a week. Thank you sincerely.” - Mark

What is a Cable Knit Sweater?

This type of knitwear features a distinctive raised pattern resembling twisted ropes or braids. It’s created by crossing groups of stitches over one another to produce a textured effect that stands out against the background of the garment. 

Cable knit patterns come from the Aran Islands of Ireland, where the stitch symbolized strength and good fortune, a nod to the ropes used by fishermen at sea. This origin story is part of where the confusion surrounding a cable knit vs fisherman sweater comes from.

Cable knit sweaters are most often crafted from wool for its warmth and natural resilience. The pattern itself also reinforces the knit’s structure so you get a thicker sweater that’s better at trapping heat in. Yet, high-quality cable knit sweaters are also very breathable. 

What is a Fisherman Sweater?

A fisherman sweater, also called an Aran sweater, is a heavier knit garment originally created as workwear for fishermen on the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. 

These sweaters use multiple traditional stitch patterns arranged across the body and sleeves. That’s the main difference. You’ll find a variety of textures and motifs incorporated into the sweater rather than just a single repeating rope pattern.

Each of these different textures/motifs symbolizes elements of island life, like the Honeycomb for hard work or the Diamond for prosperity. That’s part of why these sweaters are so special - they carry deeper meaning than meets the eye.

The fisherman sweater was designed to meet the needs of the islanders who wore them daily in cold, damp conditions. They were traditionally knit from untreated wool for its higher lanolin content, which made the sweaters not just warm but slightly water resistant as well.

Its dense, layered patterns also helped trap body heat while staying breathable - so you’ll be cozy in cold climates, without overheating when you step into warm spaces indoors.

Authentic fisherman sweaters today stay true to these origins, but with adaptations to modern needs, with softer wools and more refined fits. So, which is right for you between the fisherman sweater vs cable knit sweater?

Fisherman Sweater vs Cable Knit Sweater: Key Differences to Consider

We want to preface this by saying you can’t go wrong with a cable knit vs fisherman sweater when you shop here at Aran Sweater Market. 

All our wool sweaters are carefully crafted from premium materials with precise attention to detail, so you’re getting a beautiful, comfortable, long-lasting garment no matter what you buy! But, we want to help you narrow it down between the fisherman sweater vs cable knit sweater.

Construction and Stitch Patterns

The most obvious difference between a cable knit vs fisherman sweater comes down to the patterns each is known for. 

The cable knit sweater, as the name suggests, uses the cable stitch. This mimics the look of twisted ropes. You’ll typically see the pattern repeating throughout the sweater. It has a really uniform, braided texture from the neckline down to the waist. 

On the other hand, fisherman sweaters are far more complex. They incorporate a variety of traditional Aran stitches - not just cables but also honeycomb, diamond, moss, and ladder patterns. They’re arranged in panels across the front, back, and sleeves to create a rich, layered design that makes a statement. 

Weight, Warmth, and Practical Use

Both styles are warm, but there are subtle differences in how they wear. Fisherman sweaters tend to be heavier and thicker, as they were originally designed for fishermen working in harsh Atlantic weather. That dense, multi-stitch construction we keep referencing traps more air.

So while fisherman sweaters provide exceptional insulation in cold, damp conditions, they can sometimes be a bit less breathable than you may want. That’s where the other half of the cable knit vs fisherman sweater comparison shines, though.

Cable knit sweaters are plenty warm - but they feel lighter and more flexible, and a lot of this has to do with the simpler pattern they’re known for. They can have a slightly softer drape and a more breathable feel, perfect for indoor wear, transitional seasons, or anyone who prefers a sweater that feels less bulky.

Style and Versatility

The choice between a fisherman sweater vs cable knit sweater as far as styling goes comes down to how much texture and detail you want. There are no right or wrong answers here!

Cable knit sweaters have a classic, understated look. The consistent pattern and clean lines is a lot easier to pair with casual or semi-formal outfits. They work equally well layered over a collared shirt or worn on their own with jeans.

In contrast, fisherman sweaters are more traditional and make a grander statement. The stitch variety gives them a busier texture that stands out and reflects heritage. That’s just what you want in some cases, but it can be a bit much in others. This begs the question…

Is One Better Than the Other?

Definitely not! We wholeheartedly believe your wardrobe needs both a cable knit AND fisherman sweater since they wear and style differently. 

You can call on the cable knit sweater when you want a simple, classic sweater with subtle texture and clean lines. When conditions are a bit harsher or you want to make a statement, you can fall back on your fisherman sweater.

Both styles are timeless, practical, and rooted in craftsmanship. The best part? You can find each type of women’s knit sweater or knit sweater for men here at Aran Sweater Market

Find Both Styles at Aran Sweater Market and Round Out Your Wardrobe!

Aran Sweater Market is proud to craft both cable knit and fisherman sweaters in Ireland, staying true to the traditions of the Aran Islands while aligning with modern wardrobes. Every sweater is made with 100% natural wool, most often soft Merino, for its warmth, durability, and comfort.

Our sweaters are knit with care using time-honored patterns that carry meaning in every stitch. Each garment comes with a Certificate of Authenticity so you can see it was made in Ireland by skilled artisans who have made this their life’s work.

From V-neck vs crew neck sweater styles to a wide variety of colours, there is a sweater for everyone here at Aran Sweater Market. In fact, our customers constantly come back for more to refresh their wardrobes! 

With nearly 50,000 reviews and counting on Trustpilot, you can rest assured you’re getting the high-quality sweater you deserve. Take a look at what others had to say below!

“This was my third sweater purchased from Aran. All are beautiful, high quality articles. They arrived in the expected time. I’m looking forward to a trip to Ireland this fall and seeing the Aran Sweater Market.” - Karl

“My half zip fisherman’s sweater with patches, and a turtleneck sweater arrived from Ireland to Australia in five days. The size charts for each sweater on the website are spot on. The quality of the sweaters surpassed all my expectations to the point that I was so impressed I ordered another two sweaters the next week. I don’t normally write reviews but Aran Sweater Market deserves all the accolades they get. Highly recommended.” - Peter

“Online shopping was easy, the order arrived on time, and the sweater is both beautiful and well made. This gift will be much appreciated!” - Wade

Closing Thoughts on the Cable Knit vs Fisherman Sweater Comparison

Hopefully this cable knit vs fisherman sweater comparison has left you with complete clarity on the differences between each and where there is some overlap. Both styles reflect Irish heritage and craftsmanship, and you can’t go wrong either way in our online storefront.

Our blog has more resources on topics like the crochet vs knit sweater, sweater pilling, is merino wool itchy, and more. The only thing left to do at this point, though, is explore our handknit styles at Aran Sweater Market and find your new favourite garment! Shop now.