When we watch our favourite series on TV, it’s easy to forget how much work goes into planning every scene. Nothing we see is an accident, and when our favourite characters are dressed in Aran sweaters, this is a deliberate choice by screenwriters and dressers. The costumes that appear on TV are all part of the story, setting the mood and bringing characters to life, and the Aran sweater is a popular choice in many iconic TV shows and movies. 

Viewers all over the world tune in to follow the winding plot in The Summer I Turned Pretty, and the Aran sweater is a staple in the costume wardrobe here. We also love Bad Sisters, which combines dark comedy and Irish drama, and we see some of our favourite sweaters and cardigans popping up on screen throughout the series, too. Here, we’ll take a look at why Aran sweaters are appearing in some of the most popular TV series for young people today, and find the designs our favourite characters are wearing.

The Story of Aran

Long before we discovered the emotional storylines of the TV series we love, our ancestors were writing the original story of the Aran sweater - and it’s a good one! We know that the Aran designs and knitting patterns we wear today originated on the Aran Islands, off the coast of Galway, and were created by the families of the hardworking fishermen and farmers who carved out their livelihoods in this harsh environment. 

Often featuring complex stitches, such as cable stitch and zigzag stitch, Aran sweaters and cardigans were a practical choice that offered protection against the elements, and also became recognisable for their beautifully embellished designs. In the 1950s, the Aran sweater became a popular choice among the rich and famous, with Vogue featuring the classic style. Today, celebrities and mere mortals all over the world are drawn to these stylish, practical designs that look and feel great. Most of our designs are still based on the traditional Aran sweater of years gone by, and many have been updated with a contemporary touch that keeps Aran current and ensures its place on the catwalk as well as on the high street. 

Why Use Aran Sweaters on Screen?

The Aran sweater has a long history in Ireland, and its depth of connection and style makes it the perfect choice for the characters we love. Many popular shows for young people feature Aran knitwear in the wardrobes of our favourite characters, and these are a great choice to help create an overall atmosphere of style and comfort in the most popular shows, many of which span several series. Sometimes, costume choices are a deliberate way to allude to the deeper nature of a character and can foreshadow our discoveries about what the plot line holds for them. 

For instance, the white cable knit sweater worn by Conrad on The Summer I Turned Pretty is a cosy choice that features a complementary coloured pattern around the top of the chest and shoulders, and this is a staple piece for this character who is famously misunderstood. Our Aran Half Zip Jacquard Sweater is made in the same way, with a similar pattern that is brought up to date with a zip collar, and exudes the same elegance and warmth. The stylish jacquard pattern is the perfect complement to a character who is a little withdrawn and awkward but has a heart of gold underneath his aloof exterior. 

The Summer I Turned Pretty 

The cult TV show The Summer I Turned Pretty is based on the books of the same name, in which Isabel (Belly) Conklin spends her summers at Cousins Beach with her mother and her best friend Taylor. The series follows the teenagers and the friends they meet as they discover their first loves and - subsequently- their first heartbreaks. The beach setting is beautiful and no detail is overlooked as the way the show is shot and even the clothing the characters wear brings an extra element to the experience. 

Conrad is played by Christopher Briney and the character’s hidden depths are hinted at through his appearance and costume choices. His floppy hairstyle and brooding jawline suggest a steady, caring personality hidden by his social awkwardness and classically handsome look. We love his green cable knit sweater, which features traditional stitches such as the cable stitch and diamond stitch and our Men’s Traditional Aran Wool Sweater captures the look perfectly. This heavyweight traditional Aran sweater incorporates honeycomb and cable stitch, which are both believed to bring luck and protection to the wearer, and has a crew neck collar to keep you cosy and warm all year round. It’s available in a range of gorgeous colours, including Moss, the green shade that suits Conrad so well.

The character of Taylor is another with hidden depths, and at the core, her loyalty to her friends is stronger than her shallow, confident exterior. She is deliberately cast as a pretty and opinionated character with a sharp wit, and her soft, stylish Aran cardigan is an interesting choice here. This can be seen to represent her softer side, the part of her that values friendship above all, and it’s also a versatile style that works with a whole range of outfit options. Our Aran Knit Cable Cardigan has featured in British Vogue magazine and is the ultimate Aran choice for layering up all year round. It’s made in Ireland from 100% soft Merino wool, which helps to regulate your body temperature, so it’s perfect for an evening out in the summertime as well for wearing on cooler days. 

Bad Sisters

Bad Sisters is a contemporary Irish black comedy that is set in Dublin and filmed on location in Ireland, based on the lives of the Garvey sisters. As the sisters set out to murder their bullying brother-in-law, the clever script is complemented by a great sound track and stunning film locations, and - of course - some carefully thought out costume choices, including Aran knitwear.  

The eldest of the sisters in Bad Sisters is Eva Garvey, whose own traumatic experiences have contributed to the plot against her sister’s abusive husband. She is a strong and determined character, who holds her secrets close and is fiercely protective of her younger siblings. This protective trait, along with her loyalty to her sisters, runs deep in her characterisation, and the addition of Aran knitwear to her wardrobe can once again be seen to demonstrate these hidden depths. 

Eva wears a sage green Aran cardigan which features complex Aran stitches and decorative buttons, and we love this loose fitting style. Our Cropped Wool Aran Cardigan is a contemporary Aran design, with lantern sleeves and a cropped style for a light and stylish fit. It features six decorative buttons and a unique selection of moss, honeycomb and cable stitches in a gorgeous traditional pattern. It’s made from 100% Merino wool, and wool is a great choice throughout the year since it is a natural, organic fibre that allows the skin to breathe. You can choose from several stunning colours, including the striking Green Marl or the more muted Sage Marl that closely resembles Eva’s on-screen favourite, and you can style the cardigan up with jeans or formal trousers for a variety of looks to suit every occasion. 

Virgin River 

Virgin River is another cult TV show that makes great use of cosy sweaters to give depth to its characters. Virgin River follows Mel Monroe, a Nurse Practitioner who moves to the town of Virgin River from Los Angeles to embrace an entirely different lifestyle. In the course of beginning anew, Mel finds that there is a great deal of drama in small town life and the series unfolds as she develops relationships with the locals and finds out more about herself. It is renowned for being a comfort watch, and describes itself as ‘heartwarming’, which explains the connection with the Aran sweater, which is celebrated for its cosy appeal and is the epitome of comfort wear. 

Mel wears an oversized sweater that simply oozes comfort and our oversized sweaters capture the same relaxed vibe. The Women’s Oversized Wool Cashmere Aran Sweater is a gorgeous choice, combining comfort and style in this soft, heavyweight design. There are several colours options so you can find the perfect combination for every season, and you can wear this with skinny jeans or leggings or with a mini-skirt for the ultimate in retro style. 

In series two, Virgin River’s Hope dons a cosy cardigan with Celtic zipper, which is the spitting image of our stunning Hooded Coatigan with Celtic Knot Zipper Pull. We have a variety of colours including bright, warming winter shades and light, pastel shades that are perfect for the spring and summer months. The cable stitched design brings the traditional Aran look right up to date in this flattering, comfortable style that is ideal for layering up for after work drinks or a blustery walk on the beach. 

A Labour of Love 

Aran sweaters were hand knitted over the course of several weeks by family members who wanted to keep their loved ones warm and dry while they worked, and they remain a practical choice for the characters in our TV shows as well as for those of us who choose them for daily wear. Knitwear offers excellent insulating properties and protects against the rain so it is the perfect option for outerwear and provides versatile and stylish costume choices for every season and every occasion. 

The Queen’s Gambit and other classic shows that are set in the past make great use of Aran knitwear and Irish woollen garments in their costumes and they showcase many gorgeous sweaters and cardigans that remain popular today. Call The Midwife is a particularly atmospheric example of a show based in the 1950s and 60s that demonstrates the progression of time through its costumes, and this makes the timeless Aran sweater a good choice, allowing us to see it worn in many different ways throughout the years. 

Aran on Screen

The Aran sweater has risen from humble roots to become an iconic symbol of Irish heritage and a staple fashion choice in popular culture. As well as being worn by our favourite TV characters in the series that make headlines, we often see Aran sweaters and cardigans in films - especially during the festive season! Cameron Diaz makes a style statement in The Holiday, for example, with her selection of traditional knitwear that perfectly captures winter style, and the classic Aran sweater is often part of go-to outfits for men in modern films such as Knives Out. 

Next time you’re watching your favourite show, take a look at what the characters are wearing and see if you can spot some of our classic knitwear. The colours that echo the Irish landscapes and seascapes are carefully considered before these characters are dressed, and the idea that Aran knitwear represents the hidden depths of a character that initially appears shallow or cold is a fascinating one! It is interesting to consider whether the colours and patterns we love so well can reflect different aspects of the characters we get to know throughout these TV series, and we are very proud that the Aran sweater is such a popular choice. 

Traditional Irish Aran Sweaters

At Aran Sweater Market, we combine Irish heritage with contemporary style to bring you a beautiful range of sweaters, cardigans, wraps and scarves that feature traditional Aran stitching and pay homage to the communities of the Aran Islands who created these designs. Our Clan Aran range includes designs especially created for specific clan names in Ireland, and these are an extra special gift to connect with your roots. 

You can visit one of our stores across Ireland, located in the Aran Islands, Galway, Killarney and Dublin, and our range also includes a gorgeous selection of Celtic jewellery and tweed handbags that are created by skilled local craftspeople. We aim to preserve traditional Irish crafts for future generations to enjoy and we can’t wait to help you find your new favourites.