Our top picks of homegrown sweaters…
We can all agree, the weather is pretty baltic at the moment. With freezing conditions across the country this week, and temperatures set to dip as low as -4C, we decided to round up a list of jumpers by Irish-owned brands that will keep you toasty….
Cayo
Cayo, an Irish company founded in 2021, makes luxury 100% alpaca wool sweaters using ethically sourced wool from Peru. Super-soft and long-lasing, each piece is designed by Limerick businesswoman Orla Daly and created by expert knitters in Italy. “Inline with our values our jumpers are season-less,” Orla says. “We promote slow fashion; we want you to get lots of wear out of our pieces.” The collection is stocked online here and also in Adare Manor and Kalu Boutique in Naas.
Walker & Hunt
Created by Westmeath man Luke Dully in 2019, Walker & Hunt is an Irish unisex brand that combines premium fabrics, luxe details and relaxed fits with a sophisticated/preppy-casual style. Whether you choose one of its understated hoodies, knitted 1/4 zips, or cable knits for you or the man in your life, it’ll be a very welcome plush addition to your wardrobe. Browse the collection here.
Human Collective
From cosy lux hoodies and half-zip sweatshirts, the Human Collective collection is made using sustainable fabrics and ethical practices while featuring an equal “=” symbol on every jumper to show your support for racial, LGBTQI+ and opportunity equality. In addition to this, €3 is donated to its three charity partners, Sports Against Racism Ireland, LGBT Ireland and The Irish Youth Foundation with every purchase. It was founded by Dubliner Conor Buckley, the son of campaigner Christine Buckley. Click here to shop.
Monaghans Cashmere
For a truly luxurious purchase that’ll stand the test of time, consider making an investment. Monaghans Cashmere was established in 1960 by Tom Monaghan and his late wife Teresa, with the goal to source and sell the finest quality cashmere and wool garments on the market, and they have been doing exactly that ever since. A family-run business to its core, Tom’s grandchildren have worked at the store and more recently modelled the new collection in the brands’ 2022 fashion shoot (above), photographed by Daragh O’Neil. Find out more on monaghanscashmere.ie.
Aran Woollen Mills
We love the Limited-Edition Newgrange Aran Collection (featuring this unisex sweater, above) from Mayo-based Aran Woollen Mills, a family-owned business that has been producing quality knitwear, designed and crafted by a network of knitters, weavers, embroiderers and craftspeople in the west of Ireland, since 1965. Inspired by and named after the ancient burial sites in Ireland, this sweater is made from incredibly soft 100% Merino wool, using traditional Honeycomb, Cable and Moss stitches but with a modern crew neck. Click here for more on the collection.
