@mikemonnette Yes this is a grandpa sweater but a guy only needs so many crewnecks, and I plan on owning this one until I actually am a grandpa. Wool sweaters are amazing. Wool is naturally odor resistant, durable, warm, and more sustainable to produce than many other materials on the market today. The downside is that they can also be pricey, which is why buying from a company that’s closer to the source is a great way to find a more alternative option. Check out the brands/websites listed below to find the perfect wool sweater to live out your fisherman or eclectic grandpa fantasies. -arancrafts.com -theirishstore.com -glenaran.com -Aran.com -aranwoolenmills.com @aranwoollenmills -@peregrineuk peregrineclothing.co.uk– a British brand that uses British wool, but similar concept and wonderful products #woolsweaters #sweaterseason #eclecticgrandpa #cottagecore #mensstyle #menswear #mensfashion #wool #irish #sweater #sweaterweather #menswearblogger ♬ original sound - Mike
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Ireland, and while the scenery was breathtaking, what really caught my attention was the cottage industry around wool products. In every town we visited, stores were selling locally made clothes crafted from locally sourced materials. The whole experience was eye-opening, especially when you realize how inefficient modern clothing production can be compared to what’s happening in these small Irish towns.
Imagine this: a cozy sweater made from the wool of a herd of sheep in the next town over. It’s sustainable, efficient, and it shows in the price. During my trip, I snagged a gorgeous shawl cardigan made from 100% Merino wool for just $125. In contrast, a comparable sweater in the American market—likely made halfway around the world from who-knows-where wool—could easily cost you twice that.
The best part? You don’t have to hop on a plane to get your hands on one of these high-quality, fairly priced sweaters. Many of these small Irish brands have websites where you can order directly from the source. While some of the sites may look a bit old-school in design, don’t let that fool you—the product itself is excellent. Plus, the sizing is surprisingly short-guy friendly. I picked up a medium, and the length was just right for me.
The brand I went with is called “Aran Crafts,” but there are plenty of other options to explore. I’ve listed a few below for you to check out.
Why Wool Sweaters Are Worth It
Wool sweaters are fantastic for so many reasons. Wool is naturally odor-resistant, durable, warm, and more sustainable to produce than many of the synthetic fabrics commonly used in today’s fast fashion. The only downside? Wool sweaters can be pricey, but that’s where cutting out the middleman comes in.
By buying directly from small, local brands that are closer to the source, you’re not only supporting ethical, sustainable practices but also getting a better deal.
Where to Shop
Here are a few websites where you can find the perfect wool sweater to live out your fisherman or eclectic grandpa fantasies:
- arancrafts.com
- theirishstore.com
- glenaran.com
- aran.com
- aranwoolenmills.com
- peregrineclothing.co.uk– a British brand that uses British wool, but similar concept and wonderful products
Whether you're looking for something cozy for the winter months or a timeless piece to add to your wardrobe, a wool sweater is a smart and stylish choice. And by buying directly from smaller, closer-to-the-source producers, you’ll be getting the best of both quality and price.