The Inis Meáin Knitting Company was founded on the island in 1976 by Tarlach de Blácam and Áine Ní Chonghaile. The goal of the small factory, which had only six knitting machines, was to create jobs for young islanders. Take a look at photographs of the island and you will identify the same tropes which are woven throughout the clothes. It is a place of rough and rugged beauty. A brownish-grey tone runs through the cliffs and the dry stone walls. The blue of the sea and skies changes dependent on the weather. The same tones are woven into the Inis Meáin garments.By the mid-20th century, a cottage industry had evolved, and most of the island’s women were supplementing their family income with knit work. The company continues today as a globally-renowned brand, blending the heritage of the island into pieces worn around the world carrying the Inis Meáin name.
Buy Inis Meáin knitwear from HANSEN
Inis Meain is not only one of the highest regarded, Irish knitwear companies, but is one of the most classic designers and suppliers of knitted goods worldwide. Here at HANSEN, we stock a range of their cardigans and jumpers, all of which are in the same decorated styles that the islanders have cultivated over generations. First of all, we have the Deconstructed Aran Turtle Neck. When a design is referred to as Aran, that means that it follows the traditional style of the island and so, is very complex. Aran knitting often features twists which weave around each other on the front of the garment, just like with this piece. They are there for more than just decoration -- they also create air pockets in the wool, making them warmer to wear. As the name suggests, this piece uses the Aran patterns as inspiration but takes a more subtle approach. The patterns in the wool lie flat for the most part, making it more wearable on an everyday basis. We stock this style in beige and electric blue.
Next, we have the Double Collar Crew and Turtle Neck. This piece weaves together two colours in a plain stitch. It also blends together two distinct styles as it features a crew neck with a turtle neck on top. The collar stands up relaxedly, making it fan out on the wearer. We stock this style in two colourways. They are yellow blue and white blue. We also stock an Inis Meain Classic Cable Crew Neck. This piece is done in the trellis cable knit style, meaning that twists cross over one another like diamonds. It’s a subtle and timeless design which references the garments islanders would wear on special occasions. The Inis Meain Boat Builder is a favourite amongst followers of the brand. This garment is a rib knit turtleneck sweater which we stock in green and navy. The style was originally developed to keep people warm when out fishing but to be flexible enough to work in too. These are the styles that islanders prized.
To provide a rich and textural colouring to the pieces, they are made with Inis Meain donegal yarn. This means that two complementary colours are twisted together, flecking the material. The effect is beautiful. Inis Meain’s Boatbuilder style also uses 30% cashmere wool to help really make the piece warm to wear. We also stock cardigan or zip-up styles, such as the Storm Knitted Jacket and Moss Stitch Knitted Zipper Cardigan. You may not expect it, but these styles are carried from the deep traditions of the islands too. The Storm Jacket, for example, features extra layers of knit on the shoulders for added warmth and protection from harsh weather. It’s beautiful to consider the practical elements of each piece and understand why they have been designed the way they are.This brand could be considered as something to be cosy in, as formal wear or luxury. The highly decorated styles are a wonderful, rich part of any outfit, especially when the history of each item is considered as well.
Commonly asked questions about Inis Meáin
How do you pronounce Inis Meain?
The Inis Meain pronunciation is difficult for those who aren’t Irish. The spelling in English is Inishmaan which is an easier phonetic prompt for those without Irish heritage.
Where are Inis Meain garments made?
As has been the case since the brand began in the mid 20th century, Inis Meain garments are all designed and made on the island. They even pride themselves as the most remote fashion label worldwide. Their base is a true, heritage knitwear factory in Ireland and they plan on staying this way. If you’d like to know more about the factory’s setting, the Inis Meain Knitwear Instagram showcases brilliant photography of the island. From looking at these photos, it’s also plain to see just how much the natural setting informs the tones and textures weaved through the garments.
How does Inis Meain sizing compare to other brands?
Inis Meain stocks sizes S - XXL. Sizing depends on how you like your knitwear to fit. Of course, wool can stretch. If you like a tighter fit, a smaller size might be necessary. Loose fit knitwear works very well too. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to look out for Inis Meain reviews online. That way, you can hear first hand from other buyers which sizes worked for them. Or, you can come and look in our physical retail store to try items on.
What sort of wool does Inis Meain use?
Almost all Inis Meain knitwear is made out of 100% Merino wool. This type of wool is thought to be the softest and finest. It comes from the Merino breed of sheep which was breeded in Spain in the 12th century. In fact, the monopoly Spain had on this high-quality, world-renowned wool seriously contributed to their economic development in the centuries afterwards.Since then, Merino sheep have been reared to produce this special type of wool. It’s natural that Inis Meain would use the highest quality materials to make their garments. A few of the pieces this Irish sweater brand produces are made out of other types of wool as well. For example, their Boiled Baby Alpaca Tunic is made from 100% baby alpaca wool. This type of wool does not come from younger animals but from the softest part of the alpaca, their chests. It is desirable because it is silky, light-weight, and naturally water and flame resistant.
What other styles are popular from Inis Meain?
Apart from the designs here at HANSEN, the Inis Meain Pub Jacket is a particular favourite. This design is made up of linen knitted together as a jacket. This combination of styles and materials gives this piece a unique look. It scales the balance between something that could be prized as formal wear or much-loved as a casual item. Knitwear accessories are also popularly such as the Inis Meain scarf, Inis Meain beanie, or other Inis Meain hats. Their website offers other styles from Inis Meain for sale.
