The history of Inis Meáin knitting
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.
A brownish-grey tone runs through the cliffs and the dry stone walls. The blue of the sea and skies change depending on the weather. The same tones are woven into the Inis Meáin garments and inspire every new collection.
By the mid-20th century, a cottage industry had evolved, and most of the island’s women were supplementing their family income with knitwork.
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 the best Inis Meáin winter knitwear from HANSEN
One of the most popular pieces is the Deconstructed Aran Turtle Neck Knit in mesmerising electric blue colour. Aran knitting often features twists that weave around each other on the front of the garment, just like with this piece. These twists are for more than just decoration - they create air pockets in the wool, making the garment warmer yet comfortable to wear.
As for the turtle necks, Inis Meáin knitwear comes in various designs of this classic winter piece. The Double Collar Crew & Turtle Neck Knit, available in both white blue and yellow blue, is made of Merino wool and linen blend weaving together the two colours in plain stitching and the option to switch between a crew neck and turtleneck design.
Last but not least, the Boatbuilder Rib Knit Turtle Neck Sweater combines the best of traditional fishermen style. The sophisticated navy colour together with the traditional rib stitch and Merino wool and cashmere blend makes for the best winter garment, tested by Scandinavian coastal winds.
More masterpieces from Inis Meáin
Another amazing knit sweater that perfectly represents the original Irish fishermen culture is the Aran Cable Knit Sweater in blue off-white colour. This beautiful piece is made of a half-and-half cotton-linen blend, which makes it super comfortable to wear both as part of a layered outfit during winter, or as a simple shoulder sweater for summer evenings.
We also stock an Inis Meáin Classic Crew Neck Knitted Tunic made of 100% Alpaca wool for even better insulation and comfort. It’s a subtle and timeless design that references the garments islanders would wear on special occasions.
The trick is in the details
Inis Meain is one of the highest regarded Irish knitwear companies and is one of the most classic designers and suppliers of knitted goods around the world. At HANSEN, we stock a wide range of sweaters, cardigans and jumpers in the same decorated styles that the islanders have cultivated over generations.
The highest quality materials are joined by the attention to detail you can see in each garment and unique craftsmanship to create this special collection of modern knitwear of the coast of Galway.
The reasons to love Inis Meáin
Inis Meáin 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 story of each item is considered as well.
The Aran Islands carry a rich history of craftsmanship and tradition, something that the brand successfully captured in their garments. Irish culture is still full of surprises to be discovered and Inis Meáin is trying to represent the life of Ireland in their unique pieces.
Not only the tradition but also the materials used stay unchanged, reaching for the top-quality wool, cotton or linen blends to design their knitwear. Inis Meáin, or Inishmaan as for the name of the middle island of the three Aran Islands in Galway Bay, is a place that breathes tradition, but it is also a space for new beginnings.
Life moves forward here in an unprecedented direction and just like the island, Inis Meáin Knitting wants you to dare to set out on a new adventure. Their modern twist on a traditional design that you can see in every garment is why we fell in love with the brand.
Frequently asked questions about Inis Meáin
Where are Inis Meáin garments made?
Since its inception in 1976, Inis Meain garments are all designed and made on the middle island, Inis Meáin, of Aran Islands. The company itself is the most remote fashion label worldwide. Their base is a true heritage knitwear factory in Ireland and they plan on keeping it that way.
If you’d like to know more about the factory’s setting and the brand itself, the Inis Meain about page offers the entire story, revealing the island's secrets as well as the inspiration behind this authentic workwear.
How does Inis Meáin sizing compare to other brands?
Inis Meain stocks size 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 the Inis Meain review 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 Meáin 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 bred in Spain in the 12th century. Since then, Merino sheep have been reared to produce this special type of wool. Naturally, Inis Meain would use the highest quality materials to make their garments.
A few of the pieces that 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% Alpaca wool.
This type of wool does not come from younger animals but 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 Meáin?
Apart from their signature Aran Sweaters, knitwear accessories are also popular such as the Aran Inis Meáin scarf, Inis Meáin beanie, or Inis Meáin hat. Their website offers other styles from Inis Meain for sale.
