About urban aran

Urban Aran is an independent Irish knitwear brand based in Waterford, founded by Christine Murphy. The name “Urban Aran” encapsulates the essence of our brand and its unique inspirations. The term “Urban” reflects our deep appreciation for urban landscapes, where vibrant cityscapes, professional street art, and even the peeling paint on walls inspire our designs. We draw inspiration from the dynamic energy and colors found in urban environments, infusing them into our knitwear creations.

On the other hand, “Aran” pays homage to the rich heritage of Irish knitting. We hold a deep connection and profound respect for the intricate knitting traditions passed down through generations. The name is a nod to the renowned Aran knitting techniques, which showcase various unique stitches like cable, diamond, and honeycomb, each with its own symbolism and history. By blending urban influences with the time-honored craftsmanship of Irish knitting, Urban Aran brings together tradition and contemporary design in each and every piece.

Our collections embody a distinctive fusion of contemporary design and traditional Aran knitting techniques, showcasing sophisticated pure super soft merino creations. With our thoughtfully designed pieces, we empower individuals to embrace their unique style and express themselves creatively. Our commitment to slow fashion ensures that each garment is crafted with utmost care, allowing for longevity and reducing environmental impact.

We are committed to creating exceptional knitwear pieces using sustainable practices. Each garment is meticulously crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. We celebrate self-expression through our contemporary twist on traditional knitting techniques, resulting in pieces that exude individuality and character.

Proudly designed and made in Ireland, we honor the rich heritage of our talented artisans while contributing to local suppliers. 

Our Ethos

Knitwear has been a wardrobe essential for generations. And our aim is to redefine these every day classics with original designs, unique twists and cool detailing through top quality natural yarns. Every piece is completed with an outstanding quality of workmanship. 

We believe in slow fashion, designed and made for longevity. Our customers are not bound to seasonal trends. Sustainability, craftsmanship and provenance guide everything we make, and ensure the long-lasting appeal of our garments.

Why A Natural Fibre?

It is anything from a plant or an animal that can be spun into a filament of yarn. Natural fibres produce stunning fabrics, they knit and drape into a variety of soft and lustrous forms to deliver a luxuriously comfortable wear. Natural fibres are sustainable, carbon neutral and they biodegrade unlike acrylic or many other synthetic fibres.

Unlike man-made clothing, products made with natural fibres do not shed microbeads of non-biodegradable material when they are washed. Natural fibres are environmentally friendly.

LINEN

Linen is known as the world’s strongest natural fibre and more durable than cotton. The strength of the fibre directly contributes to the strength of the fabric the garment is made of. Thus, linen pieces are very long-lasting. Natural fibres are less energy intensive to produce than man-made yarns. Linen is breathable, allows air to move around freely and thus, releases moisture very fast. Linen clothing retains the heat from your body and releases the excess making you feel warm hence popular in winter as well as summer. Linen clothing is better for the environment because flax plant cultivation is by far more sustainable than that of cotton.

MERINO WOOL

For thousands of years sheep have evolved to withstand the harshest of conditions. A sheep’s wool protects them from the wind, rain and sun. Wool reacts to temperature, so it has the ability to keep you warm and it also wicks moisture, so it has the ability to remove heat and perspiration from your body to cool you down.  As wool is a living natural fibre it means that it contains odour removing bacteria, unlike polyester which attracts bad bacteria.

MuLESING FREE WOOL

As a natural fibre merino wool will break down to its natural base elements and not pollute our oceans. 

The wool that is purchased by Urban Aran is mulesing free meaning sheep are kept safe from insects in a non harmful way to the sheep.

This means we pay extra for our yarn but we believe it is a very worthy  consideration of animal welfare