The Aran sweater first emerged in the early part of the twentieth century. Sometimes its said that the modern Aran sweater came from earlier and less intricate designs, it’s an interesting debate, but there no doubt that it has had a profound effect on the Aran's evolution. The island people call them the Irish word ‘ganseys’, which were hand knitted for the fishermen on the islands. The sweaters had to be suitable for severe weather that fishermen encountered on the island and while out at sea. In recent years the government provided training in knitting and home made manufacturing for the island women. This meant that they could combine their already developed talent with some new artistic patterns, the result was the modern Aran sweaters. Aran sweaters have a unique quality, look, feel and history in a time where high street fashion has lost all its tradition. Some people wear the sweater to remind them of simpler ways of life, although some might say tougher times.