CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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They’ll warm the cockles of your heart – 6 of the best Cable Knit sweaters

Ahhh the nights are drawing in and its getting harder and harder to get up in mornings, Winter’s on its way and if your to believe the reports of those pesky weathermen and women, Sian Lloyd I’m talking about you its gonna get mighty cold in the coming weeks (and months). Now the style of knitwear for this season is none of this fine gauge light weight nonsense, Ohhh no. Its as though the Fashion houses around the world have been looking into their meteorological crystal balls and can see Winter 2013 is one for good and heavy old fashion Jumpers !

So we at Clothes Make the Man have searched far and wide for some of the best example of THE knitwear for the season, the knitwear in question being, the ‘Aran Jumper’ otherwise known as the ‘Cable knit Sweater’. Now there is an incredibly interesting, if not macabre, story behind this type of garment. Many moons ago the fishermen of the Aran Island, off the coast of Galway, Eire would get their good lady wives and mothers to knit them, fine sturdy jumpers to keep them warm and protect against those savage Atlantic conditions. Now the ladies would knit for their men folk jumpers but would add in intrinsic cable patterns onto them. So heres the interesting bit, every family who lived on the three main Islands which make up the Aran Islands, Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer would all alter their patterns, almost like having a family coat of arms. So if one of the fishermen were wash overboard, basically his body could be identified by the jumper, or more importantly, the pattern on his Aran Jumper, told you it was macabre !

So with thought still engrained on your minds check out 6 of the best examples, our finest retailers have to offer –

 

No Winter chills are gonna get past this bad boy from Reiss

No Winter chills are gonna get past this bad boy from Reiss

Keeping it nice and simple , this fine example with go with pretty much anything. It by Remus Uomo from House of Fraser

Keeping it nice and simple , this fine example with go will pretty much anything. Its by Remus Uomo from House of Fraser

 

Colour my life, there's no chance of going missing in the snow if you're wearing this knit by Paul Smith from MRPORTER.com

Colour my life, there’s no chance of going missing in the snow if you’re wearing this knit by Paul Smith from MRPORTER.com

Well you can't get more authentic then an actual Aran Sweater which is produced on the Aran Islands themselves. This is by Inis Meain for galvinformen.com

Well you can’t get more authentic then an actual Aran Sweater which is produced on the Aran Islands themselves. This is by Inis Meain for galvinformen.com

 

This is a great example of a cable knit from high Street favourite Burton.

This is a great example of a cable knit from high Street favourite Burton.

Channel your inner country gent in this wonderful Polo Ralph Lauren jumper

Channel your inner country gent in this wonderful Polo Ralph Lauren jumper from Matchesfashion.com

 

 

 

 

 

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Galvin-ising Menswear – Galvin for Men, No nonsense Menswear

Screen Shot 2013-09-30 at 16.34.29On our continuing quest to find great outlets for menswear on the world wide web, we came across this gem in Galvin for Men, an Irish based emporium with a no nonsense approach which is soooo refreshing. Their philosophy is simple, they believe in Quality products, Quality service and a Quality Platform on which to present on, what more could you ask for ?

They offer a real nicely curated buy of brands, supporting the specialist manufacturer while also offering some great global brands. They pride themselves on their balance between believing not only in great products and brands but also in reflecting fashion design and innovation. Of course you have the favourites of Hugo Boss, Polo Ralph lauren, Lyle & Scott Vintage, G-Star  and Tommy Hilfiger, but also products and labels of artisan craftsmanship and exceptional quality such as Inis Meain Knitwear, Nudie Denim jeans and Red Wing Boots.

Their Store based in Mulligar, Co Westmeath, Eire offers a laid back and down to earth attitude, where the customers are relaxed when browsing and the staff try to ensure you a  memorable shopping experience. They are on hand to offer assistance and sound  advice, plus you’re safe in knowing that because they know their customer so well, their product knowledge is first class. This service and knowledge was something that was forefront when the e-commerce site launched in 2011.

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