The Complete Guide to Irish Clothing

Irish clothing is known for warm fabrics, rich history, and strong cultural meaning. From old Celtic cloaks to modern streetwear, Irish style mixes tradition with practicality. This guide explains the history of Irish clothing, its famous garments, what people wear in Ireland today, and how to choose real Irish pieces.

1. A Short History of Irish Clothing

Irish clothing changed a lot over time, but some ideas stayed the same: warmth, comfort, and natural materials.

Early Irish Clothing

Early people in Ireland wore simple but useful clothes made from wool and linen.

Main early garments:

• Léine – a long linen tunic worn by both men and women

• Brat – a wool cloak worn over the shoulders

• Simple leather shoes and belts

These clothes kept people warm and dry in Ireland’s windy, rainy climate.

Medieval to 19th Century Clothing

Clothing was still practical but started to show social status.

People used:

• Thick wool cloaks

• Shawls for women

• Homespun linen shirts

• Local plant dyes for brown, yellow, blue, and green colours

Gaelic Revival

In the 1800s, there was a strong movement to protect Irish culture. Clothing became a symbol of identity, and old styles and craft skills became popular again. This helped keep items like Aran sweaters and Donegal tweed alive.

2. Famous Traditional Irish Garments

Ireland has several garments that are known around the world. Each item has a story and special look.

A. Aran Sweater

The Aran sweater is one of Ireland’s most loved garments.

Features:

• Made from thick wool

• Warm and water-resistant

• Hand-knitted with special stitches

Common stitch meanings:

B. Donegal Tweed

Donegal tweed is a traditional woven fabric from County Donegal.

What makes it special:

• Made from wool

• Small coloured flecks in the fabric

• Warm and long-lasting

Common items:

• Tweed jackets

• Tweed waistcoats

• Tweed skirts

• Flat caps

C. Irish Kilt

The Irish kilt is different from the Scottish kilt.

Irish kilt features:

• Usually one solid colour (often saffron, blue, or green)

• Worn for festivals, ceremonies, weddings

• Paired with hose, brogues, and a jacket

D. Shawls, Wraps and Cloaks

Shawls were very common, especially for women in rural areas.

Types:

• Galway shawl – thick, warm wool shawl

• Brat – old Celtic cloak

• Modern wool wraps used today

These pieces gave warmth and protection against wind and rain.

E. Traditional Accessories

Irish accessories complete the outfit.

Popular items:

• Flat cap (paddy cap)

• Celtic brooches

• Wool socks and scarves

• Claddagh or Celtic knot jewellery

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3. Main Fabrics Used in Irish Clothing

Ireland has a strong tradition of textile making. The country is famous for using natural fibres.

4. Irish Clothing and Culture

Clothing plays an important role in Irish identity.

Clothing is used to show:

• Connection to the land (colours, materials)

• Craft skills passed down for generations

• Celtic symbols and designs

• Pride during celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day

Traditional clothing is also used in:

• Folk music and dance shows

• Historical festivals

• Cultural parades

5. What Irish People Wear Today

Modern Irish clothing is simple, comfortable, and practical. Because of the weather, people dress in layers.

Everyday Irish Style

Common items people wear today include:

• Jeans or trousers

• Jumpers or hoodies

• Warm jackets or puffer coats

• Boots or comfortable sneakers

• Wool hats or scarves in winter

City vs. Countryside

Modern Irish Fashion Designers

Some well-known Irish brands are:

• Magee

• Ireland’s Eye Knitwear

• Inis Meáin

• Fisherman Out of Ireland

These brands often use traditional fabrics in modern styles.

Special Occasions

At weddings, graduations, or cultural events, people may wear:

• Tweed jackets

• Aran cardigans

• Irish kilts

• Celtic jewellery

6. What to Wear When Visiting Ireland

Ireland’s weather changes fast. A sunny morning can turn into a rainy afternoon. Because of this, layering is the best way to dress.

Layering System

Use three simple layers:

1. Base layer – cotton or merino shirt

2. Middle layer – fleece or wool sweater

3. Outer layer – waterproof coat or jacket

Season-by-Season Guide

Spring

• Light sweater

• Waterproof jacket

• Comfortable shoes

Summer

• T-shirts and light layers

• Light jumper for evenings

• Rain jacket (always needed)

Autumn

• Wool sweaters

• Boots

• Warm socks

• Scarf or hat

Winter

• Thick coat

• Gloves, hat, scarf

• Warm layers underneath

Packing List for Visitors

Essentials:

• Waterproof jacket

• Wool sweater

• Comfortable boots

• Umbrella

• Scarf and hat

• Jeans or trousers

What Not to Wear:

• Very thin clothes without layers

• Slippery high heels on cobblestones

• Clothes that cannot handle rain or wind

7. How to Choose Quality Irish Clothing

If you want to buy Irish clothing, look for signs of good quality.

How to Spot a Good Aran Sweater

• 100% wool

• Clear, even stitches

• Heavy, warm feel

• Made in Ireland label

How to Choose Donegal Tweed

Good tweed should:

• Have colourful flecks

• Feel firm but soft

• Be made in Donegal

• Have a strong weave

Sizing Tips

• Irish and European sizes may fit differently from U.S. sizes

• Always check size charts

• Sweaters may stretch slightly with wear

Avoiding Fake Items

Be careful with:

• Very cheap “Irish” sweaters

• Synthetic fabrics sold as “real wool”

• Souvenir shops selling mass-produced items

8. Irish Clothing for Costumes and Reenactments

Many people want to dress in old Irish styles for events or festivals.

Authentic costume pieces include:

• Léine (linen tunic)

• Brat (wool cloak)

• Leather belt

• Simple boots or shoes

For a modern festival look:

• Green clothing for St. Patrick’s Day

• Celtic brooches

• Aran sweaters or scarves

9. Sustainability in Irish Clothing

Ireland has a strong tradition of slow fashion, meaning clothes are made with care, not mass production.

Sustainable features:

• Local wool

• Hand-knitting

• Small weaving mills

• Natural dyes

• Long-lasting materials

Buying Irish-made clothing supports local craftspeople and keeps old skills alive.

10. Best Places to Buy Irish Clothing

In Ireland:

• Small local shops

• Craft markets

• Woollen mills

• Gift shops in Galway, Dublin, Kerry, and Donegal

Online:

Look for stores that:

• Use Irish wool

• Show where the product is made

• Include detailed product descriptions

Conclusion

Irish clothing is a beautiful mix of history, culture, and everyday comfort. Whether you are drawn to the strength of Donegal tweed, the warmth of the Aran sweater, or the charm of Celtic accessories, each item tells a story. Modern Ireland continues to blend old and new styles, creating clothing that is meaningful, practical, and timeless.

Irish clothing is not just fashion—it is a piece of Ireland’s heart, passed from one generation to the next.