New An Post stamp showcases Mayo's Aran Woollen Mills sweater

An Post is launching two new stamps celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Aran Jumper, with Westport's Aran Woollen Mills creating a bespoke sweater for a post box in the town as part of the promotional campaign. 

The stamps will be on sale from tomorrow (Thursday 19 February) and the Aran Jumper stamp collection features two designs. The N stamp for postage within Ireland features the Aran jumper in mid-knit, with needles and wool.

The W stamp for worldwide postage illustrates a completed garment, showcasing Irish craftsmanship to the world.

Locals in Westport may have noticed that the post box beside the Clock was especially well-dressed in an Aran sweater and Beret last week.

Vincent Hughes of Aran Woollen Mills beside the Aran jumper-clad post box in Westport 

This was because Westport-based Aran Woollen Mills will feature prominently in the launch and were filmed as part of the promotional campaign around the new stamp collection.

The custom-made Aran sweater and beret were designed by Aran Woollen Mills designer Bronagh O’Connor.

Vincent Hughes of Aran Woollen Mills tells The Mayo News that seeing the Aran sweaters on the stamps is “a fantastic recognition of the heritage and cultural value it provides and it’s part of the uniqueness that Ireland is.”

It caps a busy two weeks for the company as they were also the official knitwear supplier of the Irish Olympic team at the Winter Olympics in Milan.

Vincent says everyone at Aran Woollen Mills was delighted to see the Irish team wearing their sweaters and it was ‘a proud moment. ’

This latest An Post stamp issue celebrates sustainability, with Aran jumpers offering a long-lasting alternative to fast fashion.

They are made with 100% wool, natural, biodegradable product, making them a timeless garment, offering something old and new.

Designed to last, Aran jumpers can be repurposed and repaired, supporting the circular economy in return.

In addition, the famous Irish garments are also water-repellent and can absorb 18% of their weight in water before feeling wet, a must-have with recent Irish weather conditions.

Vincent Hughes agrees and tells The Mayo News that Aran jumpers have become increasingly popular with customers who are looking for sustainable clothing as they are biodegradable, renewable and sustainable.

Aran Woollen Mills is a Mayo company, based in Westport. It has been in business since 1965 and employs 120 people in manufacturing across its Westport and Belmullet facilities.

It sells internationally to fifteen countries and across all channels, including retail, television, internet and B2B.

Commenting on the launch of the Aran Jumper stamps, Julie Gill, Commercial Marketing Director, Mails & Parcels at An Post, said:

“The Aran jumper has always been one of the most prized garments in Irish households. This stamp issue celebrates the heritage of islands that are rich in culture and storytelling.

"It also recognises the enduring love and attention Aran jumpers continue to receive from the global fashion industry, renewed once more by people looking for sustainable and long-lasting fashion.

"At An Post, supporting SMEs is at the heart of everything we do: we are working continuously to support small businesses dedicated to Irish knitwear, promoting Irish craft and sustainable fashion to reach new, international audiences.”

This latest stamp issue is available to purchase online here and in selected post offices nationwide.