West End Knitwear100% Irish Merino Wool Ladies Hooded Aran Zip Sweater Coat by West End Knitwear

I originally said I loved this sweater. That was before I realized that it smelled like dirty sheep. It was acrid and so overpowering that I could smell it across the room. I washed it. That removed some of the odor, but not enough to wear it. I aired it out, in the sun. In an hour, it had started to fade. The zipper won't work - the end piece gets stuck in the connector and it won't slide. I wanted to dry clean it but the label said not to. I contacted the seller who said he would check about that. He got back to me a couple of times, saying only that he was still waiting on the maker to respond. After several months of just hanging in the closet, the smell has diminished some, but not enough to wear it., So, this is winter and I am cold. I bought this sweater to keep me warm, but it seems that I have wasted $100 because I can't wear it, Too bad, because I really wanted to like it. And I'm going to have to give the seller a bad review too. The last time I heard from him was about a month ago.

I chose the size according to other reviewers, and what I received is a perfect fit. I wear anywhere between a med-large (12) and x-large (16) shirt (depending on drape and material used, etc.). Sweaters made for wearing over clothing require a little extra room, and this provides just enough without drowning the wearer. Sleeve length could be a bit longer, but it's not a big issue.As for the smell: I think it's somewhat like leather, and, to me, not offensive in the least.The construction seems well made, except I'm not familiar with the double-pull zipper. I assume you just use the top one, but that means you have to pull it on over your head, instead of opening it all the way.The wool might be scratchy if wearing it right next to my skin, but that's not the intended use.I bought it for an upcoming trip, so I haven't used it yet (weather here is still in the 90s F, so can't really test), and therefore, can't tell yet how warm or cozy this will turn out to be. I'll update this review if I think further information is needed in that regard.

I wear this type of sweater around the house all winter. And every time I need to buy a new one, I have to search for a new brand. It’s always a risk, but this one is really nice so I’m happy:)PROS: Well made and warm. Free shipping from Ireland with my Amazon Prime. Great hood — I have to have a hood. Just the right size for me (large was suggested size and would have been perfect. I ordered x-lg because I wear it around the house.)CONS: Merino wool is soft, though not as soft as lambs wool. The zipper is a little hard to get started. I like four pockets in these sweaters, but this only has two.Minor issues overall and I’m sure this sweater will serve me well for a season or more.

I was prepared for some of the negative potentials I read earlier so I opened a corner and sniffed. Just fine. I'm a super sniffer and it did not have a strong sheep or animal smell but it didn't smell like acrylic either, thank God. I pulled it out and it was softer than I expected but then I wear wool. In fact, it was like the silk of good wools to me... It's a double zipper. No matter what, those are difficult but worth it. I often put them where I want them and leave them and it becomes a pull over... The top always works well, it's getting the two pieces lined up and holding still. Now all it has to do to make me thrilled is not ball up in a day.

I wear a size 12 and usually buy a large but after reading the comments I bought the medium and I am glad I did. It fits perfectly. I like the way the sweater covers my bottom, the sleeve length is perfect and the pockets make it feel cozy. Now for a few downers: The sweater has a chemical smell to it - surprising since it is made of wool - it's not a strong odor, but it's there. The zipper is made of lesser quality and doesn't zip smoothly. Every time I have zipped it, it gets stuck, either up or down, but it eventually gives. Not exactly the high quality I was expecting for paying over $100 for this. I am hoping the smell goes away and the zipper becomes easier over time.

This is really a beautiful handcrafted sweater and had a soft, luxurious feel. I am 5'7" and weight 148#. I ordered a large because I intended to wear this as a coat over my "indoor" clothing. The large was not just a little bit too big, I was swimming in it, and yet the sleeves were a little too short. The sweater is stretchy, as noted by other reviewers, so I was able to easily tug the sleeves down to where I wanted them (but would they stay?). I considered exchanging the large for a small, but chose to do a simple return as I was concerned the sleeves would be even shorter. I regretted giving it up as it is a very high quality garment.

I purchased this as a Christmas gift for myself a week before Christmas and the seller promised delivery on Christmas Eve. It was delivered as promised. I Typically wear a 10 or 12 petitie jacket and I ordered the medium that fits perfectly. If you plan to layer with another sweater, I'd go up a size. The sleeves come to the middle of my hand and the length of the sweater is finger tip length on my 5'1" frame. The sweater is very comfortable to wear, not heavy or confining and the wool is soft to the touch. Quality workmanship and very good 2 way zipper also. The style is flattering and not bulky looking. I highly recommend this sweater and this seller.

I am 5’9 and the XL was still a little too short. But I decided to live with that because I liked the sweater. The zipper was a constant challenge and required frequent graphite to make it zip properly. But I decided to live with that because I liked the sweater.What I can’t live with is having is shrink drastically, even though I followed instructions and used cold water on a hand wash cycle (the only approved method of cleaning). No amount of lay flat to dry or even trying to stretch it back out ever worked.I probably got my money’s worth of use out of it over the last year before I finally broke down and had to clean it. But, I would never buy one again.

I thought it was perfect but my daughter felt it was too long for her

Really a great sweater- durable, warm, the green is an awesome colour, and my wife loves it.I’m glad I ordered an XS, S would’ve been baggy on her (she’s 5’ tall, about 110 pounds, has a lithe, nicely proportioned, athletic build). It’s a little longer than I’d thought it would be but that’s not a negative.Due to it being wool my wife wears a thin long sleeve underneath so her skin doesn’t get irritated. She enjoys the warm, cozy feeling- our lil’ Tabby Cat approves as well, he snuggles right in and dozes off when my wife wears it.

This is third coat that I have purchased in this style. The coat is very warm, has a sturdy zipper and pockets and a hood. I bought the last one for my sister as a birthday gift and she loved it. It's a very unique coat. It has a wonderful design. I love that it's not worn by everyone, it's a classic that will last for years if you pay attention how to care for it. I would give this coat 10 stars of I could.

I already bought two sweater coats, so I knew this seller was reliable, their products top notch. This was a Xmas gift, I watched as my friend open, rave, try it on ~ it looked fabulous, fit was perfect (M) on her. Such casual eloquence! You won't be disappointed! I bought a second sweater coat, (one button style, 2 colours offered) for my Sis. I was thrilled @ Xmas to discover she bought me the red one button cardigan, I love it!

This sweater just fits - I ended up sizing up to a large in order to have enough room to wear it over clothing as a coat (I’m 5’3”, 125 lbs and although the medium fit me with T-shirt under it, I went with the large for a roomier fit). Excellent quality, love the double zipper and pockets!