SAILOR SWEATER

The marine sweater is a local tradition.

Utility, it is originally knitted by the companions of Breton sailors. From the XVIII century onwards, manufacturing techniques allowed for a tighter, almost waterproof knit It aims to withstand wind, rain and storms. For the sailors of Cancale, Granville, and Saint-Malo, it quickly established itself as an armor.

From Brittany, the sea sweater gradually spreads to all of France and then to the whole world. Its usefulness and solidity make it a timeless and portable garment by all. The choice of wool is obvious, providing warmth and comfort. Two types are used: virgin wool, historical and rough, and merino wool, whose long, thin fibers create softness. These sweaters are knitted close to the body.

A button-down leg is on each sweater, making wearing easier. She’s not from Brittany, she’s from Scotland. Some knits are plain, others striped, the latter making it easier to save a man from the sea. This distinction also marks the hierarchy. Where sailors wear striped sweaters, officers prefer uni.

The navy sweater is one of those clothes that are both cult and solid.

Serge Gainsbourg Jane Birkinet et Kate Barry Normandie 1970

GAINSBOURG. Serge, BIRKIN, Jane. Normandy, France. 1971. 

Jeune-marin-par-Denise-Colomb-Finistere-1950

COLOMB, Denise, phot. Young sailor. Finistère, France. 1950.

Eric-Tabarly-a-bord-du-Pen-Duick-VI-1976

TABARLY, Eric. aboard the Pen Duick VI. 1976. 

  • COOPER X 12
    « Dressed up like a million-dollar trouper/Tryin’ hard to look like Gary Cooper/Super Duper – Puttin’ on the Ritz »
  • OUTER POCKETS
    « It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution that sewn-on pockets, and pockets hidden within the lining, became standard in clothing… »
  • INNER POCKETS
    « They are designed to meet the needs and habits of the wearer, evolving over time to accommodate changing lifestyles. »
  • STRIPES: PIN, PENCIL, CHALK, AND ROPE
    « A variety of the ‘pinstripe’ often found in shirt cloth but rarely in suit cloth is the ‘pencil stripe’ »
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