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 waterproofwhich by nature or by treatment is not permeable, cannot be 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 woolcontinuous growth fiber of animal origin (alpaca, camel, Kas 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.
GAINSBOURG. Serge, BIRKIN, Jane. Normandy, France. 1971.
COLOMB, Denise, phot. Young sailor. Finistère, France. 1950.
TABARLY, Eric. aboard the Pen Duick VI. 1976.
- THE DOUBLE-BREASTED SUIT
« He had on a double-breasted suit of the type then known as the pillbox; it was chalk-striped, pink on blue » - LAPELS
« Trends in lapel size often mirror the economic climate: during World War II, lapels initially became smaller due to fabric shortages » - 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 liningfabric that is used inside a garment, became standard in clothing… »