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In this spirit of workwear chic, the Bleu de Chauffe Cancale sweater is a tribute to the history of the seaman’s sweater. Made in France from marine grade cotton with artisanal details, this sweater is the ideal mix between traditional clothing and contemporary style. The Cancale sweater fits with all styles and all seasons.

The quality of the certified cotton and the weight of the sweater make for guaranteed comfort and warmth both in winter and on cool summer evenings.

Port of Saint Malo

HISTORY:

The seaman’s sweater is an essential piece of traditional clothing for Breton fishermen.

Born in the 19th century, and worn from Cancale to St Malo, it was knitted from pure new wool by sea fishermen’s wives. 

An indispensable item for fishermen taking to the waves, the Seaman’s Sweater was designed to provide protection from the cold, the wind, the rain, and the storms that fishermen are exposed to when they go to sea. 

With or without buttons, plain or striped, the seaman’s sweater has spanned the ages, from being a sweater for sea fishermen to the official uniform of the national navy, and now a genuine fashion essential of the masculine wardrobe – an iconic piece of the workwear wardrobe

THE CANCALE SWEATER, AN EXCEPTIONAL PIECE:

Comfortable and chic, the seaman’s sweater is an essential traditional item reinvented by Bleu de Chauffe to give it an elegant, contemporary look in the spirit of workwear. This remarkable quality, outstanding piece is made to last for many seasons, for many years, like the sweaters of old.

A beaded rib stitch knit with a double yarn, a hand-grafted collar, the perfect raw material – high-quality certified cotton – and carefully hand-finished details.

The Cancale sweater, made in France by Bleu de Chauffe, is an original piece, a must-have item for the masculine wardrobe. 

Men's sailor sweater
The seaman's sweater

THE MATERIALS,

EXCEPTIONAL FEEL AND WEIGHT

For optimal comfort and a durable item that lasts throughout the seasons, Bleu de Chauffe sweaters are made from 100% OEKO-TEX® One certified cotton. The beaded rib knit prevents stretching and improves the shape (5% elasticity compared with 30% for a sweater knitted using a classic stitch). Its marine-grade weight (1.3kg/m2) makes it sturdy and long-lasting – a genuine heirloom piece.

Men's sailor sweater manufacture

A MARINE-GRADE SWEATER,

INCOMPARABLE SIMPLICITY AND STYLE

We have developed and tested the Cancale sweater to make sure it is cozy and warm at 18 degrees Celsius and below, and also comfortable, warm, and breathable for those cool summer evenings. Whether in autumn or spring, it is a must-have companion, a feel-good piece for a stylish, modern look. It can also be worn with a more elegant outfit, under a jacket or coat in winter. The Cancale sweater is a sweater like no other, unique in the quality of the finish down to the smallest details, with an understated simplicity that epitomizes French elegance. 

Navy blue sailor sweater
Cancale sweater
Cutting the sailor sweater pattern before manufacturing

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE DETAILS:

 

The Cancale sweater is knitted in the traditional way using a beaded rib stitch.

This hand-finished piece is as comfortable to wear as a sweatshirt.

 

Cut: We have changed the shape of the traditional super-tight seaman’s sweater to make the Cancale sweater more spacious and comfortable. The wide, straight cut gives the Cancale sweater a casual chic look.

Collar: A round, slightly raised collar, grafted using a traditional technique to make it more resistant, and exceptional finishing details. The neck opening has been designed to make it easier to put on and take off, and for total comfort. 

Sleeves: The sleeves have been adjusted to make them wider for freedom of movement. They are finished with a wide cuff to ensure the sleeves stay up, like the traditional seaman’s sweater. The weave has a unique geometric pattern to mark the border between the sleeve and the cuff rib.

Welt: The wide ribbed band at the waist gives it a perfect shape, and has a unique geometric pattern that highlights the border between the sweater and the waistband.

A SWEATER MADE IN FRANCE

 

SAVOIR FAIRE, STANDOUT MANUFACTURING

 

The Cancale sweater is 100% made in France by a family-run knitting business near Cherbourg in Normandy. A stone’s throw from the sea and the ocean spray, our renowned partner workshop has been making fisherman’s sweaters for several generations. They put their exceptional skill to use for internationally-famed fashion houses. Classed as a French Living Heritage Company (EPV), this workshop has been working to preserve exceptional skills and 100% French manufacturing for over fifty years.

making a men's sailor sweater on a knitting machine
Knitting the sailor sweater in a workshop in France

RESPONSIBLE MANUFACTURING,

A MORE PEOPLE-CENTERED VISION, PRODUCING MORE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS IN A BETTER WAY

Thanks to its 100% French manufacturing, Bleu de Chauffe limits the number of miles travelled and therefore reduces their environmental impact. We also work in our local area, creating jobs and using local suppliers wherever possible. Our approach ensures that local savoir faire is preserved and allows for better control of the entire value chain.  

  • Seaman sweater

    $ 206.25
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