How to Choose a Sailor Sweater? Complete Guide

A true symbol of the sea, the sailor sweater , also called a marinière sweater, is a timeless classic of clothing for men, women and even children. Originally, these sweaters were worn by Breton garlic merchants and fishermen who went to sell their products in England. Called “chandail” at the time, these sweaters made of tight knit and worn very close to the body allowed them to stay warm and brave the cold and storms during their sea voyages.

Then taken up by the Navy to dress sailors, the sailor sweater has now become a chic, sober and trendy sweater worn by everyone, all over the world.

The sailor sweater has become over the years a must-have in French fashion and ready-to-wear . Today, it is available in several colors, several cuts and several varied styles to suit all tastes. Today's sailor sweater also has a buttonhole . These are three buttons placed on the left shoulder to make the sweater easier to put on.

 

You want to buy a sailor sweater, but given the many models that exist today you don't know which one to go for? La Baie des Caps will help you choose to ensure you choose a quality sailor sweater that will suit you perfectly. Follow our advice and enjoy the chic and elegant style of a sailor sweater.

A plain or striped sailor sweater: which one to choose?

Originally, the striped sailor sweater was intended for Navy sailors while the plain sailor sweater was worn by officers. Today, this difference is nothing more than a difference in style.

 

Striped models are of course the most famous and authentic. There are many different variations of shapes and colors for a striped sweater. For example, if you want to wear a classic sailor sweater, nothing beats the blue and white horizontal stripes that will remind you of the sea, the ocean and will remain faithful to the history of the garment. You will thus benefit from the original and chic style of the sailor sweater.

Do you prefer to play on originality and adapt to trends? Then you can very well go for striped models in a wide variety of colors that you will have no trouble finding.

Regarding the shapes of the stripes, we advise those with a larger build to opt for thin stripes that will avoid making your silhouette look too short. On the other hand, for those with a thinner and slender build, it would be better to opt for wider stripes .

 

Are you not interested in stripes? Or maybe you already have a striped sailor sweater and you want to change your style? Then the plain-colored sailor sweater will suit you better. In this case, choose a navy blue sailor sweater to stay authentic and be able to combine it with many clothing styles. Of course, you will have the opportunity to choose a plain sailor sweater in different shades of blue or opt for different colors according to your tastes and desires.

 

 

The sailor sweater is an essential piece to have in your wardrobe. Plain or striped, it will easily match your other clothes to enjoy a variety of styles. Chic, trendy and elegant, the sailor sweater is a true classic of French fashion for men, women and children.

What material should you choose for a quality sailor sweater?

Beyond the style and the different models that exist today, one essential criterion should not be overlooked when choosing your sailor sweater: the quality of the fabric .

You should then choose a sailor sweater made with quality material .

Wool is undoubtedly the most common material for making sailor sweaters and is ideal for keeping warm during the winter. In summer, you can also opt for a cotton sailor sweater which will be more comfortable.

We therefore advise you not to choose Breton sweaters made from synthetic materials such as polyester.

To be sure to choose a quality sailor sweater, also check the knit of the latter. Choose a tight knit and weave that will prevent your sweater from relaxing over the years. You will thus have the chance to keep it for many, many years.

Do you want to enjoy optimal quality for your sailor sweater? Beyond the knits and weaving, consider choosing Breton brands , renowned for their quality, their know-how and whose products are manufactured and knitted in workshops in Brittany in a traditional way. A 100% Made in France sailor sweater will also allow you to support French production and reduce pollution!

 

At La Baie des Caps , our sailor sweaters are made with a noble and natural material: virgin wool . This material is well insulating and regulates heat . You will also find on our site sailor sweaters made of 50% merino wool which guarantees you softness, comfort and durability. With La Baie des Caps, you will enjoy a sailor sweater in wool with a full and tight knit that does not pill, does not relax and can therefore accompany you for decades.

With our selection of sailor sweaters, contemplate the sea without being bothered by the cold or the wind!

What cut should you choose for a sailor sweater?

What's better than a sailor sweater to stay warm and stylish during your walks by the sea and always be chic and trendy when you go out in town?

The sailor sweater is a timeless and classic garment that you will never be able to do without. Simple, trendy, casual, chic, it will go perfectly with many different looks and will quickly become your favorite sweater.

You now know that one of the most important criteria for choosing your sailor sweater is to choose one made from a quality material: wool. And more particularly 100% wool with a full and tight knit for optimal quality.

But, beyond the quality and the material, the choice of your sailor sweater will also be based on its cut. There are 2 cuts that you will find everywhere for men, women and children:

• Fitted Cut ;
• Comfort Fit .

The fitted cut, as its name suggests, allows you to enjoy a close-fitting wool sweater that will enhance your figure. A cut that will adapt to your body shape.

Otherwise, opt for the comfort cut, looser and more relaxed , in order to enjoy greater freedom of movement.

You will see that you will also have the choice between different types of collars for your knitted sailor sweater:

• The V-neck;
• The round neck;
• The boat neck.

If you want to proudly wear a most authentic and classic sailor sweater with jeans or chinos, opt for a boat neck . Indeed, this was the original neckline worn by sailors.

For a more elegant and classy style when going out, such as to dinner, opt for a round neck paired with jeans, checked pants or a suit, for example.

Do you prefer a more casual style? Then choose a V-neck sailor sweater . It will be perfect in summer.

Which knit should you choose for a sailor sweater?

A sailor sweater, to be of quality and remain authentic, must be durable and warm . So, if the sailor sweater you find is not made with full knit, move on.

Choose a full and tight knit . The full knit is a soft, elastic and resistant knit that will give your sweater a long life and will allow you to always stay warm. The tight knit, on the other hand, is a dense and robust knit that ensures better resistance for your wool sailor sweater that you can keep with you for many years.

At La Baie des Caps, you will also discover some models of sweaters designed in fine knit . Lighter, these sweaters are more suited to city life and summer outings.

What you need to know when choosing a sailor sweater

By following our various tips, you will now be able to effectively choose your sailor sweater.

When it comes to material, you can't afford to miss out. The sailor sweater you choose must absolutely be made with a noble material such as pure wool, 50% merino wool or cotton in order to enjoy a real quality sailor sweater.

For the rest, everything will depend on your tastes, your preferences and the look you want to sport. A round or V-neck, a striped or plain sailor sweater, a comfortable or fitted cut, take the time to choose what will suit you best for your beautiful walks by the sea or your outings in town.

 

For even more style and comfort, La Baie des Caps recommends that you pair your sailor sweater with a scarf. navy and/or a hat marine in pure wool when it is very cold. You will discover on our site a wide choice of sailor hats made of wool with full and thick knit as well as a selection of scarves including our navy scarf knitted in full knit and made of 50% merino wool.

Discover without further delay our selection of sailor sweaters for men, women and even children!