The wool sailor sweater and the marinière are iconic garments that have a long and fascinating history. This style was popularized by French sailors in the 19th century and is now a must-have in men's fashion. A workwear, a uniform and then a fashion item! The crazy history of the marinière and the sailor sweater never ceases to amaze you. In this article, we will explore the history of these two iconic pieces.
Sailor sweater or striped sweater, what are the differences?
The sailor sweater and the striped sweater are two garments that have long been associated with nautical fashion and were very popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Although these two garments have a similar appearance and are often confused with each other, they actually have some notable differences.
The sailor sweater is a knitted woolen garment with a blue and white horizontal striped or solid pattern, often worn by sailors and military personnel. It is originally crew-necked and long-sleeved, and is designed to be warm and comfortable, making it a popular choice for winter. The sailor sweater is often considered a casual garment, but can also be worn more formally when paired with dress pants and smart shoes. Its cut can be fitted or comfort, although the primary purpose of the sailor sweater is to not weigh down its wearer.
The marinière, on the other hand, is a short-sleeved top with blue and white horizontal stripes, usually worn over a white t-shirt. The marinière is often associated with the fashion of the 1950s and 1960s, and has become a symbol of popular culture thanks to its use by many artists and celebrities. The marinière is generally considered a casual garment and is often worn with jeans or canvas pants. It is much less thick than the wool sailor sweater and is therefore less warm.
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The history of the wool sailor sweater
The sailor's sweater is a local tradition that dates back to the 18th century. Originally knitted by the companions of Breton sailors, it was then derived and taken up all over France. Initially, it was a work garment, essential and useful. It allowed sailors, thanks to its tight knit, to withstand the wind, rain and storms that they could experience on the open sea. In virgin wool or merino wool, the sailor's sweater has evolved and has become a fashionable garment but it is still just as high quality.
Over the years, the wool sailor sweater has become a must-have fashion item, worn by many celebrities and adopted by younger generations as a casual and trendy symbol. It is now found in many men's fashion collections and is often worn with jeans or chinos for a smart casual look, but it can be worn in many different ways.
The history of the sailor's shirt
The sailor's shirt was born in 1858 when the navy decided to make an official uniform for its sailors. A white sweater with 21 navy blue stripes referring to the number of Napoleonic naval victories won against the English. They were also intended to make the sailors more visible when they went overboard and therefore less complicated to spot. The 3/4 length sleeves, that is to say ending in the middle of the forearm, allowed the sailors to carry out any maneuvers without being hindered. It has become an emblematic garment of French fashion and is often worn with white pants and a pair of sneakers for a casual and chic look.
The striped sweater was popularized by the famous French actress Brigitte Bardot in the 1950s and has since become a staple of women's fashion. It can be found in many fashion collections and is often worn with a skirt or denim pants for a casual chic look.
Why have a sailor sweater and a striped shirt in your wardrobe?
Having a sailor sweater and a striped shirt in your wardrobe is a wise choice for several reasons. First of all, these garments are very versatile and can be worn on many occasions. The wool sailor sweater, for example, is ideal for cool days and can be worn both during the day and in the evening. In addition, it goes well with a wide variety of outfits, from jeans to chinos to skirts and dresses.
The sailor shirt, on the other hand, is a fashion staple and can be worn in many different ways. It can be paired with canvas pants for a casual look, or worn with a skirt for a more feminine style. In addition, it can be worn both in summer and winter, depending on how it is paired with other clothes.
In addition to their versatility, the sailor sweater and the striped shirt are timeless garments that never go out of style. They are therefore an excellent long-term investment and allow you to save money in the long term.
Finally, these clothes have an undeniable charm that makes them unmissable. The wool sailor sweater brings a touch of sophistication to any outfit, while the sailor shirt adds a nautical spirit to all outfits.
In short, having a sailor sweater and a striped top in your wardrobe is a great idea for those looking for versatile, timeless and chic clothes. Don't hesitate to invest in these must-have fashion pieces!
The wool sailor sweater in men’s fashion:
The wool sailor sweater has become an iconic piece of men's fashion over the years. It has been worn by many celebrities, including the famous French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo in the 1960s.
The wool sailor sweater has also become a staple of casual chic DU fashion. It is often associated with a nautical style and is frequently worn on beach or country vacations.
It reflects the desire to "live well" and enjoy the present moment. A strong symbolism these days and necessarily put forward by all water sports aficionados and any other activity referring to this "Breton" fashion.
How to wear a wool sailor sweater?
There are many ways to wear the wool sailor sweater. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Wear it with chino pants and sneakers for a casual chic and versatile look.
- Pair it with jeans and boots for a casual and trendy look that still exudes good taste.
- Wear it with a suit and dress shoes for a casual touch to your office outfit.
- Pair it with a denim skirt and ankle boots for a feminine and trendy look although it can be paired with almost anything in your wardrobe.
How to wear a striped sweater?
There are many ways to wear the striped sweater. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Wear it with white pants and sneakers for a casual and relaxed look, but don't forget to bring a little wool because we are never safe from a cooler wind.
- Pair it with jeans and boots for a casual and trendy look.
- Wear it with a denim skirt and ankle boots for a feminine and trendy look.
- Pair it with shorts and sandals for a casual, summery look. But don't get the seasons wrong, the cool weather might catch up with you.
There are no hard and fast rules on how to wear a striped sweater, so feel free to mix and match it with different clothes to find what works best for you.
The benefits of the wool sailor sweater?
Here are some reasons why the wool sailor sweater is a garment of choice:
It is warm and comfortable: The wool sailor sweater is ideal for winter because it is very warm and comfortable. It is perfect for relaxing at home or for facing bad weather. It is multifunctional and it is a piece that we appreciate more and more over time.
It is durable: The wool sailor sweater is known for its durability. It can be worn for many years without losing its shape or quality, thanks to the know-how used during its manufacture.
It is elegant: The wool sailor sweater is an elegant garment that can be worn on many occasions. It can be worn with a suit for a casual office look or with jeans and sneakers for a casual chic look.
It is easy to maintain: The wool sailor sweater is easy to maintain. It can be machine washed at a low temperature and dried flat to keep its shape. However, be careful with the machine setting so as not to end up with it 2 sizes smaller.
The benefits of the sailor shirt
Here are some reasons why the striped sweater is a garment of choice:
It is versatile: The sailor top can be worn in many ways, from casual to chic. It can be worn with white pants and sneakers for a casual look or with a denim skirt and ankle boots for a feminine and trendy look.
It's comfortable: The sailor's top is made from a lightweight and comfortable fabric, making it ideal for warm days. But don't forget to keep your wool sweater close to you, temperatures drop quickly.
It is easy to maintain: The sailor shirt is easy to maintain and can be machine washed at a low temperature. It can also be dried flat to maintain its shape.
It is timeless: The striped sweater is a timeless garment that never goes out of style. It can be worn by women and men of all ages and is a wardrobe essential.
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Breton fashion among the stars
For many years, the sailor sweater and Breton fashion in general have been popularized by many famous personalities around the world. Whether on the red carpet or in everyday life, these celebrities have been able to highlight this timeless and timeless style similar to the mark that some have been able to leave.
Here are some examples of famous people who have promoted the sailor sweater or the striped sweater and Breton fashion:
1. Brigitte Bardot: The famous French actress was one of the first to popularize the striped top in the 1950s. She was often seen wearing the style during her public appearances, helping to make it a fashion staple.
2. Audrey Hepburn: The fashion icon and Hollywood actress was also an early adopter of the sailor sweater and striped top in the 1950s. She was seen wearing the style in many of her public appearances, helping to make it a fashion staple.
3. James Dean: The American actor has become a fashion icon thanks to his laid-back and cool style, particularly thanks to his love of the sailor sweater. He has been seen wearing this style in many of his public appearances, helping to make it a must-have in men's fashion.
4. Serge Gainsbourg: Beyond his music and controversial personality, Gainsbourg was also known for his distinctive clothing style, which often included sailor sweaters. The sailor sweater has become one of the clothing styles most associated with Gainsbourg. He was often seen wearing the style in public appearances and music videos, helping to make it a staple in his wardrobe.
Design and know-how
Making a sailor sweater usually involves using high-quality wool, which is knitted to create a thick and sturdy fabric. The wool is usually dyed in traditional colours such as navy blue, red and white, although other colours are also possible. The sailor sweater is often decorated with details such as vertical stripes, diamonds or knitted patterns, which give it its characteristic style.
Making a sailor sweater requires knitting and sewing skills. Knitting involves using knitting needles to create a fabric by threading stitches of wool. Sewing involves joining different parts of the garment together using a needle and thread. To make a sailor sweater, you must first knit or purchase the different parts of the sweater and then assemble them together using sewing.
The skill required to make a sailor sweater depends on the complexity of the pattern and the quality of the yarn used. Higher quality sailor sweaters are often hand knitted, which requires experience and dexterity. However, it is also possible to make a sailor sweater using knitting machines or sewing patterns, which can be a cheaper and quicker option for those who are beginners or do not have a lot of time.
