Wool sailor sweater — knitted in Brittany

Go by the fit note on each product page: in the fitted cut, take one size above your usual size; in the comfort cut, your usual size will do. Each product page also includes a size guide with a calculator and a detailed measurement chart.

And if you get the size wrong, returns are free for 30 days from mainland France, prepaid label provided.

Either way, the sweater is warm: the secret lies in the tight knit, which cuts the wind and holds in the heat. Virgin wool is more rustic and is worn in winter over a shirt or a long-sleeved T-shirt; the merino wool blend is soft, can be worn over bare arms and is easy to care for.

Rarely: a sailor sweater only needs washing a few times a year. Wool is naturally antibacterial — between two wears, simply let it breathe for a few hours in the fresh air (never outside overnight).

For washing: in the machine on the wool cycle, 20 °C for 100% wool and 30 °C for 50% merino, inside out with the buttons done up, with a wool detergent, spin at 600 rpm maximum. Dry flat, never tumble dry.

Because they were designed for work at sea: dense, tight knit, worsted wool, reinforced seams. A true sailor sweater is kept and repaired for decades.

Ours come with a lifetime anti-pilling guarantee — if it pills, we replace it — and are repairable for life by the artisans who knitted them.

Entirely in France, in our workshop in Beaussais-sur-Mer, Brittany, where six artisans have carried out every step — knitting the panels, sewing, finishing — since 1986. The company holds the Living Heritage Company (EPV) label, and you are free to visit the workshop, at no charge.

The workshop also knits the children's sailor sweater, for ages 1 to 16.