Wool Breton 1626

Description

Saint James Wool Breton 1626

Made by Saint James in Normandy for the 400 year anniversary of the French navy, the Wool Breton 1626 takes the striped sailor shirt back towards its colder, woollier beginnings.

Long before the Breton became symbolic of Riviera holidays, tightly knitted wool was working clothing for fishermen facing the cold and wet of the North Atlantic. Saint James made its first wool sailor sweater in 1889 and has spent the following 137 years turning practical maritime knitwear into something worn not only by fishermen and sailors, but practically everyone.

This anniversary Breton is knitted from 100% wool in point de Rome, a dense double-knit construction where stitches work across both sides of the fabric. This makes it less stretchy, warmer, and heavier than the average cotton Breton.

The pattern follows the historic French naval tricot rayé, with 21 stripes across the body and 14 on each sleeve. The story goes that the 21 stripes represent Napoleon’s victories over the British.

The red “MN” embroidery stands for ”Marine nationale”, while “1626” marks the origin year of the French Navy.

• 100% Mérino wool
• Dense Roman stitch knit
• Historic, traditional French naval stripe pattern
• Red “MN” and ”1626” embroidery
• Round neck
• Long sleeves
• Straight fit
• Small side vent at hem
• Knitted and made in Saint-James, Normandy, France

Additional information