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The story of the sailor sweater 🌊

The sailor sweater, also known as the boat neck sweater or striped sweater, is an iconic garment that has spanned generations to become a fashion classic today.

The sailor sweater, also known as the boat neck sweater or striped sweater, is an iconic garment that has spanned generations to become a fashion classic today.

Photo of a seated man wearing a navy blue ROMAN sailor sweater

The beginning

The history of the sailor sweater dates back to the 19th century. At a time when sailors worked in difficult conditions at sea. The sailor sweater was essential work clothing to protect themselves from the cold and humidity. The white and blue stripes were used to make it easier for crews to find their way in the event of falling overboard.

The original sailor sweater was hand knitted from undyed raw wool, which gave it a beige (ecru) color. The boat neck was designed to make the sweater easier to put on and take off. And this, even with wet or numb hands from the cold.

Over time, the sailor sweater began to be adopted by the general public. Largely due to its association with the marine world and beach holidays. In the 1920s, production of the sailor sweater began to meet growing demand.

Takeoff

In the 1950s, the sailor sweater experienced a new surge in popularity. Particularly thanks to the influence of personalities such as James Dean and Brigitte Bardot. These cinema icons helped to popularize the sailor sweater as a piece of clothing that was both practical and elegant.

Today, the sailor sweater is still a very popular item of clothing, often associated with a nautical or sailor style. It is available in a wide variety of colors and styles, and can be worn in any season. Whether in summer on the beach or in winter to protect yourself from the cold.

Did you know ?

Our pure new wool sailor sweaters for adults generally weigh between 600g and 1kg. On average, a sheep has a raw wool fleece weighing around 3 kg, which is reduced to around 1 kg of washed wool after being sorted and cleaned.

So, we can say that you need the wool of a sheep to make a Royal Mer sailor sweater!

Photo of a man wearing a navy blue striped sailor sweater

At Royal Mer , we offer a wide selection of quality nautical sweaters , made from natural wools such as merino wool, to offer you comfort, warmth and elegance. Whether you're looking for a classic sailor sweater or a more modern model, you'll find the perfect sailor sweater to accompany you on all your adventures.

Romain - Anchor Sweater Man
Rozen - Women's Shell Sweater
Plain ecru sailor sweater with contrasting edging on the sleeves
Marceau - Men's Sailor Sweater

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