THE FISHERMAN’S SWEATER: FROM SEA TO STYLE
WHERE IT STARTED FOR SWENN
SWENN is based in the Maritimes, and the roots of the style come all the way from the coast of Brittany, which is why fisherman’s sweaters are particularly meaningful to SWENN.
The fisherman’s sweater is made for warmth, movement and life outdoors, providing protection against the elements of the sea. The sweater brings to life the goals behind SWENN. Tying in function with fashion is what we are about after all!
Traditional Breton fisherman’s sweaters were knitted with a particularly tight stitch, making them well suited to life at sea. The dense knit helped block the wind, while wool’s natural water resistance offered protection from sea spray and damp conditions without sacrificing warmth or breathability. It’s this combination of function, durability and versatility that continues to inspire our sweaters at SWENN.
FROM THE SEA TO THE CITY
Before it was a trend, the sweater was an essential item of workwear. That was until the 20th century, when Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel helped bring the maritime style of Breton sailors into the world of fashion. Working in French seaside towns such as Deauville and Biarritz, she incorporated jersey and maritime influences into her designs.
I personally love my wool sweaters; there’s something special about a garment that has made its way from the working docks to the fashion world while keeping its original character.
ONE SWEATER, MANY COASTS
There is a fascinating history behind the knitted sweater, one that is hidden in the knitted designs that are so popular today.
The different kinds of knit come from many communities across the globe, particularly from Brittany, France, with the sailor’s jersey, the British guernsey and the cable knits of Aran, Ireland.
The introduction of the French designs to the north happened during trades between workers, often trading sweaters and their patterns in exchange for tobacco. This trade is what allowed the patterns to weave across the continents.
THE BRETON DETAIL BEHIND OUR SWEATER
SWENN takes particular interest in the Breton sailor tradition, where we get our design with the buttons on the left shoulder. This was historically created to make the sweater more comfortable to put on and to reduce stretching at the neckline.
A design originally meant for functionality is now a staple of the garment’s identity.
FUNCTION BECOMES DESIGN
There is a beauty in objects made because they needed to work; this is the idea that SWENN is built on. The fisherman’s sweater wasn’t originally created to follow a trend. Its shape, knit and details developed around the needs of the people wearing it.
Today, SWENN takes those maritime codes and brings them into a contemporary wardrobe. The wool, warmth, durability and practical details reinterpret the fisherman’s sweater in a modern way. From Brittany to the Canadian Maritimes, it feels like a fitting piece of history to carry forward.
— Maya
