In this spirit of workwear chic, the Bleu de Chauffe Cancale sweater is a tribute to the history of the seaman’s sweater. Made in France from marine grade cotton with artisanal details, this sweater is the ideal mix between traditional clothing and contemporary style. The Cancale sweater fits with all styles and all seasons.
The quality of the certified cotton and the weight of the sweater make for guaranteed comfort and warmth both in winter and on cool summer evenings.
HISTORY:
The seaman’s sweater is an essential piece of traditional clothing for Breton fishermen.
Born in the 19th century, and worn from Cancale to St Malo, it was knitted from pure new wool by sea fishermen’s wives.
An indispensable item for fishermen taking to the waves, the Seaman’s Sweater was designed to provide protection from the cold, the wind, the rain, and the storms that fishermen are exposed to when they go to sea.
With or without buttons, plain or striped, the seaman’s sweater has spanned the ages, from being a sweater for sea fishermen to the official uniform of the national navy, and now a genuine fashion essential of the masculine wardrobe – an iconic piece of the workwear wardrobe
THE CANCALE SWEATER, AN EXCEPTIONAL PIECE:
Comfortable and chic, the seaman’s sweater is an essential traditional item reinvented by Bleu de Chauffe to give it an elegant, contemporary look in the spirit of workwear. This remarkable quality, outstanding piece is made to last for many seasons, for many years, like the sweaters of old.
A beaded rib stitch knit with a double yarn, a hand-grafted collar, the perfect raw material – high-quality certified cotton – and carefully hand-finished details.
The Cancale sweater, made in France by Bleu de Chauffe, is an original piece, a must-have item for the masculine wardrobe.
THE MATERIALS,
EXCEPTIONAL FEEL AND WEIGHT
For optimal comfort and a durable item that lasts throughout the seasons, Bleu de Chauffe sweaters are made from 100% OEKO-TEX® One certified cotton. The beaded rib knit prevents stretching and improves the shape (5% elasticity compared with 30% for a sweater knitted using a classic stitch). Its marine-grade weight (1.3kg/m2) makes it sturdy and long-lasting – a genuine heirloom piece.
Care instructions : Machine wash at 30°C maximum, spin at low speed. Not suitable for tumble drying. Dry flat.
A MARINE-GRADE SWEATER,
INCOMPARABLE SIMPLICITY AND STYLE
We have developed and tested the Cancale sweater to make sure it is cozy and warm at 18 degrees Celsius and below, and also comfortable, warm, and breathable for those cool summer evenings. Whether in autumn or spring, it is a must-have companion, a feel-good piece for a stylish, modern look. It can also be worn with a more elegant outfit, under a jacket or coat in winter. The Cancale sweater is a sweater like no other, unique in the quality of the finish down to the smallest details, with an understated simplicity that epitomizes French elegance.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE DETAILS:
The Cancale sweater is knitted in the traditional way using a beaded rib stitch.
This hand-finished piece is as comfortable to wear as a sweatshirt.
Cut: We have changed the shape of the traditional super-tight seaman’s sweater to make the Cancale sweater more spacious and comfortable. The wide, straight cut gives the Cancale sweater a casual chic look.
Collar: A round, slightly raised collar, grafted using a traditional technique to make it more resistant, and exceptional finishing details. The neck opening has been designed to make it easier to put on and take off, and for total comfort.
Sleeves: The sleeves have been adjusted to make them wider for freedom of movement. They are finished with a wide cuff to ensure the sleeves stay up, like the traditional seaman’s sweater. The weave has a unique geometric pattern to mark the border between the sleeve and the cuff rib.
Welt: The wide ribbed band at the waist gives it a perfect shape, and has a unique geometric pattern that highlights the border between the sweater and the waistband.
A SWEATER MADE IN FRANCE
SAVOIR FAIRE, STANDOUT MANUFACTURING
The Cancale sweater is 100% made in France by a family-run knitting business near Cherbourg in Normandy. A stone’s throw from the sea and the ocean spray, our renowned partner workshop has been making fisherman’s sweaters for several generations. They put their exceptional skill to use for internationally-famed fashion houses. Classed as a French Living Heritage Company (EPV), this workshop has been working to preserve exceptional skills and 100% French manufacturing for over fifty years.
RESPONSIBLE MANUFACTURING,
A MORE PEOPLE-CENTERED VISION, PRODUCING MORE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS IN A BETTER WAY
Thanks to its 100% French manufacturing, Bleu de Chauffe limits the number of miles travelled and therefore reduces their environmental impact. We also work in our local area, creating jobs and using local suppliers wherever possible. Our approach ensures that local savoir faire is preserved and allows for better control of the entire value chain.
Available colors: Ecru, Khaki Green, Heather Grey, Navy Blue, Bordeaux Red.
ORIGINS & HERITAGE OF THE TRUCKER SWEATER
The trucker sweater appeared in the mid-1930s, shortly after the invention of the zipper—an innovation that immediately brought it its essential feature: the zipped collar. Originally designed for winter sports, it was created to adapt to both cold and physical effort: collar closed to face the wind at high altitude, collar slightly open to let base layers breathe without removing the sweater.
Very quickly, its functional aspect allowed it to leave the ski slopes and join the wardrobe of professionals exposed to the elements: fishermen, construction workers, craftsmen, road and public works trades… In France, it became popular in the 1950s among truck drivers, used to switching between the truck cab, roadside stops, and loading operations. It naturally took on the name “trucker sweater.”
MANUFACTURING OF THE SAUZON TRUCKER SWEATER
At Bleu de Chauffe, the Sauzon trucker sweater follows directly in the footsteps of the Cancale sailor sweater. It features the same cut: straight, slightly oversized, whose balance offers comfort, ease, and structure.
The Sauzon trucker sweater is manufactured in the same knitting workshop as the Cancale sailor sweater . Labeled as a “Living Heritage Company” (EPV), this workshop has been recognized for over 40 years for the precision of its knitting and its expertise in crafting sailor sweaters, ensuring impeccable, high-end quality.
The knit is made in “ pearl rib ” using OEKO-TEX® certified cotton. This knitting technique alternates knit and purl stitches, offset by one row. The result: a dense, structured, comfortable, and naturally elastic knit, recognizable by the small “pearls” in its texture. An exceptional knit, given its weight, whose high density of 1.3 kg/m² immediately reveals the quality of its craftsmanship.
Each part of the sweater (front, back, sleeves) is knitted directly into its final shape, integrating decreases and increases during the knitting process. This construction method, known as “ fully fashion ” (or “ shaped ”), eliminates cutting, reduces waste, and guarantees optimal structure. The assembly, done by linking, creates fine, discreet, and particularly durable seams.
The men’s trucker sweater also features the Cancale’s signature pattern at the hem and cuffs to ensure structured support in the most stressed areas.
THE ZIPPED COLLAR , THE WORKWEAR SIGNATURE.
For the trucker collar, we selected a benchmark reference in the world of zippers: a brass zip from YKK’s Excella® range. Fully polished, it offers perfect glide and exceptional softness against the skin.
This premium zipper provides the functional touch that defines the workwear DNA of this piece.
Our care recommendations for the men’s Sauzon sweater.
Machine wash at a maximum of 30°C (with a low spin speed). Due to its high-density knit, the trucker sweater must be dried flat. It is not suitable for tumble drying.
Available color: Navy Blue.
ORIGINS & HISTORY OF THE CARDIGAN.
Worn by Breton and British fishermen as early as the 17th century, the history of the cardigan truly begins on a battlefield. During the Crimean War, James Thomas Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, led the “Charge of the Light Brigade,” a heroic and tragic action that remained in history. Bothered by his heavy regulation wool coat, he slashed it open with his saber to regain ease of movement, inadvertently giving birth to a front-opening vest… Upon his return, the garment took his name and was adopted by the army for its functional design.
Warm and designed for freedom of movement, it accompanied soldiers in harsh conditions. Initially sleeveless to be worn comfortably over the uniform, it was later fitted with buttons so it could be removed easily.
The “cardigan” then left the military world and entered the wardrobe of the British aristocracy. It established itself as an elegant leisure garment, worn for hunting, on golf courses or tennis courts, appreciated for its simplicity and practicality. It gradually became a symbol of refined style, frequently worn by gentlemen in their daily lives.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the cardigan entered women’s wardrobes and became both a couture piece and an everyday garment.
Decades later, the 70s through the 90s reinterpreted it in their own ways: from punk to grunge, it became a symbol of non-conformity, embodied notably by Kurt Cobain.
The cardigan has crossed eras, styles, and social classes without ever losing its identity: a functional vest, balanced between elegance and comfort. And it is precisely this balance that inspired us to revisit it with our manufacturing standards.
MANUFACTURING OF THE DOË LAN CARDIGAN BY BLEU DE CHAUFFE.
Knitted by our partner workshop in northern France, the Doëlan wool cardigan is crafted in English rib with a high knitting density (gauge 3), characteristic of winter garments. This voluminous knit stands out for its deep texture—visible on both the right and wrong sides—signaling exceptional craftsmanship, as well as for its natural elasticity and remarkable durability over time.
As for materials, we selected a 100% natural combed virgin wool, certified OEKO-TEX® and bluesign®. Chosen for its warmth and long fiber length, it offers a soft feel and ensures excellent durability.
The thick shawl collar envelops the upper chest and gives the cardigan a presence that is both chic and protective. The pockets are integrated directly into the knit, crafted on the front panel rather than sewn separately, for a cleaner and sturdier finish. And to complete the piece, the “Bleu de Chauffe” engraved buttons are made by a specialized French workshop.
On the Doëlan cardigan, our attention to detail lies in a geometric pattern knitted at the hem and sleeve ends, aligned to perfection. This meticulous work continues onto the lower pockets, creating graphic continuity and reinforcing the most stressed areas.
We are proud of the result: a warm, comfortable, and refined cardigan, knitted in the pure tradition of French knitwear.
HOW TO WASH THE DOELAN WOOL CARDIGAN?
Hand wash in cold water. Due to its quality and weight (1.24 kg), the cardigan must be dried flat. Do not wring. Not suitable for tumble drying.
Available color: Navy Blue.
