History & heritage
OF THE SWEAT-SHIRT
Born on American campuses in the 1920s, the sweatshirt was originally designed to replace the woolen pullovers worn to play sports. With its wide fit, quilted weave, and breathable fabric, it soon became a high-performance item of clothing, not just on the sports field but also in workshops and factories. Workers, mechanics, railway workers: they all adopted this simple, sturdy piece which kept them warm while leaving them free to move.
Over the decades, the sweatshirt has become an icon. In the post-war period, it entered into popular culture, both in sport and manual work. American universities had sweatshirts made featuring their insignia; workwear brands made it a central item in their utilitarian lines. The sweatshirt then became, and remains to this day, a hybrid piece, comfortable yet practical, for work and leisure.
At Bleu de Chauffe, it is precisely this dual heritage that attracted us to the sweatshirt. More than just leisurewear, it is a piece of workwear that has been reappropriated to become universal, making it right at home in our collection. It may appear simple, but in fact it is made to the highest standards: a precise weave and sturdy finishing details, built to last.
The RAW 50 Sweatshirt is therefore not a new fashion, but a return to workwear basics. A piece rooted in history that we have brought right up-to-date with our expertise: the cut has been adjusted without changing it too radically, organic fabric, French manufacturing, perfect details. A natural union between the workshop and the city, faithful to our vision of clothing: utilitarian, ethical, and timeless.
The fabric : organic cotton
& a long-term partnership
The RAW 50 Sweatshirt came into being through a close collaboration with the Malterre knitting workshop, in Flixecourt in the Somme region. A historic presence in the French textile industry, Malterre has been cultivating exceptional weaving expertise for several generations. We have already worked together to develop the interlock fabric for the Heavyweight Champion T-shirt. With their craftsmanship and high standards, they were an obvious choice for this new sweatshirt.
For this model, we have chosen a fabric made from 99% organic cotton and 1% elastane, for a soft material that holds its shape. This choice is by no means insignificant. Organic cotton, unlike conventional cotton, is cultivated without pesticides or chemical fertilizer, and using less water. While regular cotton crops are among the most water-intensive and polluting on the planet, organic cotton protects the fertility of the soil and the health of the people who grow it. It is a strong commitment, but above all a way of striving for excellence without compromising on quality.
The end product is a soft, thick fabric, made to last. It stays comfortable even after multiple washes, and is the ideal thickness for the mid-season: warm enough for those crisp mornings, breathable enough to be worn under a jacket or coat. A perfect balance that makes it a versatile piece, practical yet comfortable everyday wear.
A SWEATSHIRT MADE IN FRANCE
Like all of our bags, this men's sweatshirt is made at our workshop in Saint-Georges-de-Luzençon in the Aveyron region – a village on the banks of the Tarn, between the cliffs and the river, where we appreciate high-quality workmanship. This is the place where every item takes shape, in a small-scale workshop where authenticity meets excellence.
Our manufacturing processes combine craftmanship and cutting-edge technology: we recently invested in a Lectra machine, a digital cutting tool that ensures optimal use of each piece of fabric. This millimetric precision reduces scraps and wasted fabric, while ensuring a regular, perfectly clean cut. Technology at the service of responsible manufacturing: modern techniques, true to the artisanal spirit.
Once the sections are cut out, they are handed over to our artisans who put them together. Manufactured with care at every stage, they are then checked by eye and by hand. Every sweatshirt is checked individually, to ensure a perfect cut, a clean finish, and impeccable quality.
These high standards, where innovation meets expertise, are what makes each item from Bleu de Chauffe unique: a carefully-designed piece of clothing, produced and hand-signed here in the Aveyron region.
The ribbed edges of the SWEATSHIRT:
Perfect shape and fit
The collar, cuffs, and waistband are finished with ribbing made especially for this model. Its width means it keeps its shape perfectly, fitting naturally to the body without becoming stretched.
Made from organic cotton in the same thread and the same color as the rest of the sweatshirt, it is not just about extra comfort: it is also an extension of the fabric used for the body of the sweatshirt – a perfect match. This choice of detail accentuates the overall harmony of the look and ensures a finish which is both subtle and robust.
A discreet yet essential detail – because you can tell a well-designed piece of clothing by the precision of its hems.
THE BLEU DE CHAUFFE SWEAT-SHIRT :
Color and logo
For its first edition, the RAW 50 sweatshirt comes in Navy. This dark blue was not chosen at random: it is part of the brand’s history, used for our first sweater and on iconic models such as the Éclair Mailman bag. An understated, timeless shade that brings out the texture of the weave and can be worn throughout the seasons.
At the bottom of the sweatshirt is the Saint-Georges-de-Luzençon label in discreet stitching. More than just a detail, it is an origin statement, a reminder of the fact that every piece is designed, cut, and assembled at our workshop in the Aveyron region. A source of local pride and the sign of a carefully-managed value chain.
The threads on the seams, which have been intentionally left visible with a contrasting stitch, also reflect this ethos. As though the sweatshirt was inside-out, they reveal its robust structure, where others prefer to hide it. A nod to the world of workwear, an allusion to the traditional sweatshirt: made to last, with a bold design.
Focus on the details
- Wide ribbed hem providing a perfect fit around the waist
- “St-Georges-de-Luzençon” traceability label
- Double topstitch between the bottom of the sweatshirt and the ribbed hem
- Flatlock stitching: technical interlocked seams offering greater stretch and excellent wearing comfort
- Double topstitch at the neckline: mechanical reinforcement on a highly stressed junction and an extension of the workwear aesthetic
THE RAW50 SWEATSHIRT :
Style and shape
Its comfortable cut, clean lines, and meticulous details make it a great everyday item. It goes perfectly with a scarf, a pair of Sebagos and washed-out jeans for a laid-back style, or combined with our iconic items for a more workwear look.
The perfect match for the Cancale sweater, this piece will remain a long-term everyday essential.
