ORIGINS & HISTORY OF THE CARDIGAN
Worn by Breton and British fishermen as early as the 17th century, the cardigan truly entered history during the Crimean War. The 7th Earl of Cardigan, reportedly uncomfortable in his heavy military coat, is said to have split it open for greater ease of movement during a charge, inadvertently giving birth to a front-opening knit garment. Upon his return, the cardigan was adopted by the army for its warmth and practicality, and was soon fitted with buttons to make it easier to put on and take off.
It later moved beyond the military wardrobe into that of the British aristocracy, becoming an elegant leisure piece worn for hunting and sporting pursuits. In the early 20th century, it also entered women’s fashion, embraced both as a couture garment and as everyday wear.
From the 1970s through the 1990s, from punk to grunge — notably embodied by Kurt Cobain — it was reinterpreted and subverted, without ever losing its identity.
Across eras and styles, the cardigan remains an essential: a functional knitwear piece balancing comfort and elegance. It is precisely this balance that we chose to reinterpret through our own standards of craftsmanship.
FRENCH-MADE WOOL CARDIGAN
Knitted by our partner workshop in northern France, the Doëlan men’s cardigan is crafted in English rib with a gauge 3 knit, typical of winter garments. This dense, generous knit stands out for its deep texture—visible on both sides—as well as its natural stretch and excellent long-term shape retention.
We selected 100% natural combed virgin wool, certified OEKO-TEX® and bluesign®. Chosen for its long fibers, it delivers warmth, softness, and lasting durability.
The thick shawl collar wraps the upper body for a look that is both elegant and protective. The pockets are directly knitted into the front panel for a clean, durable finish. The “Bleu de Chauffe” signature buttons are made by a specialized French workshop.
A geometric pattern knitted at the hem and cuffs—perfectly aligned through to the pockets—adds a distinctive graphic touch while reinforcing high-wear areas.
The result: a warm cardigan that is comfortable, refined, and true to the tradition of French knitwear.
HOW TO WEAR OUR WOOL CARDIGAN?
Versatile and timeless, the Doëlan men’s cardigan blends naturally into a wide range of looks. Its understated navy blue shade pairs effortlessly with both refined and more relaxed outfits.
For a casual-chic style, the men’s cardigan can be worn over a chambray, denim, or plaid shirt, styled with raw jeans and leather boots. Layered under a pea coat, the shawl collar adds warmth and structure.
For a more formal setting, pair it with a light-colored shirt, raw denim or dark chinos for a clean, polished silhouette. Leaving the bottom buttons undone adds a subtle, modern touch.
HOW TO WASH THE DOËLAN WOOL CARDIGAN?
Pure, natural and untreated wool may have a distinctive scent due to naturally occurring lanolin and the spinning process. This characteristic reflects the authenticity of the material and gradually fades with airing and gentle, appropriate care.
Our recommendations for caring for your Doëlan cardigan:
1. Allow the wool to air naturally
To preserve the qualities of the wool, we recommend laying your cardigan flat in a dry, well-ventilated area for 24 to 72 hours if necessary. Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources and prolonged hanging, which may cause the knit to lose its shape.
2. Gently refresh the wool
If needed, light steaming can help refresh the fabric. Use a garment steamer at a safe distance, avoiding excessive moisture, then allow the cardigan to dry completely while laid flat.
3. Choose gentle care
Natural wool requires delicate handling. When washing, always follow the instructions on the garment's care label. Avoid rubbing, significant temperature changes and wringing, as these may damage the knit structure. Always dry flat, away from heat sources.
Avoid: Hot water, harsh cleaning products, fabric deodorisers, machine washing and tumble drying, as these may alter the feel of the wool and cause felting.
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