A nod to the start of fishing season !

Whether twisted or striped like a sailor's shirt, the fisherman sweater has captured our imagination for decades, and holds a special place at ça va de soi.

This month, we’re paying tribute to its timeless elegance, a style we love to wear year round...

The sailor top as we know it today originally featured 21 white and indigo blue stripes: a tribute, according to Napoleon’s 21 legendary victories.
However, the choice of stripes was above all practical: sailors who fell overboard were easier to spot, thanks to the contrasting bands.

As for the cable-knit sweater, each stitch held its own meaning, a heritage from seafaring communities.
For instance, the cable represents a fisherman’s rope and symbolizes the wish for a bountiful day at sea.

The textures also serve to provide extra warmth and protection.

The fisherman sweater slowly made its way from the sea to dry land, but it was in the 20th century that it gained international popularity, thanks in part to its adoption by iconic figures from the artistic and cultural world.

Now it’s your turn to make this beautiful fisherman sweater your own...
The simplicity and elegance of this knitwear piece have made it a symbol of effortless, chic fashion—far removed from its original utilitarian purpose.

Explore our 90 interpretations of the sailor sweater!