MATELOT

Since the Matelot sweater is a very fitted style, we recommend choosing one size up from your usual size for more comfort.

The Matelot sweater is an authentic sailor sweater: featuring a straight, form-fitting cut with a round neck and buttons on the left side.

Inspired by traditional sailor sweaters, the Matelot sweater, one of the first garments by SAINT JAMES, is crafted in pure virgin wool with a very tight knit and a buttoned collar.

Originally created for Breton and Norman sailors heading to Newfoundland, this sailor sweater is a warm, form-fitting garment designed to protect them during the long months spent at sea.

Between seasons, these sailors would cross the English Channel to sell garlic on the British coasts. They would announce their arrival by shouting, "Garlic seller! Garlic seller!" But the British only heard "...chand'ail, chand'ail!" And thus, the name of the iconic SAINT JAMES sweater was born.

Wool is a natural material that requires proper care to ensure the longevity of your sweater.

We recommend hand washing your garment. Rinse it first with lukewarm water, then a second time with cold water.

If the care label of the piece mentions the possibility of machine washing, set it to a dedicated wool setting, at “Cold” temperature. Use a special wool detergent.

When the laundry cycle is finished, lay it out flat to dry. You can iron your woolen garment by placing a damp cloth between the iron and the wool to prevent burning the fibers.

Saint James is the Normandy-based purveyor of the original Breton Striped Shirt. This item is produced in its employee-owned atelier in France, where only the finest ingredients are sourced for pieces that last decades and using panels of fabric for minimal waste. Learn more about our heritage and production methods in the "Since 1889" section.