Striped Summer Sweater

Details

Toulon, 1940.

Rows of 340-millimeter cannons sit unchallenged and idle in their defense of Côte d’Azur, awaiting enemies that refuse to arrive.

Brussels has fallen, Paris is in the crosshairs, and, here, it’s pleasantly mild with a stiff breeze coming off the sea.

Since the big artillery aren’t being fired, they need to be maintained—a greasy task indeed. So, the crew’s attire begs the question…

Why such handsome sweaters?

In this, you’re better suited to be strolling the promenade than cleaning those clunky ol’ guns. The material breathes easy, like that air off the Med that keeps inviting a self-determined furlough.

The stripes make it easier to spot men overboard in the surf, but what about a well-disguised Matelotout on the town?

Dressed up with a jacket and nice trousers, it’ll dodge the attention of any authorities looking to fish you out of the drink.

When night sets in, the sweater hugs tight against the chill—like the mademoiselle you could have on your arm during your walk on the Rade de Vignettes.

Striped Summer Sweater (No. 5654). Classic Marinière-patterned pullover. Moves nicely between Spring afternoons and Summer evenings. Pairs well with jeans, cleans up shorts and boat shoes. 100% cotton with soft woven pile, unlined. Imported.