the history of the seamanssweater

The seamansweater (french: chandail) has its beginning in the South-West of France, in the Bretagne.

From the Brittany the fishermen took the way through the channel to Great Britain for offering garlic and onions on the markets. These chandlers wear special clothings, so the people could identifier from a distance.
 

The french name "marchand d'ail" for the merchant of garlic transformed shortly in common speech "chandail" and then assigned for the sweater. This term is up-to-date until today.

The original fishermansweater was and is knitted long and close-fitting, for protecting and for warming the back. The sweaters was knitted with unwashed new pure wool, very robust, wind and water resistant. It was and is practical with a button stay to pull tight and to pull out.

The french Navy commanded the sweater, too. The monochrome pullover were reserved for the officers. The jack wore the sweaters striped in to colors.

Like the jeans, the jumper was working clothes. Now it is a cultic piece of the 20. century which is deep rooted in the french culture.