Le Minor M.B.L. - Intemporels catalog

LE MINOR IS A HISTORIC BRAND WHOSE HERITAGE DATES BACK TO 1922, WITH THE FOUNDATION OF A HOSIERY WORKSHOP IN LORIENT, DESIGNED TO DRESS BRETON FISHERMEN.

NOWADAYS, THANKS TO ITS KNOW-HOW, LE MINOR CONTINUES TO PRODUCE THESE TIMELESS GARMENTS, MADE TO LAST.

Le Minor disappeared from the radar screen for 30 years, yet it has always continued to exist, knitting its fashion history between Bretagne, where its workshop has been located since 1922, and Japan, where the brand has been adored since the 1980s as the purist representative of French know-how and art de vivre.

We no longer know Le Minor but we feel as if we have always known it. Its name sounds like a common name, going with “quality” and “sailor jumper”. Is this family name part of the collective unconscious? Perhaps. Certainly. Before Le Minor came back in the spotlight in 2018, its precious thread of reminiscence was maintained, from breton cousin to sailing courses, from grandmother’s attic to small shop in Finistère.

In 2018 the brand embroidered its mission in golden letters as a fresh start, to tell itself again what it had always done : “to continue to create desirable, sustainable and timeless clothes, by keeping traditional textile know-how in France”. Creative purpose. Three years later, the crew of Le Minor’s sailboat has already tripled.

With a history of almost 100 years (the first workshop was founded in 1922). Le Minor is the oldest Breton hosiery company. It is also a manufacturing brand with the rare characteristic of producing all its garments in its two Breton workshops (Guidel and Quimper) and of producing them entirely there…

When the reels of wool and cotton are delivered on the platforms of the breton’s workshop (coming from french or european spinning mills), it’s only to leave from there as a pullover or a marinière. Few are the workshops who can pretend for an integration model that much complete for the textile manufacture. Very little.

The promise of Le Minor’s clothing is to last more than 40 years for a pullover, and more than 20 years for a marinière. This promise confirmed itself over the years, and more recently with the opening of a second-hand section. A promise that gives meaning to the adjective “sustainable”.

A hosiery company is a manufacturer of garments in stitches as stockings, socks, vests…

1922 Ms Berthe Etui creates in Lorient the MBL, The Manufacture Bonneterie Lorientaise

The company makes “sailor’s jumpers” for deep-sea fishermen.The sailor jumper, before becoming a fashion garment, has always been an armour against bad weather for sea workers.

Precursor of Le Minor’s hosiery founded, the MBL, aims to protect the sailors with the best jumpers, by creating its first manufacturing workshop in 1922, rue du 62ème Régiment d’Infanterie in Lorient.

Breton sailors have a tough life, in contact with the elements, like the Terre-Neuvas. These sailors, from every breton’s family, leave at the age of 14 for nine month seasons fishing cod on the other side of the Atlantic, off the coast of Saint-Jean and the gulf of Saint-Laurent.

At the time, the sailors carry with them the MBL knit jumper in local wool, sometimes worn next to the skin, they need to be warm and resistant.

This iconic garment will soon take place on the sailors kit before becoming a wardrobe indispensable for both men and women, as a symbol of French style.

1930 During these years, MBL continued to grow, but was forced to move to Quimperlé and Pluméliau during the Second World War, before returning to Lorient at the end of it.

1963 The company set up its workshops in Guidel. More than 150 people joined the entrepreneurial adventure. Under the supervision of Juliette Corlay, the company settled on the present factory, in Guidel, in 1963, and began to dress the public with sailors’ jumpers and cotton marinières

1964 The workshop dressed Éric Tabarly for his first Trans-Atlantic Race, the one which made him famous. This sailor jumper is an order of Eric’s father, a virgin wool supplier of the MBL.

1970 The company wins the contract of the French Navy. In 1970, MBL started to produce the required jersey of the french navy and produced between 5 000 and 15 000 every year until 2010. Even now, the Guidel’s workshop still produces this pullover made to last a lifetime.

The MBL employed 250 people during the 70’s, in its place in Guidel.

1936 In parallel, in 1936, another Breton symbol was born in Pont L’Abbé. Le Minor is first and foremost the name of its founder Marie-Anne, who created the company in the 30’s.

She gathers around her the embroiderers of the Bigouden country. They perpetuate a traditional Breton decorative art, by first making traditional Breton clothing, doll clothing, then table and household linen and finally ready-to-wear.

1950 Creation of the Kabig, an iconic and emblematic garment of Le Minor. The Kabig has dressed the young and old bretons since the 50’s. A woolen coat, a sort of hooded coat, this garment is said to be inspired by the goémoniers, the people who live by collecting seaweed at low tide to make fertiliser or medicine. This garment must therefore be warm, covering and weatherproof. To make it a trendy garment, Marie-Anne Le Minor had it redesigned by René-Yves Creston.

1960 Le Minor became a fashion brand “a brand catching the wind”. Through new collections and new products inspired by the marine world, the brand continues to develop. Appealed by the quality of Le Minor’s garments, many designer houses come to make their coats in Pont l’Abbé : Dior, Chanel, Ted Lapidus, Courrèges.

1970 Le Minor employs 500 people in Pont L’Abbé : an absolute local symbol. On the winter of 75-76, Le Minor collaborated with Courrèges, for a colorful collection.

1982 Le Minor is bought by the MBL company. Le Minor and MBL merged together to represent the excellence of Breton manufacturing and were set up in Guidel.The brand offers an all wardrobe for the family.

1987 The Grammatico family takes over the management of the company. Under their management, the MBL labels gradually gave way to Le Minor. Passionate about design, Marie-Christine Grammatico remained at the head of the factory for 31 years, designing colourful marinières over the seasons, with ever-changing stripes, and never outsourcing any of the manufacturing stages of its clothes.

1989 Development of the brand on the Asian market, in particular the Japanese market. Le Minor goes through the crisis of the French textile industry (1990-2010) while being successful in the export market and in Japan, where fashionable women only swear by this traditional marinière made in Bretagne.

2000 Le Minor developed its activity as a manufacturer for premium and luxury brands in France.

2018 Jérôme and Sylvain, two business owners passionate by French know-how take over the company to perpetuate a quality know-how that has become very rare in France.

2019 Le Minor opened its workshop in Quimper and rehire the workers of Fileuses d’Arvor, an hosiery company which shut down six months earlier.

2020 The brand won a national financing, called France Relance, at l’Elysée. It allowed her to develop its machine park, and hired 15 new employees at the workshop.

2022 From these stories of women, men and seas, Le Minor continues to create quality clothing, entirely made in Bretagne.

La Maison has 100 years.

Le Minor’s sailor jumper remained unchanged since it was first worn by the terre-neuvas in 1922. He is easily recognizable with its “hand” whose recipe has 2 ingredients first a generous quantity of wool, and a tight knit stitch then.

This ensures the “armour”, a protection against the cold, as well as a beautiful fall. All models in this collection of jumpers are made of 100% natural materials : virgin wool, for its dry and traditional feel, or merinos wool, which is softer. As with all Le Minor brand clothing, every step of the garment’s creation is carried out within the 4 walls of the workshops in Guidel and Quimper.

In addition to the knitting of each of the garments in the form of independent panels, the vaporization is a preparation stage with a very sensory know-how transmitted by oral tradition.

Indispensable stage in the manufacture of pullovers, it is used to soften knitwear and straighten out the “fallen” panels and their stripes.

Before the demanding assembly - which will ensure neatness and solidity - the manual cutting will allow the knitwear to be apprehended and shaped : notching the necklines, rounding the heads of the sleeves... the production waste is saved to be recycled as insulation... and soon as knitting yarn.

The sum up of these know-how, light and delicate handlings - like the linking of some of Le Minor’s collars - and of the final uncompromising quality control, which gives Le Minor knits their value. The quality of the knitwear is highly sensory, and experts can taste the difference at first contact.

THE SAILOR JUMPER IN ALL ITS FORMS.

MAILLE.

The “real sailor jumper” for men has made the success of Le Minor hosiery. An emblematic and timeless garment, this model has not changed for almost 100 years. In plain wool, this sailor jumper is an absolute classic of the men’s wardrobe.

The cut is rather narrow and the body is quite long because this navy coloured knit sailor is designed to be worn close to the body, to keep warm without getting in the way when maneuvering on a boat. This is why it is commonly called a “sock jumper”.

There are some pieces in a wardrobe that are a must. A pair of raw jeans, a yellow raincoat or a coated canvas hunting jacket, rain boots, a heavy jersey marinière

The plain navy blue sailor jumper is one of them. Its Breton tradition (although the button placket is a Scottish innovation) deserves that we call upon the oldest hosiery still in operation in Bretagne : the activity of Le Minor hosiery workshop dates back to 1922.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 1/1 size knitted in 7 gauge

. Plain

COMPOSITION

. 100% pure new wool

COLOURS

. navy (XS - XXXL)

. red (XS - XXL)

. gold (XS - XXL)

. green (XS - XXL)

The striped version of the traditional Le Minor knitwear comes in a variety of colours. There is some debate about the stripe: was it used to spot a man who had fallen overboard, as is sometimes said, or was it to save expensive indigo dye, which is known to repel rats ? The mystery remains, and both options are attractive. What is certain is that this stripe is forever identified as a symbol of marine clothing.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 1/1 size knitted in 7 gauge

. Classic stripes

COMPOSITION

. 100% pure new wool

COLOURS

. navy/red (XS - XXL)

. navy/ecru (XS - L)

PULL MARIN CLASSIQUE AMPLE RAYÉ REF. 92012 MIXED

A must-have model in Le Minor collections for decades, this Breton knit is a timeless piece. A sailor’s jumper for men in ecru, it has a set of stripes that are said to be “placed the plain space at the top of the body is reminiscent of the “pattern” formed by the stripes of the cotton sailors’ shirts of the French Navy.

In addition to a more contemporary stripe, its cut is slightly fuller and shorter than the 92011 model, for a little more ease and modernity.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 1/1 size knitted in 7 gauge

. Placed stripes

COMPOSITION

. 100% virgin wool

COLORS

. navy/ecru (XS - 3XL)

. ecru/navy (XS - 3XL)

PULL MARIN MÉRINOS RAYÉ REF. 62978 MAN REF. 62976 WOMAN

A minimalist two-tone stripe, metal buttons, and a bright ecru colour : these are the ingredients of this new merino wool sailor pullover. This sailor jumper with a two-tone stripe in merino wool is knitted in a finer stitch than our traditional navy jumpers, which makes it ideal for the summer or off-season. Furthermore, merino wool is three times finer than the traditional dry wool used for our marine jumpers. This is why it is not itchy and has the advantage of being thermoregulating.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 1/1 size knitted in 12 gauge

. Placed stripes

COMPOSITION

. 100% merino wool

COLOURS

. navy-red/ecru (XS - XXL)

. ecru-red/navy (XS - XXL)

PULL MARIN MÉRINOS UNI REF. 62977 MAN REF. 62969 WOMAN

The sailor jumper was the first garment produced by Le Minor hosiery. Its purpose was to protect fishermen from the hazards of nature thanks to its dry wool which acted as a second skin. Since then, it has become a fashion item that is as essential as it is timeless.

But this time, the traditional sailor jumper is adorned with a remarkably soft and durable wool: merino. It is knitted with a 12 gauge machine, to produce a finer stitch. This makes the plain merino wool sailor jumper suitable for the milder seasons.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 1/1 size knitted in 12 gauge

. Plain

COMPOSITION

. 100% merino wool

COLOURS

. ecru (XS->XXL)

. navy (XS->XXL)

This Breton Sailor’s Sweater with Three-Quarter Sleeves is a cross between the sailor’s jumper and the traditional marinière. Designed in materials usually used for our jumpers, this piece takes advantage of the lightness of the marinière to benefit from the advantages of each of these two Le Minor garments.

Its thick red stripes on the three-quarter length sleeves will bring a real touch of dynamism to your outfits, reminding you of the braids on the sleeves of the French Navy’s cabans.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 1/1 size knitted in 12 gauge

. Plain

COMPOSITION

. 100% pure new wool

COLOURS

. navy/bordeaux (XS - XL)

This contrasting jumper pays tribute to sailors, the first customers of our hosiery in 1922. For this original knit, the left sleeve is red, like the port buoy that you have to leave on your left when you come into port; and the right sleeve is green, like the starboard buoy.

The patch on the chest uses the colours of the contrasting sleeves : for the record, it comes from the 1989 collections which used the same colour code.

The design of the Le Minor collections is constantly immersed in the archives of hosiery, because for this almost century-old brand, everything is a story of transmission.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 1/1 size knitted in 7 gauge

. Plain

COMPOSITION

. 100% pure new wool

COLOURS

. navy/red/green (XS - XXL)

PULL BABORD / TRIBORD REF. 62989 MIXED

A pleasant softness: this is the merino version of our real sailor knit. To renew the experience of the sailor jumper, Le Minor has created a plain light grey version in merino wool. Contrasting elbow patches and matching buttons complete this soft wool sailor jumper.

This merino sailor jumper is made for lovers of this timeless garment, who want a soft knit. Merino wool is a good compromise between a traditional model and a soft wool to wear. The model is enhanced with fashionable details : the elbow patches of this merino knit finish this garment. A detail we like because, while borrowing a slightly retro code, it is modern and elegant.

SPECIFICATIONS

1/1 size knitted in 5 gauge

Plain

COMPOSITION

100% pure new wool

COLOURS

anthracite (S - XXL)

With this re-edition of a set of knitwear made for a model in the 1990s, Le Minor wanted to pay tribute to its first customers, the Breton fishermen. The result is a men’s sailor jumper in pure virgin wool in anthracite in a thick, deliberately rustic knit. It is reminiscent of the “gansey” jumpers of the Shetland sailors.

In addition to the play of stitches on the top of the jumper, the coloured details give more relief to this traditional jumper: the edging on the wrist, the button placket and the inside of the collar, all in contrast. This is what makes this woolen model rustic and elegant at the same time.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 1/1 size knitted in 5 gauge

. Plain

COMPOSITION

. 100% pure new wool

COLOURS

. anthracite (S - XXL)

PULL MARIN PÊCHEUR BRETON REF. 62870 MAN

The woolen jacket in navy blue by Le Minor is a woolen jacket for men and women that will not only protect you from the cold, thanks to its virgin wool composition, but also thanks to its high collar and pockets on both sides. It has the advantage of those waistcoats and jackets, which can be opened to adapt to the situation.

It is undoubtedly one of the emblematic garments of the Le Minor catalogue, which adopts a very workwear look, making it easy to wear on a daily basis. From our MBL archives, it makes a comeback with the same cut as always, but with a double zip, which opens from the top or the bottom.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 7 Gauge knitted English rib

. Plain

COMPOSITION

. 100% pure new wool

COLOURS

. navy (S->XXL)

BLOUSON ZIPPÉ REF. 92340 MAN

BEST SOUPS ARE MADE IN OLD POTS.

Perhaps even more than for wool, the integration of the manufacture of Le Minor marinières within the brand’s workshops is a story : the Guilleoise hosiery company makes its own fabric. And this is rare enough to mention.

At Le Minor, everything starts with a cotton thread, spun in the Vosges in one of the last two cotton mills in France. This thread is carded, its touch “raw”, because cotton thread is no longer combed in France. And because this nature gives the cotton of Le Minor’s marinières a touch and a patina, which ensures the brand’s promise: your marinière will last at least 20 years. It will become a second skin, like all those clothes that we “make” good old jeans, quality shoes, a coat.

The knitting of the fabric is done on impressive circular machines, which knit 200 metres of jersey per day, in different thicknesses and multiple “stripes”. These machines date from the 1960s or 1980s. Because at Le Minor we believe that the best soups are made in old pots : these old machines ensure a tightness and weight that is no longer found on more recent machines..

It is not always easy to imagine the extent to which the fabric is cut by hand - jersey cannot be cut automatically like oilcloth - and how precise it must be for the stripes to match. This simple fact deserves to be mentioned, to highlight the “small hands” at work in the design of Le Minor marinières, which give meaning to the marinière, this garment that is both emblematic of French elegance and rarely made in France.

JERSEY.

The term “marinière” historically referred to the sailor’s jacket, made of woollen cloth or linen, sometimes made from an old sail. Then, by metonymy, the word “marinière” came to designate the striped body knit, placed just below the said jacket. Today, in the ready-to-wear industry, the word “marinière” is sometimes also used to designate striped navy jumpers. But here, it is this cotton t-shirt, so Breton, that we want to talk to you about.

The Breton marinière continues to be a symbol of French elegance all over the world. This ancient undergarment has become a wardrobe staple since Coco Chanel decided to bring it back into the limelight in the 1920s. Since then, its success has never been denied : marinières are timeless clothing.

But, paradoxically, marinières, a typically French garment, are still rarely made in France. At Le Minor, they are entirely made in Bretagne, from a cotton thread itself made in France…

SPECIFICATIONS

. 20 Gauge knitted jersey

. J20 D43

COMPOSITION

. 100% raw cotton

COLOURS

. D43 ecru/navy (S-XXL)

. D43 white/navy (S-3XL)

Inspired by the French Navy, which we have supplied for many years, we have created a jersey fabric with placed stripes, i.e. a “pattern” of stripes alternated with plain inserts. The stripes are a functional garment, but they bring elegance and originality.

The realization of the stripes is a technical feat of our knitting workshop, a fine adjustment of the pinwheels and the warp of our mechanical machine allows us to knit these stripe placements, at intervals which must be regular.

When we say stripe placement in knitting, we mean stripe placement in cutting and assembly !

Indeed, the stripes have to be matched on all our models, even with the all-over stripes, because fashion demands it ! This requires a very precise cut, and an equally precise assembly. The first stripe in the pattern must start at a specific point in the pattern.

The cut has to be perfect, so that the pattern conforms and the stripes are well aligned. This special attention to detail makes our patterns even more valuable.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 20 Gauge knitted jersey

. J20 D5

COMPOSITION

. 100% raw cotton

COLOURS

. D5 ecru/navy (S->XXL)

. D5 white/navy (S->XXL)

This Breton striped sailor’s jacket gives originality to the sailor’s trousseau. Its unique red stripe adds detail and renewal, as do the slits on the sides and its straight cut.

The stripes of this sailor’s jacket are positioned in the same way as those of the Marine Nationale jacket. Ecru, which is the natural colour of cotton before it is dyed, and navy blue, are colours that Minor is deeply attached to and that recall the brand’s marine inspiration. The red stripe on the torso brings the touch of colour and originality that this men’s sailor’s jacket needed.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 20 Gauge Knitted Jersey

. J20 D69

COMPOSITION

. 100% raw cotton

COLOURS

. D69 white base (S-XXL)

. D69 navy base (S-XXL)

. D69 ecru base (S-XXL)

The traditional marinière is available in a version with a buttoned collar while keeping its historical colours: ecru and navy blue. Moreover, the model of this sailor’s jacket is directly inspired by the henley, the famous t-shirt with a buttoned collar which is a key piece of the men’s wardrobe.

The henley appeared in the 19th century in England as a cotton undergarment. Athletes then appropriated it, particularly rowers, because it had the advantage of not having a collar and therefore allowing a greater range of movement.

It was later found in the famous Westerns and this piece became deeply marked by the American spirit.

The detail of the buttons, also reminiscent of the polo shirt, brings this classic sailor’s model up to date.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 20 Gauge knitted jersey

. J20 D5

COMPOSITION

. 100% raw cotton

COLOURS

. D5 navy/ecru (S - XXL)

. D5 ecru/navy (S - XXL)

The design of this sailor’s jacket was inspired by an archive photo showing Pablo Picasso behind a window, with a sailor’s jacket whose irregular stripes are more reminiscent of Basque linen than of the regulation sailor’s jackets of the French Navy, recognisable by their 21 stripes, that Picasso used to wear.

Making this irregular stripe was a challenge in our workshop ! But we succeeded, thanks to the talent and determination of our knitters.

The “Pablo” sailor’s jacket is more in keeping with the long-sleeved t-shirt than the traditional sailor’s jacket, and not only because of its ribbed collar.

The cut is slightly loose, for comfort, and short, as opposed to the traditional sailor shirt, which is close to the body and rather long. This mix is therefore perfect for those who are looking for an original sailor’s jacket, modernizing the codes of the traditional sailor’s jacket.

The cotton used for this marinière is our “rustic” cotton, our famous cotton spun in France, carded, which gives a unique touch and hand to our marinières

SPECIFICATIONS

. 20 Gauge knitted jersey

. J20 D156

COMPOSITION

. 100% raw cotton

COLOURS

. D156 ecru/navy (S - XXL)

It is THE traditional quality sailor’s jacket that connoisseurs have been coming to Le Minor for so many years. Emblematic of Le Minor brand, we wanted to bring it up to date.

A typical Breton sailor’s jacket, here are some details about its thick cotton

. With 350 g/m2, its thickness makes it more like a sweatshirt than a t-shirt.

. Made of raw cotton, it is a little stiff at first, but then develops a patina as it is washed.

. You feel supported, safe and warm.

The thick cotton sailor’s jacket is a speciality of Le Mino we knit the fabric ourselves on our old circular loom from the 1960s. Its “hand” and its fall are unique, and constitute the true Breton thick cotton sailor’s jacket.

SPECIFICATIONS

. Jersey knitted in 14 gauge

. J14 D43

COMPOSITION

. 100% raw cotton

COLOURS

. D43 ecru/navy (S - XXL)

You can hardly do more French !

The marinière is a symbol of timeless elegance, French style.

What’s more (and this is paradoxically rare) it is entirely made in Bretagne : the fabric is knitted in our workshops in Guidel, then entirely made on the spot). When we talk about made in France, it’s hard to do more integrated than at Le Minor.

All the stages of making this sailor’s jacket were carried out in our workshops:

- knitting of the fabric;

- cutting the garment into shape;

- tailoring.

The cotton was spun and dyed in the Vosges and Pyrenees respectively. Only one stage in the transformation of the yarn into a garment is not carried out in our workshops : the stabilisation of the fabric, otherwise known as “calendering”, which is done in a partner workshop in Troyes or Roanne.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 20 Gauge knitted jersey

. J20 D43

COMPOSITION

. 100% raw cotton

COLOURS

. D43 white/navy (XS - XXL)

. D43 ecru/navy (XS - XXL)

. D43 navy/white (XS - XXL)

. D43 white/green (XS - XXL)

. D43 white/roy (XS - XXL)

. D43 white/red (XS - XXL)

Inspired by the National Navy’s outfits, Le Minor revives this classic sailor’s trousseau.

This marinière is known for its versatility and ease of integration into any wardrobe. These stripes starting at the chest offer freshness to your outfit.

With jeans and trainers for a relaxed look or with a suit jacket for a more professional look, it will be your companion on all your maritime or land adventures !

SPECIFICATIONS

. 20 Gauge knitted jersey

. J20 D5

COMPOSITION

. 100% raw cotton

COLOURS

. D5 white/navy (XS - XXL)

Le Minor offers a new version of the classic marinière with its redesigned marinière, with a contrasting red stripe within a set of placed stripes. The two side slits allow for more comfort and a wider range of movement.

Like all our authentic marinières, this striped three-coloured sailor’s jacket is made of 100% cotton, which makes it soft and comfortable to wear.

The cotton used for this original women’s marinières comes from the last remaining spinning mills in France. The high quality of the cotton makes this marinière very resistant and will last for many years without ever getting damaged.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 20 Gauge knitted jersey

. J20 D69

COMPOSITION

. 100% raw cotton

COLOURS

. D69 navy base (XS - XXL)

. D69 white base (XS - XXL)

. D69 ecru base (XS - XXL)

Women’s marinière with irregular stripes and t-shirt collar. This long-sleeved t-shirt for women reinvents the marinière

With a unique design, the women’s “Pablo” marinière offers a revisit of the marinière with a set of irregular stripes, for an original composition.

The fabric of this marinière has been designed and knitted in the Le Minor workshops in Guidel. It is made of carded cotton, the “rustic” cotton we have always used, and which is spun in France, in the Vosges.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 20 gauge knitted jersey

. J20 D156

COMPOSITION

. 100% raw cotton

COLOURS

. D156 ecru/navy (XS - XL)

MARINIÈRE PABLO REF. 61603 WOMAN

LA ROYALE.

A SENSE OF COMMITMENT AND ADVENTURE.

Le Minor, under the name “MBL”, has been a supplier to the French Navy for over 50 years. A stamp that the brand proudly displays, as an additional guarantee of its quality.

The contracts ended in 2010, but Le Minor continues to make the sailor’s and officer’s kit for ‘La Royale’. This kit is closely linked to the history of the Morbihan hosiery industry, and embodies the values defended by the brand : a sense of commitment - to know-how and responsible fashion - and quality - robustness of the knitting and finishing, which ensure the durability of a garment.

This collection features robust and virile knits, which have long been part of trendy wardrobes, with countless military references.

This collection takes the liberty of borrowing a fabric not made by Le Minor - for once - a regulation Rachel knit, to respect the historical specifications. It also allows itself variations in colour: a revisited officer’s jumper repeats the quality requirements, while adopting a touch of poetry.

A military fantasy by several hands, recorded in Bretagne, which reminds us who Le Minor is and what his mission is.

The name “submarine jumper” is quite transparent. It is the official jumper of the French army’s submariners. It is composed of very appreciable details, which make it a very good “customer” for a trendy wardrobe. Its collar is channeled, and not rolled, which is more original, and very elegant.

Its cuffs and lower body are doubled: instead of ribbing, there is a robust knit, which announces the solidity and the durability of the whole. The knit is thick and highly structured. A real armour against the cold and the elements.

SPECIFICATIONS

. Flat knitted mesh in 7 gauge

. Plain

COMPOSITION

. 100% pure new wool

COLOURS

. navy (S - XXL)

Genuine military jumper for naval officers, in line with the one Le Minor made for years for “la Royale”, knitted in pure shrink-wool, with shoulder reinforcements and epaulettes. With its authentic manufacture, this jumper has always had a good place in the Le Minor hosiery collections. This rugged navy blue men’s military jumper will stand up to all weather conditions and life’s trials. With military style having long permeated fashion, it has a style that appeals far beyond its primary function.

Made for over 40 years for the French Navy, this knitwear is full of details that bear witness to the textile know-how that Le Minor is fighting to keep in France. First of all, the mix between textile and knitwear: the shoulder pads and the shoulder reinforcements, made of fireproof fabric, are sewn with double needle machines, scrupulously following the ribbing of the jumper. A skill that can only be acquired after several years of training. The collar of the jumper is

re-sewn : that is, the jumper stitch is reopened by means of a machine with several hundred needles, to reattach the collar to the body by sewing it into the stitch itself. This guarantees a clean finish and a solidity that is beyond reproach. This rare and precious know-how, now reserved for the luxury industry (as the training costs and execution times are high) is still perpetuated today at Le Minor.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 2/2 size knitted in 7 gauge

. Plain

COMPOSITION

. 100% pure new wool

COLOURS

. navy (XS - 3XL)

This traditional military jumper, produced for years for the French Navy by Le Minor, is no longer part of the official uniform. This authentic naval non-commissioned officer’s jumper, knitted on our flatbed looms in Guidel (Morbihan), in coastal areas, is made from the wool yarn used for the French army : a fine, strong, non-shrinking yarn. Made to last, it is one of the symbols of the longevity of Le Minor products.

The rib knitting gives a certain elasticity to this historical military pullover. The result is a close-fitting garment that is suitable for use on the move (e.g. water sports). The length of the body also ensures that this old French army pullover does not ride up above the waist when moving, and always keeps you warm !

Less “warrior” than the officer jumper with appliqués and epaulettes, it seduces for its retro side and its boat neck open to the supra-clavicular fossa. This jumper is also well referenced since there are countless photos of Eric Tabarly, a famous naval officer, wearing this jumper.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 2/2 size knitted in 7 gauge

. Plain

COMPOSITION

. 100% virgin wool

COLOURS

. navy (XS - XXL)

This marinière is based on the specifications of the French Navy, which we have been providing for years. A technical garment, the marinière must be close enough to the body while allowing the movement necessary for manoeuvres, and the sleeves must not extend beyond the jumper or jacket worn by the sailor.

These constraints explain the technical characteristics that define the royal marinière : a fairly open “boat” collar, 7/8th sleeves that stop a little above the wrist, a slightly loose body and slits so that the sailor’s sailor suit falls well on the hips.

There are therefore (at least) 2 ways to wear this marinière :

- the “purist” way : opt for your usual size, and assume the slightly short sleeves, and the close-fitting cut. The marinière then stops in the middle of the buttocks.

- Oversized’ fashion, very common among the Japanese and in the air du temps, at a time when we favour volumes : take a size above, to find the length of sleeves of a classic marinière (or a long-sleeved T-shirt lambda), more ease in the armpits, and a lot of width in the body. The length of the marinière will then cover a good part of the buttocks.

SPECIFICATIONS

. Rachel Mesh

. Placed stripes

COMPOSITION

. 100% combed cotton

COLOURS

. squadron white (XS - XXL)

COATS.

A HISTORY OF FASHION.

Although the first hosiery workshop was founded in 1922, the brand “Le Minor” was born under this name in 1936 in Pont l’Abbé in Brittany, and its first ready-to-wear creation in 1955 was a coat : the Kabig.

The Kabig is the working garment of the seaweed gatherers, who collect seaweed on the beach, rain or shine - hence the hand-warmer breast pocket and the large hood. Le Minor brings it up to date.

Le Minor brand has always revisited the world of the sea, with quality manufacturing and a marked fashion bias, as demonstrated by its collaboration with Courrèges in the winter of 1975-1976.

This range of coats, which will increase in the coming seasons, sets the cursor at the right level, between trend and tradition.

Reissue of a Le Minor archive, this Tournier wool coat is a must-have. We like its retro details - especially its collar with retractable bib - but also its comfortable and modern detail : the knitted cuffs which ensure support and comfort, and the pocket, which is reminiscent of a modern hoodie. The pocket is lined in our own soft jersey.

SPECIFICATIONS

. Wool sheet

. Plain

COMPOSITION

. 100% wool

COLORS

. navy (S-XXL)

VAREUSE DRAP DE LAINE REF. 63934 MIXED

The kabig is undoubtedly one of Le Minor’s emblematic garments, along with the sailor jumper and the marinière. That’s why this autumn we couldn’t launch our new ‘coats and jackets’ range without the real Breton kabig, which is making a comeback for both men and women.

After more than 30 years without having produced the real Breton kabig, in our integrated workshops in Morbihan, we have decided for this new autumn-winter collection to sign the great return of this emblematic model. Anchored in our DNA, this navy blue woollen coat was originally a marine work garment, intended for seaweed workers, which we transposed into ready-to-wear clothing in 1955 !

It is therefore proud of our history that we have re-edited this year the original version of the sailor kabig, with wooden buttons, a belly pocket, and a navy-coloured woollen cloth composition.

SPECIFICATIONS

. Wool sheet

. Plain

COMPOSITION

. 100% wool

COLORS

. navy (S - XXL)

ACCESSORIES.

ACCESSORIES ARE ESSENTIAL.

In fashion, the accessory completes a silhouette, signs it. Le Minor’s hats, with their strong character, are derived from the military wardrobe or from contemporary creations and, like the majority of Le Minor’s ranges, are timeless and mixed.

They are suitable for everyone and offer an accessible product for those who want to have their first experience with the exceptional knitwear of the Breton company.

The 100% pure merino wool Navy cap, also known as the “docker” or commando cap, comes from the kit that Le Minor used to knit for sailors and officers in the French Navy. Its particular design with its large lapel gives it an authentic charm that will seduce you and protect you from the cold.

In a plain colour, it will adapt with sobriety and refinement to your outfits.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 5 gauge knitted jersey

. Plain

COMPOSITION

. 100% merino wool

COLORS

. navy (One size)

. red (One size)

. ecru (One size)

BONNET TORPILLE REF. 62997 MIXED

BONNET À CÔTE REF. 62981 MIXED

The ribbed hat from Le Minor is thick and soft. Its wide ribs spread out to fit the shape of your head, and keep it warm thanks to the 3 merino yarns intertwined when the wool is knitted on a 5 gauge knitting machine.

This protection is very gentle: the choice of merino wool provides warmth while being gentle. A real concentrate of softness.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 5 gauge knitted jersey Plain

COMPOSITION

. 100% merino wool

COLORS

. navy (One size)

. red (One size)

. ecru (One size)

The watch cap is a timeless item from Le Minor. From the marine world, it is requested by all the lovers of the Breton brand.

The simplicity of its design and the effectiveness of its protection have made it an emblem. It bears the name of its initial function: to protect sailors from the cold when they are on watch, i.e. when they are piloting and keeping watch. On cold, starless nights, the cap is the pilot’s only friend.

SPECIFICATIONS

. 7 gauge knitted jersey

. Plain and classic stripes

COMPOSITION

. 100% virgin wool

COLORS

. navy (One size)

. red (One size)

. ecru/navy (One size)

www.leminor.fr

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SALES TEAM

commercial.B2B@leminor-bonneterie.fr

+33 (0) 2 97 65 97 67

10 rue Nicolas Appert 56 520 Guidel

ANTONIN FLEPP

sales director

antonin@leminor-bonneterie.fr

+33 (0) 6 58 06 09 56

+33 (0) 1 45 49 34 43

5 rue du Sabot 75 006 Paris

JÉRÔME PERMINGEAT

general director . CO

jerome@leminor-bonneterie.fr

+33 (0) 2 97 65 97 67