Bleu de Chauffe Expands Cancale Knitwear Collection with Doëlan & Sauzon Sweaters

Artisanal French maker, Bleu de Chauffe, has expanded its knitwear roster with the Doëlan Cardigan and Sauzon Trucker Sweater.

James Smith

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Knitwear has had a renaissance in recent years. It’s always been there, of course, but knitwear has been the subject of stronger focus from quality makers who seek to produce the best version of iconic knitted silhouettes. And while most folks know Bleu de Chauffe for their grail-tier bags, their apparel line is home to some serious marine-inspired knitwear that can sail with the best of ’em.

Following the success of their Cancale Seaman Sweater, which launched a couple of years ago to glowing reviews, Bleu de Chauffe has expanded its Cancale collection with the Doëlan Cardigan and Sauzon Trucker Sweater. Made in a dedicated workshop in the South of France, these new additions feature world-class knitting approaches that produce robust, heavyweight sweaters that will likely outlive you. Let’s take a closer look.

The Sauzon Trucker Sweater

The Sauzon Trucker Sweater is a zip neck pullover that walks the same line as the Cancale sweater, made from OEKO-TEX® One certified 100% cotton in a beaded pearl rib knit that provides a measure of comfortable stretch without losing its shape. This is important because this marine-grade knit is over 38 oz. per square yard— the heaviest knit we’ve seen in a long while.

First appearing in the mid-1930s, the Trucker Sweater found a natural home in winter sports like skiing, prized for its warmth and a zippered collar that allowed for adjustable ventilation during intense exertion or milder spells. It was eventually adopted by French blue-collar workers in the 1950s, notably truckers, who valued its warmth and versatility for varying conditions— in the cab, loading the truck, resting at truck stops. As such, this zip-collar style became lovingly known as the ‘trucker’.

Cut in a traditional, relaxed silhouette with roomy sleeves, the Sauzon is built for layering but is fitted enough to look flattering over a t-shirt or other lightweight tops. The rich and versatile navy blue is offset by a silver-finished brass YKK zipper that runs from 1/4 way down the chest through to the top of the collar. The most nuanced detail is the contrasting geometric weave bands that define the transitions between the body and hem, and the sleeves and cuffs. It’s flair like this that identifies a top-drawer garment—something BDC specializes in.

Available from Bleu de Chauffe for $279.

The Doëlan Cardigan

Onto the Doëlan Cardigan, a shawl collar beauty in the same rich navy, but this time it’s made from 100% natural combed virgin wool, certified OEKO-TEX® and bluesign®. This beastly cardi is characterized by its voluminous 3-gauge English rib knit, which provides visual splendor and a soft, pillowy feel for your torso, all while embodying the hardy longevity of high-quality wool.

The wool in question has been selected for its long fiber length, which produces hardy, smooth yarns that are less prone to pilling. Longer wool fibers also have much more natural elasticity, meaning that they can retain their shape through lots of wear. Virgin wool is a win for sensitive skin, too—a lack of prior use or processing means the yarns are extra soft and free of residue or contaminants, making it comfortable on the skin. All of these qualities are essential for a garment like the Doëlan—a daily driver that balances form and function.

While cardigans at large evolved from the knitted waistcoats worn by James Brudenell—7th Earl of Cardigan— and his troops, the shawl collar itself actually evolves from something far more laid back: loungewear. It is first seen on smoking jackets and Victorian loungewear—the rounded design of a shawl collar meant it could be easily flipped up to become a sort of quasi scarf, and the extra coverage on the upper chest provided extra warmth and coziness in the home. However, these benefits saw the shawl collar emigrate to knitted sweaters in the early 20th century, where it was uniquely positioned to trickle into different walks of life, from laborers to loungers and everyone in between. Images of Babe Ruth donning a shawl collar Yankees sweater posited the garment as a sportswear piece in the early 1920s, before menswear icons like Steve McQueen and Paul Newman cemented the shawl collar cardigan as a versatile menswear classic.

We all know cardigans are versatile, but the Doëlan pushes things even further with its thick construction, allowing it to be worn as an outer layer if desired. At the same time, it’s so soft and comfortable that it can be slipped over a t-shirt on milder days, as pictured above.

Made in the same French knitting workshop as all of BDC’s knitwear, the Doëlan has integrated pockets that have been skilfully knitted into the front panel for a clean, premium finish. Each Cardigan is fitted with custom-engraved BDC buttons, also produced by a specialized French maker.

Available from Bleu de Chauffe for $430.

Cancale Seaman Sweater – Khaki

In addition to the Sauzon & Doëlan, Bleu de Chauffe has introduced its popular Seaman Sweater in a new Khaki colorway. Perfect for pairing with raw denim, this khaki rendition of the Seaman channels army and BDU vibes, a charming change of pace from the maritime influence of the silhouette. Crafted from the same marine-grade cotton as the Sauzon, the Seaman Sweater is a wearable tank with a raised neck and snug cuffs for added protection from the elements.

Available for $248 from Bleu de Chauffe.

As the Cancale collection grows, so does Bleu de Chauffe’s reputation for end-tier knitted staples that underpin their ever-expanding apparel output. That said, each silhouette is only produced in limited numbers, so don’t sleep if you’re looking to expand your knitwear options with some French excellence.

Available at Bleu de Chauffe for $279 (Sauzon), $430 (Doëlan), and $248 (Seaman)

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