If the work jacket is the King of French textile heritage, the Knitted Jacket is its natural heir.
You are cordially invited to examine the royal attributes of this Grande Dauphine and tell us what you think.
Inheritance tax
Since the Industrial Revolution, the work jacket has established itself as a cornerstone of a working wardrobe. Usually made from moleskin, it’s instantly recognisable thanks to its stand-up collar, array of patch pockets, front button placket, and a fabric ready to put in a shift.
Over the decades, the "bleu" has clothed most working folk, from artisans, farmers and labourers. More than just an item of clothing, it’s a symbol of French identity and craftsmanship.
Cabinetmakers in Montreuil, France, in the early 20th century ©Coll. Museum of Living History.
The thing is, the world has changed. The service sector now accounts for 75% of the working population compared to just 15% back in 1806, so you’re unlikely to be building anything more strenuous than a website these days.
With that in mind, we wanted to offer you a jacket suited to the demands of toil in 2025. And here it is, the Knitted Jacket.
Tradition and modernity
Clearly, the idea was to adapt the traditional bleu de chauffe for modern office life.
A moleskin may be great for keeping a 12 mm spanner ‘bout your person or shielding from drips of tar, but it's a bit less useful when you're slogging away in an open-plan office air-conditioned to 22°C.
So, we've treated our trusty old work jacket to a lovely knit, in 100% virgin wool. It's breathable, thermoregulating and looks the part. Just the right nod to the past without turning it into a parody.
Battle royale
As you can see, we've taken plenty of inspiration from the old-fashioned work jackets. The generous collar is there, the set of three patch pockets is there, the button placket is there, and so is the straight cut.
What’s different is the fabric. Gone is the bulky, compact moleskin, which gives way to a knitted full needle in pure new wool. It might seem subtle on first look, but it changes everything. It’s the perfect balance between the laid-back elegance of a knitted blazer and the utilitarian spirit that defines workwear.
An iconic item, revisited and updated, that blends modernity with tradition. You can sense the heritage, and comfortably wear it all day long.
Available for preorder next Tuesday
This Knitted Jacket will be available for preorder from next Tuesday at the incredible price of 169€. Just a reminder, we're talking about a full needle knit in virgin wool, knitted and assembled in Portugal.
If you miss the boat, you might come across it again during a Stock Sale, but its price will then increase to 219€. Blame the inventory costs.
With preorders, it’s always first come, first served. If you’re quick enough, you’ll receive your precious one at the end of October, just in time to welcome autumn in style.
To be notified on the day of its launch, as usual, you can sign up for the notification below.
Need to know anything else? Check our international Instagram page for the answer. Possibly.
Thanks,
The Asphalte Team