Drivers, fishermen, soldiers. Some of the knitwear now beloved as classics trace their roots back to the practical garments worn by working men. We’ve selected three pieces that retain that functional beauty while being reimagined with modern materials and silhouettes.
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Transforming a truck driver’s workwear into an urban stapleGENTLEMAN PROJECTS ‘THE WOOSTER DRIVERS KNIT’
The roots of the drivers’ knit lie in the knitwear worn by truck drivers as cold-weather gear.Designed for long hours of driving and loading/unloading cargo, it keeps the wearer warm while allowing for ease of movement. It features a front zipper that can be opened or closed as needed, along with a stand-up collar to protect the neck from cold air. Characteristics such as the thick knit fabric and minimalist design—all tailored to the demands of driving—have shaped its distinctive look.
The Gentleman Project’s “THE WOOSTER DRIVERS KNIT” retains the stand-up collar and front zipper of that classic driver’s knit while adapting it for modern everyday wear.Addressing common issues with traditional designs—such as excessive weight, a collar that stands too high, and the itchiness often associated with wool—the garment is crafted from a blend of 87% cotton and 13% polyester.The silhouette features just the right amount of ease, and the inside-out construction—which turns the reverse side of the single-rib knit to the outside—creates a clean, streamlined look. Designed so the collar stands on its own even when the zipper is open, it strikes a balance that looks great whether worn on its own or as a layer.
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A design born from fishermen’s knitwear culture, dressed up in cashmereThom Browne ‘Aran Cable Cashmere RWB Stripe Cardigan’
Aran knits, named after the Aran Islands in Ireland, are said to have first appeared in the early 20th century. The Aran sweater evolved from the simple knits worn by fishermen, and its knitting patterns also show influences from the knits worn by fishermen in Scotland and the Channel Islands.Pullovers made from thick wool and featuring three-dimensional knitting patterns—such as cables and diamond motifs—across the entire surface have become the iconic image of the Aran sweater as we know it today.
Tom Brown’s “Aran Cable Cashmere RWB Stripe Cardigan” retains the iconic cable knit while significantly reimagining the original’s rustic aesthetic in a luxurious direction.The material has been replaced from rugged wool to 100% cashmere, and the design has been reimagined as a front-opening cardigan rather than a pullover. Furthermore, with a sharp shawl collar, front pockets, and RWB grosgrain trim on the cuffs and side vents, it has been finished with a look that allows it to be worn like a jacket.
A British Army command sweater, reimagined in James Bond styleN.Peal ‘007 Ribbed Army Sweater’
Command sweaters, originally made for soldiers, are military knitwear designed to prioritize the functionality required for missions.Based on a rib-knit design that hugs the body, it features patches of separate fabric on high-wear areas like the shoulders and elbows for reinforcement. Its sturdy, no-nonsense construction—prioritizing durability and ease of movement—creates the rugged look unique to the Command Sweater.
N. Peel’s “007 Ribbed Army Sweater” draws its design inspiration from the British Army’s command sweater and was modified specifically for ‘No Time to Die’.While retaining the ribbed knit reminiscent of the original and the canvas reinforcement patches on the shoulders, elbows, and cuffs, the fabric has been updated to a blend of 90% superfine merino wool and 10% cashmere.A drawstring and metal hardware have been added to the neckline, preserving the rugged feel of a military knit while giving it a refined look befitting James Bond.
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