The appeal of clothing isn’t determined solely by its appearance or materials. Who originally wore it, and for what purpose? Once you understand that context, your perspective on choosing clothes changes.This time, we’ve selected three knitwear pieces rooted in the workwear of drivers, fishermen, and soldiers. Each piece reimagines the functional beauty born of practicality with modern materials and silhouettes—perfect for achieving an autumn style that’s half a step ahead of the crowd.
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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’s easy to open and close as needed, along with a stand-up collar to protect the neck from cold air. Its distinctive look was shaped by the functional requirements of the “driving” profession, including a thick knit fabric and a design with minimal embellishments.
The Gentleman Project’s “THE WOOSTER DRIVERS KNIT” retains the stand-up collar and front zipper of the classic driver’s knit while adapting it for modern everyday wear.Addressing common issues with traditional designs—such as heaviness, an overly high collar, and the itchiness often associated with wool—the garment is crafted from a blend of 87% cotton and 13% polyester.The silhouette features a comfortable, relaxed fit, and the inside-out construction—which uses the reverse side of the single-rib knit as the outer surface—creates a clean, streamlined look. Designed so that the collar stands on its own even when the zipper is open, the front maintains a balanced, stylish appearance whether worn open or closed.
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A design born from fishermen’s knitting 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 of 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 luxurious 100% cashmere, and the garment has been reimagined as a front-opening cardigan rather than a pullover. The sharp shawl collar, front pockets, cuffs, and hem are adorned with Tom Brown’s signature tricolor design, instantly transforming it into a modern piece.Furthermore, by adding grosgrain trim to the side vents and the raw-cut-style cuffs, the piece has been finished with a sharp, jacket-like silhouette that can be worn casually over other garments.
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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 meet the functional demands of the mission.Based on a rib-knit design that hugs the body, they are reinforced with separate fabric—such as cotton—on areas prone to wear and tear during intense training and missions, like the shoulders and elbows. This sturdy, no-nonsense construction, which prioritizes durability and ease of movement, creates the rugged look unique to command sweaters.
N. Peel’s “007 Ribbed Army Sweater” draws its design inspiration from the British Army’s command sweater and was modified specifically for James Bond in ‘No Time to Die’ in collaboration with Suttirat Anne Larlarb, the costume designer for the 007 series.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. It recreates the original’s details while achieving a sophisticated look befitting James Bond.
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