A winter delight: cable-knit sweaters. A plush cardigan in French merino wool.

Every year as winter approaches, we find ourselves drawn to carefully knitted cable-pattern items. The knit pattern that comes to mind when you think "sweater," one we've been familiar with since childhood, warms not just the body but the heart as well, simply by wearing it.

This time, a cardigan made with our original French merino wool has joined the lineup. It's a piece defined by its soft, substantial thickness and the bold cable pattern running across the body. Full of trapped air and excellent at retaining warmth, this cardigan will be a reassuring companion through the cold winter months.

What Is Cable Knitting?

Cable knitting refers to a knitting technique that creates a rope-like pattern. By crossing stitches over one another, it produces a twisted design reminiscent of a braided cord.

When people think of sweaters with rope-like patterns, many picture Aran knits, which originated from British fishermen's sweaters. There are various theories about the meaning behind these cable patterns—one story suggests that the designs functioned like family crests, allowing a fisherman lost at sea in an accident to be identified by the pattern on his sweater. In reality, it seems less that the cable patterns served as family crests, and more that hand-knit items clearly reflected the individual quirks of the knitter, meaning the texture and style of a sweater could reveal who had made it.

When you consider that the knit pattern we've casually seen since childhood has actually been cherished around the world for a long time, this cardigan too seems destined to become a piece you can wear for years to come, unswayed by passing trends.

Made with Rare French Merino Wool

The yarn used is rare French merino wool, raised in the Arles region of southern France. Merino wool refers to the high-quality fleece taken from Merino sheep, mainly produced in three countries: Australia, New Zealand, and France. Among these, French merino wool is produced only in a very limited region and in extremely small quantities, giving it more elasticity and loft than typical merino wool. Despite its substantial texture and the pronounced unevenness of the knit's surface, it's finished to be lightweight—so you won't have to worry about fatigue or shoulder stiffness even after wearing it for long periods, which is another pleasing aspect.

Thick knit cardigans can sometimes give an unintentionally bulky look, but the French Merino Wool Cardigan defies this—despite the volume of its knit fabric, it maintains a sleek, well-draped silhouette.

The length is slightly long—on our model, who is 162cm tall, it falls to about where it nearly covers the hips. Since it conceals the waist and hip area that can be a concern for many, you can pair it confidently with slim-fitting pants.

It looks lovely worn closed in front, and thanks to its relaxed drop-shoulder cut, it's equally charming worn draped over the shoulders like this, letting it slip down casually.

One of our staff's favorite details is the fabric-covered buttons. Especially on white knit cardigans, the buttons tend to stand out a lot, and it's not uncommon to love the overall piece but feel that the buttons themselves aren't quite to your taste. The French Merino Wool Cardigan uses fabric-covered buttons made from the same yarn as the body, creating a cohesive, unified look. Even with a classic, universal design, having a distinctive detail like this that sets it apart makes you grow all the more attached to it.

We offer two colors: WHITE and NAVY.

/ W H I T E /

A soft, gentle cream color. It's the kind of presence that instantly brightens up winter outfits, which can otherwise tend toward darker tones.

Dress: Corduroy Dress

Bag: Pouch Bag

Shoes: Ankle Boots

Since the hem isn't cinched and falls straight, it pairs wonderfully well with a dress.

Inner: Turtleneck

Coat: Wool Cashmere Melton Hooded Coat

Denim: Nadia UP139103 High Tapered Denim BLU

Shoes: WALSH Sneakers Tornado Halley Stevensons Iron

Even worn under a roomy outer layer like an overcoat, it stays neat and doesn't look bulky. The bright WHITE peeking out from the hem and sleeves also acts as a nice accent color.

/ N A V Y /

The other color is a classic navy, one that blends effortlessly into any everyday outfit.