Le Minor

Founded in 1922, Le Minor is a guardian of the Breton textile tradition. By maintaining 100% integrated manufacturing in Brittany - from knitting the yarn to the final stitch - the house ensures that every marine sweater and sailor's top is a piece of living heritage, crafted with the same rigor required by fishermen a century ago.

In 1922, Berthe Ethui founded the Manufacture Bonneterie Lorientaise in Lorient, Brittany. The workshop's mission was clear: to craft marine sweaters for local Breton fishermen that could withstand the harshest conditions at sea. By using a knit so tight it was virtually waterproof, Ethui provided sailors with essential protection against rain, spray, and wind. This was true workwear, born from necessity rather than fashion.

In 1963, the workshop moved to Guidel, and the Grammatico family managed the brand for the next thirty years. During this period, much of the French textile industry struggled or moved production abroad. While larger Breton neighbors like Armor-Lux began offshoring up to 60% of their production to remain competitive, Le Minor remained small and steadfast, refusing to outsource a single stitch.

Under the new leadership of Sylvain Flet and Jérôme Permingeat since 2018, the house has experienced a powerful revival. They have meticulously traced the brand's heritage through its archives and opened a museum trail in Guidel to share its story. In 2023, Le Minor was awarded the prestigious Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) label. Today, every stage of production - from knitting and cutting to final assembly - is still integrated within their Breton workshops in Guidel and Quimper. For connoisseurs, Le Minor remains the definitive choice for an authentic, uncompromising marine sweater that is 100% made in Brittany.