Nitto Knitwear: The Excellence of French Knitwear (which is more than meets the eye)

Introduction

At first glance, the name sounds like an invitation to travel to the land of the Rising Sun. Yet, it is in the Paris region , in one of the last knitting workshops in Île-de-France, that the story of Nitto Knitwear is being written.

If you're looking for a men's sweater that combines durability, elegance, and ethical production, look no further. We're proud to present this French brand that perpetuates artisanal expertise passed down through three generations. Let's take a closer look at a brand that's redefining menswear.

1. A family story that began in a garage

Nitto's story goes back a long way. It all began in 1972 , when the grandfather of the current CEO knitted his first pieces in a simple garage. A passion for yarn and a commitment to quality allowed the company to grow, moving in 1988 to the workshop that still houses its production today.

It is this authenticity that makes Nitto so strong. Far from impersonal factories, here, every machine and every craftsman has a story. Some employees have been loyal to their posts for almost 40 years, passing on their manufacturing secrets to new generations.

2. Why "Nitto"? The secret of a Japanese name

Why choose a Japanese name for a 100% Made in France brand? It's a nod to the workshop's history. A few years ago, the quality of their knitwear won over Japanese distributors, renowned for being the most demanding customers in the world.

To honor this collaboration, which has driven the workshop to achieve excellence, the brand chose the name "Nitto," which literally means "knitting" in Japanese. This name symbolizes the bridge between traditional French craftsmanship and international ambition.

3. At the heart of the workshop: Techniques and fine materials

An exceptional fleet of machines

The quality of a Nitto Knitwear sweater lies in its technical precision. The workshop has a range of high-end machines ( Shima Seiki and Stoll ) which allow it to work with different gauges (the thickness of the knit):

• Gauge 3 : For thick and rustic cardigans.

• Gauge 14 : For fine, elegant and thermoregulating sweaters.

The art of ennoblement

Knitting isn't enough. The secret to the softness of Nitto sweaters lies in the crucial washing and fulling stage. Once knitted, the panels are washed to fluff the fibers and set the garment's final size. This ensures your sweater won't shrink after the first wash and will retain its softness year after year.

4. Sustainable and responsible fashion

In the era of "Fast Fashion", Nitto Knitwear has chosen "Slow Fashion".

• Natural materials: The brand favours merino wool, mohair or cashmere, sourced from the best European spinners.

• Locally made: Everything is made in France, drastically limiting the carbon footprint related to transport.

• Durability: The careful finishing (re-linking, meticulous assembly) ensures exceptional longevity of the garments.

Conclusion: Embrace French elegance

Wearing a Nitto sweater is like wearing a piece of French textile history. Whether you prefer a classic crew neck or a structured cardigan, each piece tells the story of 50 years of passionate craftsmanship.