Guernsey Submariner In Perfect Navy

The Submariner is an iconic piece of British knitwear, the first versions of which were ordered by the War Office in 1941. It was so successful that its design has remained largely unchanged in the +80 years proceeding that first order.  Supplied to the British Royal Navy, these garments were intended to protect sailors from the harsh conditions, freezing winds, rain and salt spray that they endured on long voyages at sea.

Within the British Navy, they were particularly embraced by submarine crews who patrolled the frigid and trecherous North Sea. 

The life of a submariner was often difficult. Cramped conditions, dangers all around and long missions often meant that the dress codes were slightly more relaxed than those above the waves and this was where the Submariner Jumper proved its worth – being comfortable enough to work, or even sleep in but hardy enough to protect crews surfacing in the frozen winds of the North Sea.

The Royal Navy Submariners became synonymous with their white woollen jumpers, as did the jumpers themselves with the men who wore them.  Submariners were tough, hardy and the epitome of a brave seaman and their jumpers came to symbolise these characteristics too - built to withstand the harsh weather conditions at sea. Submarine crews of the Royal Navy proudly wear their white Submariner jumpers to this day, and such is the success of this near 80 year old design that it was widely appropriated by popular mainstream fashion.

Our hand finished Submariners are knitted to be seamless for additional comfort. Using Laxtons top quality British wool which goes from fleece to finished yarn within 50 miles.