THEY ARE BACK! Our first batch of L’Usine Bleue moleskins sold out in a snap. But now they’re back! Moleskin is an ancient, very closely woven and dense cotton fabric, which is virtually windproof, some even rain-proof. It’s unusually warm relative to its thickness, but still breathes. It has very low friction which reduces wear and ”swish”. Its dense surface protects from pokes, scrapes and sparks. And not least, it’s extraordinarily hard-wearing, which made moleskin the preferred choice for French workwear for almost two centuries. With the introduction of cheap synthetic materials, moleskin workwear was almost completely forgotten. L’Usine Bleue is proud the reintroduce French moleskin – the ultimate, natural workwear that will last you a lifetime. #frenchworkwear #vintageworkwear #slowfashion #vintagefashion #workwear #heritagestyle #madeinfrance #lusinebleue #sofo #nytorget #nytorgsgatan #stockholm #sodermalm #södermalm #moleskin #moleskine #eco-cotton #bleudetravail #workjacket #workpants

Come visit us and our neighbors in SOFO – an afternoon with shopping, food, coffee, design, flowers and a glass of cold something in the sun.

L’Usine Bleue is proud the reintroduce French moleskin – sustainable workwear that embodies generations of unique, European textile know-how under threat of being forgotten. The L’Usine Bleue moleskins are made in France from 100% French moleskin. Their traditionally no-nonsense design and construction are perfectly suited for heavy chores like metal work or carpenting – or intense existentialist café debates. #frenchworkwear ##slowfashion #workwear #madeinfrance #lusinebleue #sofo #stockholm #moleskin #moleskine #bleudetravail #workjacket

Moleskin belongs to a very old class of fabrics called fustians, made since at least Roman times. Corduroy and velveteen are other examples of fustians. In a fustian, extra yarns (picks) are inserted into the weft (the left to right yarns in a loom), creating a very tight and dense weave. The weft picks are then cut and the fabric brushed to raise a fuzzy nap. During the Middle Ages someone decided to shear off that fuzzy nap, leaving a smooth, soft and compact surface perfectly suited for working clothes – moleskin!

With the dawn of the industrial era, steel workers were the first to use moleskin as workwear, to protect themselves from sparks and droplets of molten metal. In Europe, moleskin soon caught on as the ultimate industrial workwear – durable, protective, windproof, comfortable and breathable. In North America, denim filled the same purpose, which is why American moleskin workwear is very rare. With the invention of cheaper synthetic fibres, moleskin workwear retreated into the shadows of history.

MOLESKIN is very tightly woven, making it virtually windproof, some even nearly rainproof. Farmers wore moleskin since sharp hairs from farm animals couldn’t poke through. Welders wore them, since sparks would simply bounce off. Hunters preferred them (and still do) since they have low friction, making them quiet. Moleskin is warm, but can still breathe – making it usable all year. And not least, it’s extraordinarily hard-wearing – which is why vintage moleskin work jackets are often in such beautiful shape, even after many years of everyday wear.

Moleskin is an ancient type of fabric related to corduroy and almost always made from cotton. Imagine it as a very tightly weaved corduroy, where the fuzzy nap has been shaved off, leaving a smooth surface. Long ago some people thought it felt like the skin of a mole – hence the name. #frenchworkwear #slowfashion #workwear #madeinfrance #lusinebleue #sofo #nytorget #nytorgsgatan #stockholm #sodermalm #södermalm #moleskin #moleskine #bleudetravail #workjacket

SNEAK PEEK! 🤫 #alusinebleueproject

NEW! The classic workjacket from Le Laboureur in Stockholm’s signature color – BLACK. Get them while they’re hot!

RE-STOCK! These summery dungarees by Tonton et Fils are inspired by work overalls worn by mechanics in the 1940s. They are fitted slim at the waist and loose in the legs for comfortable mobility. The covered front button closure opens completely down to below the waist to make them easy to get in and out of. Comfy, cute and relaxed with a t-shirt or light blouse.

Before Coco Chanel introduced it as an everyday fashion, the striped Breton shirt had been part of the French sailors’ uniform for ages. Ours are made by Saint James – the original and official supplier to the French navy. They use the same fantastic quality in their consumer line. Timeless, versatile and oh, so very French.

May the 4th be with you.