Mister Freedom® MARINER Rollneck Sweater (JP) & TOPSIDERS NOS Crosshatch Moss Denim (USA)

 

 

 

 

Mister Freedom® MARINER Rollneck Sweater, FW2022 (JP)
&
TOPSIDERS NOS Crosshatch Moss Denim, FW2024 (USA)

The one that got away meets the one we just got in!

The Mister Freedom® MARINER Rollneck Sweater is part of our mfsc FW2022 FROGSVILLE line-up (a stylistic incursion into the world of vintage UDT, Frogmen and US Navy SEALs, with loose 1940s-1970s combat diving and Special Ops references), but somehow never got coverage on this blog. More the result of a temporary disruption in brain cell activity from yours truly than a lack of interest on the subject.
So there it is!

In the footsteps of its PRIVATEER predecessor, the MARINER Rollneck Sweater is inspired by classic cable knit sweaters, revisited MF® style.
Our Frogsville story goes that the garment was a private purchase for our Californian frogman (fictitious) character. While on a mission off the West coast of Ireland, he just wanted to somewhat blend in with local fishermen…

Our twist is that the knit pattern of the MARINER has that classic Aran sweater vibe, but we opted for 100% cotton yarns instead of wool. Less allergy-inducing, and more SoCal-weather friendly. The sweater fabric has a soft hand, a fairly loose knit with horizontal crosswise stretch for a comfortable vibe. Not intended to compete with dense wool fisherman sweaters in the warmth department, but perfect for mild temps back home.

Our other twist is in the proportions, as we aimed for a shorter old-school silhouette that pairs well with the kind of classic mid-to-high-waisted trouser styles we favor. To further accentuate the 1930s~40s period aesthetics, we went for a 5 inch-long waistband that compliments one’s natural waist line. For ref, the Privateer had a 3½ inch-long waistband.
The long ribbed roll cuffs are also a nod to vintage sweaters.
Two color options for the MARINER, genuine indigo blue and black, another departure from traditional fisherman sweaters, as repros are not our game.

Next, and fresh from our local California factory, the Mister Freedom® TOPSIDERS are back!
The pattern — discussed at length here — is an old favorite dating back to 2014 in MF® chronology, but with design roots in WW2 US Navy denim dungarees. Classic generous cut, high-waisted, straight wrap leg, button fly, four patch pockets, cinch back.

We have released our TOPSIDERS in a few fabric options through the years, mostly all sold-out today, although some random pairs found in storage may pop up in the MF® warehouse occasionally.

This FW2024 release features a woven goodie we scored from a local fabric jobber a while back: some New Old Stock yardage of premium crosshatch denim twill with a nice indigo moss blue color, wide loom, 11 Oz., a blend of 70% cotton and 30% linen of probable Italian mill origin. This fabric has an attractive and unusual greenish indigo warp, enhanced by a charcoal grey weft yarn. Although it has worked perfectly for our Continental suiting series because of its fine drape/color/texture, it also carries a vintage military-issued might-have-been fabric vibe, perfect for the TOPSIDERS. Workwear meets premium denim.

The MF® MARINER Rollneck and MF® TOPSIDERS are designed in California by Mister Freedom®, and produced respectively in Japan and USA, in collaboration with Sugar Cane Co.

 

MF® MARINER Rollneck Sweater SPECS:

FABRIC:
100% cotton yarn, classic Lace-Diamond-Rope cable knit pattern.
Two color options:
1) Genuine dark indigo blue.
2) Black.

DETAILS:
* Classic knit pattern, inspired by vintage cable knit “fisherman” type sweaters.
* 100% cotton yarns.
* Traditional “Lace-Diamond-Rope” cable knit pattern.
* Single fold ribbed rollneck.
* 1930s-40s style long seamless ribbed waistband.
* Extended seamless ribbed roll cuffs.
* Original mfsc “Waterfront Surplus” woven rayon label.
* Made in JAPAN.

SIZING/FIT:
This explains how we size and measure our garments.
The MARINER Rollneck Sweater, in both indigo and black, comes pre-shrunk and is ready-to-wear as-is. No soaking required.
This garment is considered true-to-size. At ~5’7 & 145 Lbs, I opted for a SMALL, for a classic period “boxy” fit, with the waistband sitting at the natural waist.
Again, this is a period fit that may not work for one only comfortable with more modern and contemporary silhouettes, or with specific body proportions.
The MARINER cable knit pattern allows for generous horizontal (crosswise) stretch, with average natural recovery (= the knit’s ability to return to its initial size after being stretched.) Therefore, measurements can be a bit misleading, as with all “stretchy” knit garments.
We recommend sticking to your usual MF® size with this sweater. If you are a Medium in mfsc shirting, you are more-likely a Medium in the MARINER.
To save on unnecessary frustration and size swap shipping fees, please reach out to [email protected] to tune-in sizing if unsure. Please do provide body type and measurements, silhouette expectation, and, if available, measurements of a similar garment you own that fits according to your style.

CARE:
Turn sweater inside out. Machine wash on DELICATE, cold water, mild eco-friendly detergent. Air dry flat on a clean towel, or hang dry on a well-padded hanger to avoid shoulder stretching.
Wash with similarly-colored garments. Indigo tends to bleed on light-colored garments/furniture.
Do not use the washer’s heavy-duty cycle. Heat dryer is also not recommended and may result in excessive shrinkage.

 

 

MF® TOPSIDERS Crosshatch Moss Denim SPECS:

FABRIC:
New Old Stock 11 Oz. Crosshatch Denim Twill, indigo moss blue (blue with a greenish sheen) warp x charcoal grey weft, wide loom, 11 Oz., slubby blend of 70% cotton & 30% linen, probable Italian origin.

DETAILS:
* Original pattern adapted from a vintage pair of WW2 US Navy denim dungarees.
* High-waisted, roomy straight leg, vintage 1940’s military utility trousers silhouette.
* Wrap-leg construction (no side seams.)
* Button fly, metal tack buttons, oxidized black donut type.
* Vintage USMC-style oxidized black Wreath & Star donut type waist button.
* Two functioning rounded-bottom front patch pockets, two deep rounded-bottom rear back pockets.
* Adjustable back cinch strap.
* Skinny belt-loops for 2” wide belts.
* Flat felled seam construction for seat and inseam.
* 100% cotton tonal stitching.
* MF® Sportsman green inside chainstitch accent.
* Made in USA.

SIZING/FIT:
The MF® TOPSIDERS come raw/unwashed, and are cut so that the measurements roughly match the labeling AFTER an initial cold soak/line dry. We recommend the usual protocol before wearing:

• Cold soak in a tub for about 30-40mn, with occasional hand agitation.

• Line dry, no heat dryer.

At ~5’7 & 145 Lbs, I opted for a comfortable W30. I wear them slightly cinched in the back because of the generous waist. I went for “sloppy rolls” for now, and may hem them later.

To save on unnecessary frustration and size swap shipping fees, please reach out to [email protected] to tune-in sizing if unsure. Please do provide body type and measurements, silhouette expectation, and, if available, measurements of a similar garment you own that fits according to your style.

CARE:
The MF® Topsiders NOS Crosshatch Moss denim are low-maintenance.
Garment turned inside-out, machine wash when needed, cold/warm water, delicate cycle, eco-friendly detergent. Hang dry.
Using hot water or heat dryer may result in excessive and irreversible shrinkage.

The MARINER and TOPSIDERS are available from www.misterfreedom.com, our Los Angeles brick & mortar store, and fine retailers around the World.
Email [email protected] or call 323-653-2014 with any questions unanswered above.
Thank you for your support.

Christophe Loiron
Mister Freedom®
©2024

Comments

comments