The Workshop
THE BRAND
With fifty years of experience in high-end knitwear, one of the last remaining knitwear workshops in the Paris region launched Nitto Knitwear in 2022, a brand of men’s jumpers made entirely in France. Behind this project lies a family history in which expertise has been passed down through three generations.
Initially specialising in women’s knitwear under the Tricots Jean Marc brand, the workshop saw the founder’s grandson take up the torch in 2011, determined to carry on the legacy. In 2016, an order from a Japanese distributor for a men’s collection provided the opportunity to realise a long-held dream: to create sustainable, elegant men’s jumpers made in France.
Every Nitto Knitwear design is crafted from high-quality natural fibres, such as merino wool, renowned for its softness and thermal performance. The knitwear is produced using a 14-gauge needle, resulting in a fine yet substantial finish.
To distinguish the men’s range—which is more contemporary and technical—from the women’s line already available in Japan, a new name was needed. Inspired by discussions with Japanese clients, ‘Nitto’—which means ‘knitting’ in Japanese—was chosen, symbolising the link between French craftsmanship and international outreach.
Today, Tricots Jean Marc and Nitto Knitwear together embody the excellence of French knitwear: authentic craftsmanship, a commitment to quality, and a responsible approach.
THE WORKSHOP
Long before Nitto Knitwear was founded, the history of our family workshop began in the 1970s. My grandfather and his partner knitted their first women’s jumpers in a garage, driven by a constant commitment to quality. In 1988, the workshop moved and expanded, growing from 20 to 75 employees by the early 2000s, becoming a recognised player in the French knitwear industry.
Today, this historic workshop remains at the heart of Nitto Knitwear’s production, combining traditional craftsmanship with textile innovation. Equipped with 20 high-end Shima Seiki and Stoll machines, it enables the manufacture of complex garments of impeccable quality.
The expertise passed down through three generations is evident at every stage: machine programming, meticulous assembly, washing and fulling to ensure softness, durability and longevity. Natural fibres are sourced from the finest European spinners, in line with responsible and sustainable production practices.
More than just a production facility, our workshop is the symbol of a living heritage, upheld by passionate craftspeople, some of whom have been with us for over 40 years. A commitment to excellence and a love of a job well done are evident in every Nitto Knitwear jumper, and we are proud to see this recognised by the ‘Made in France’ label.
MANUFACTURING
At Nitto Knitwear, creating a jumper is, above all, a story of passion and precision, a tradition passed down through three generations. It all begins with the careful selection of natural fibres – merino wool, mohair, cashmere, cotton – sourced from the finest European spinners. This choice determines the quality, softness and durability of every garment.
The design of a model then involves drafting the knitting pattern: stitch type, gauge, dimensions… Every detail is considered to bring out the best in the fabric. Next comes the programming of the high-end Shima Seiki and Stoll machines, where artisanal expertise meets technology to knit with millimetre-precision.
After knitting, the panels are washed, fulled and ironed to ensure softness, suppleness and durability. Each fabric undergoes a tailored treatment to preserve its natural qualities. The panels are then carefully assembled, before a final pressing that gives the jumper its perfect silhouette.
From yarn selection to assembly, every step is designed to deliver elegant, comfortable jumpers built to last — in keeping with our commitment to responsible, artisanal production.
