Our know-how

Certified as an Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant since 2012 and a strong advocate of Made in France, SAINT JAMES produces more than one million jumpers, iconic wool pieces, and cotton sailor tops each year, right in the heart of Normandy.
Mastery of wool and cotton craftsmanship in France is at the core of our heritage. Our pieces are crafted within one of Europe’s most beautiful knitting facilities by 250 employees—hatters, knitters, seamstresses, menders, and finishers—and designed on-site in Saint-James by our stylists and pattern makers.

To enrich our collection while staying true to our Norman identity, we have developed a complementary range of woven pieces for our clients, including trousers, shirts, and coats.

The production of these items is entrusted to partners who master techniques different from, or complementary to, our own.

During the 1980s and 1990s, the French textile industry faced major challenges. Many players in the sector—spinners, knitters, and finishers—disappeared. Had our predecessors not chosen to outsource part of their production at the time, the SAINT JAMES Ateliers would likely not have survived. Today, we are proud to continue this incredible journey at the heart of our Ateliers in Normandy.

For the foreign production of items using techniques we do not master, which currently represent 30% of our output, we collaborate with trusted artisans and partners, both French and international.

They produce certain pieces according to our designs, patterns, and specifications, upholding the same quality standards we require.

Our teams in design, style, and quality, all based in Saint-James, Normandy, regularly visit our partners to ensure that the SAINT JAMES quality endures, even beyond our Normandy Ateliers.

Ensuring the preservation of the iconic “SAINT JAMES hand”, with no compromise on quality, remains at the heart of everything we do.

Currently, SAINT JAMES produces 70% of its collections in France and is committed to continuing this momentum in support of French manufacturing.

Developing partnerships with other French textile players and investing in training for knitting and garment-making professions are key illustrations of this commitment.

SAINT JAMES also continues to invest in its French Ateliers, including increasing production capacity with the acquisition of 80 new knitting machines over the next four years.
The recent expansion of production facilities and the renovation of offices in Normandy in 2022 reaffirm SAINT JAMES’ deep roots in its historic territory.