The Breton Striped top is an iconic style, instantly recognisable and a classic of a casual wardrobe. In its modern incarnation, it is often three quarter sleeved, slim fitting, with horizontal navy and white stripes in a variety of configurations.
The original Breton stripe was first seen in 1858 when it was introduced as the uniform for all Seamen of the Navy of Brittany. It featured 21 stripes, one for each of Napoleon’s victories and was known as marinière or matelot; the second name is still used as a general term for the lowest enlisted rank in the Navy.
In fashion terms the Breton stripe was first popularised by Coco Chanel in her Nautical collection in 1917. As fashion moved away from a heavily corseted style and sportswear and leisure pursuits became more popular, the nautical chic of simple blue and white stripes meant it caught on quickly amongst the rich and fashionable.
The Breton stripe top has remained a casual wardrobe staple ever since. Like any fashion it has occasional periods of increased popularity and is often associated with a more bohemian or artistic style. In the 50s and 60s it was particularly popular among beatniks and intellectuals, and its association with France has imbued it with a sense of European elegance and intellectualism.
As a classic style it has graced such luminaries as Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, Edie Sedgwick, Audrey Hepburn, and Jean Seberg, to name a few.
The Breton Striped top is an iconic style, instantly recognisable and a classic of a casual wardrobe. In its modern incarnation, it is often three quarter sleeved, slim fitting, with horizontal navy and white stripes in a variety of configurations.
The original Breton stripe was first seen in 1858 when it was introduced as the uniform for all Seamen of the Navy of Brittany. It featured 21 stripes, one for each of Napoleon’s victories and was known as marinière or matelot; the second name is still used as a general term for the lowest enlisted rank in the Navy.
In fashion terms the Breton stripe was first popularised by Coco Chanel in her Nautical collection in 1917. As fashion moved away from a heavily corseted style and sportswear and leisure pursuits became more popular, the nautical chic of simple blue and white stripes meant it caught on quickly amongst the rich and fashionable.
The Breton stripe top has remained a casual wardrobe staple ever since. Like any fashion it has occasional periods of increased popularity and is often associated with a more bohemian or artistic style. In the 50s and 60s it was particularly popular among beatniks and intellectuals, and its association with France has imbued it with a sense of European elegance and intellectualism.
As a classic style it has graced such luminaries as Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, Edie Sedgwick, Audrey Hepburn, and Jean Seberg, to name a few.
One of the advantages of a breton stripe top is its unisex look, so you can just steal your bohemian boyfriend’s clothes, tousle your hair and you’re good to go. Men who’ve famously favoured the breton stripe include Andy Warhol, Jean-Paul Gaultier, James Dean and Kurt Cobain.
If you’re on the hunt for a modern equivalent then the best places to look are classic casual stores like Gap, M&S and La Redoute. Wear it tucked into high waisted trousers for a 1930s nautical look or with ballet flats and a pencil skirt for a touch of 1950s Audrey Hepburn style beatnik glamour.
