It’s time to re-boot your Breton
Photos: Neil Mackenzie Matthews
This is not technically a Breton top, it’s an old striped t-shirt from Gap. The traditional design had a wide boat neckline to allow it to be swiftly pulled-on by sailors, while the broad horizontal stripes made it easy to spot a man if he fell overboard and early Breton tops had 21 stripes, one for each of Napoleon’s victories. I’ve never counted the stripes on my tops (not even at the height of lockdown number three) but there are numerous colour combinations successfully collected over the years. These Bretons are rolled-up in my t-shirt drawer in a half-hearted tribute to Marie Kondo, for easy viewing and co-ordination.
As I tend to use my long-sleeved, striped t-shirts for layering, it’s at this time of year, rather than the summer months, when the Breton top comes into its own. An absolute master of multi-tasking, this chic base layer looks the business beneath boiler suits, tunic dresses, pinafores and dungarees. And I love to see a slither of stripe popping out from underneath a sweater, which is just as well as the temperatures in the UK are refusing to budge beyond mid-Feb. The classic navy and white combination feels as fresh now as when adopted by Coco Chanel in the 1920s. The one I’m re-booting is quite a neat fit and so works well under the navy leather shirt. The thicker, more traditional marinieres look great with a cotton shirt underneath (as in the image from French label Sezane, below); with or without the French Tuck…
French Tuck, anyone?
Some of my favourites striped tops are from Saint James (for a looser fit try the men’s or the unisex collection) and I have a couple of navy and black striped Bretons from an old Ines de La Fressange at Uniqlo collaboration. Petit Bateau is worth a look, as is Gudrun Sjoden who loves a good colour combo and uses eco-cotton, ‘Designing with a long lifespan has been my most important contribution to a greener world,’ says the Swedish maximalist.
Breton stripes, not just for summer and definitely not just for Parisians.
Clog on
Style Notes: Striped t-shirt, from Gap. Leather shirt was a gift from Hobbs (still available HERE). Jeans are second-hand Levi’s 501s. The leather belt is an old J&M Davidson and my necklace is from Claire Stratton. Trainers are from Grenson. The loafer-mules in the second outfit photo are Russell & Bromley, borrowed for the shoot and returned.
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How do you wear your stripes?
Discussion (31 Comments)
Mrs Tonia says:
A good look here on you Alyson. I’ve got many of them which I’ve been layering. Several of the French brand Armor Lux as well as a thinner fabric St James one and many more fashiony cut ones from Cos with scooped neck with contrast colour banding at neck and bracelet length sleeves. As you say ideal for layering under a shirt or dress right now in this changeable weather for warmth plus the contrast of a sliver of striped sleeve or at neck And available at many price points. A classic useful garment.
Hayley Allan says:
Thank you for acknowledging the temperatures! I am still.in my thermal vest with the words of my MiL reminding me every day: “Ne’er cast a clout til May be out.”
Carmen says:
What a welcome post-thank you! I can’t bypass a striped top or dress. Like a bull to a red cloth, me and striped. Like coffee to the sleepy. Years ago you posted a photo of yourself in a striped maxi t dress, very wide navy and white stripes and long sleeves, that became my fantasy of picnic chic, summers under huge trees in beautifully manicured gardens. I’ve been trolling the shops for one like it ever since. Long live the striped top, in all colors and comfortable fabrics.!
I’ve still got that dress! Must style up an outfit around it soon. Thanks for reminding me, Carmen.
Sara says:
Love the look, definitely one of your best, Alyson.. Am a huge wearer of Bretons and spend far too much spring and summer time loooking for the perfect one. Love the APC example but can anyone advise me if its hefty price tag is worth the outlay?
Thank you, Sara. I have a couple of pieces from APC that I’ve had for at least 20 years (jeans, a jumper and a towelling top but not a Breton). I always think their quality is good but to be honest Saint James is probably just as good and not as expensive. Also, as Mrs Tonia mentions, there’s Armor Lux , too. Hope that helps!
Thanks, Alyson. Have looked at both alternatives. By the time I factor in the possible return postage for the Armor Lux one I like (to France) it’s almost the same cost! Good info for future reference though. Long live the Breton
Anna says:
I love Bretons! Seasalt and Boden do reasonably priced ones (especially when on sale) in different colours and sleeve lengths. I have nearly a dozen!
Carolyn says:
Thank you so much for the introduction to Saint James. Wonderful selection of clothes just perfect for life here in Norfolk! How to choose?!
Clare says:
Funny enough, am sitting reading this in my latest Breton top… 😉 Such a staple that I have a section for them in my tops drawer! Love the classic French brands you mention but also Jigsaw’s who often do a thinner fabric version or Seasalt who sell a variety of colours and sleeve lengths every year.
Oh yes, good call, Clare. I have one from Jigsaw in a thinner fabric and Seasalt are always good on colour combinations and ‘two-fer’ deals
Gill Bingham says:
Weirdly I’ve never had a Breton top but as Alyson looks so nice in this relatively simple navy and white combo I think the time has come. I particularly like the wider stripe. I’m also after a smart-ish pair of white jeans/trousers in a not too thick fabric. My old and inexpensive navy Uniqlo jacket has served me well but now needs replacing. St James looks very promising – thanks Alyson.
SLF says:
My favorite sailor shirts are from Peter Beaton on Nantucket (once the home of whalers) in Massachusetts.
Yvonne says:
You’re beautiful! I had to smile when I saw your post because yesterday was a beautiful warm day and I decided to wear my Breton top (first time this year) with jeans to go for a walk by the lake. I LOVE stripes. Got most of my Bretons in friperies (second-hand shops.). I like to wear them with white jean skirts, white jeans and blue jeans. Thank you for your lovely blog.
bev says:
Your expression is so different in photos when you feel ‘at home’ in what you are wearing. This is a great example of that! The leather shirt is to die for! I, too, love the Seasalt ‘two-fers’, although I tend to have to size up with them. When will it EVER get warmer?
..ps just looked at the St James website. I spent all winter looking for the perfect navy pea jacket. They have them! Time to start saving again!! (I blew the pea coat fund on bloody new sunglasses – hurumphhhh!)
Elizabeth says:
Thanks for this a timely reminder to look out my stripes tops which I love but afraid here in Scotland I’m still in cashmere and chunky sweaters! Last year you mentioned a small British company located somewhere in the Lancashire area (I think) who did some lovely striped tops too. Can’t remember their name.
Jean NYC says:
Yes, indeed; one of your best looks! Timeless, cool, and simply stylish.
Adding Marimekko’s Ilma shirt and KULE to the many brands that make gorgeous breton/stripe tees.This is so timely as I’ve been on the trawl for a new Breton for a while – particularly wanted a knitted warmer version for this chilly April. The cashmere Vince one is exactly what I’ve been seeking… thought perhaps not the price tag even though it’s discounted. You do look particularly lovely in these shots Alyson. It’s definitely a look I will be aspiring to – sadly the Hobbs leather shirt not in stock my size (12) any longer but will keep looking.
Ginger G Myers says:
I was JUST about to say gorgeous shoes!!! Thanks for the idea to layer a cotton top over a button-up. I’m in NW Florida and that would be a great heavy winter option for me. Always love your posts!
Victoria says:
The Original Breton Shirt Company based in North Yorkshire – wonderful range.
http://Www.Bretonshirt.comSusanna says:
I am a complete sucker for stripes, especially Bretons, and just finished knitting myself a wool Breton in sea green and cream, for coastal hikes and sailing. Feeling quite proud of myself, and it has given me something to do with my hands in endless Zoom meetings for months!
Claire B says:
Like Clare I’m also reading this wearing one of my many breton tops (Cos today) with a cardigan to keep out the chill. I love them, short sleeved, long sleeved, 3/4 – they’re so versatile, great for layering or just wearing on their own, and they always look fresh. Great post, I love the wide stripes and will definitely check out some of the companies I hadn’t heard of.
mrsglimmer says:
Love this post. I’m a stripe-aholic and never tire of wearing them in various sleeve lengths and as layering pieces. There was a while I avoided them after adhering to Trinny & Susannah’s advice for dressing for my body shape. However, I missed them so much, the joy they bring outweighs my width! I usually wear them under shirts, pinafores or jumpsuits. Seasalt offer great colours , are good quality and reasonably priced. (Especially at 2 for £40)
Like the other ladies I agree that this look is so ‘you’. You look stunning and timeless.Jill Hunter says:
Have recently bought three Breton style striped T Shirts, navy (of course), burgundy and yellow from La Redoute. Really good cotton and boat shape neck and they did not break the bank.
suzanna says:
Hi Alison, I love stripes. Though I kept my JCREW’s, it’s so hot in Florida & the fabric are too hot & thick for me. What brand would you recommend ? Also, for a curvy figure. I never wear mine now because as the fabric is so thick it’s just so hot here. I love stripes and would love to add a couple 3/4 length sleeves for the summer. Just seeking a thinner fabric.
Hi , I am fan of stripes. the place where I am living is kind of cold and the fabric are too thin for me. Do you have any brand in your mind that you can recommend to me? Also, I am kind of skinny.
Any precious suggestions?
Caroline 
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I love these broad, fresh stripes! Also perfect to balance out a pearshape (=me, not you Allison)