When it comes to men’s fashion, French men stand in a league of their own, rivaling even the effortlessly stylish Italians. French men are admired for their polished, understated approach to fashion - always sophisticated yet never overdone. This coveted "effortless chic" has earned them global recognition.
The Frenchman’s Wardrobe Essentials
A Frenchman’s wardrobe is surprisingly simple, built around minimalist hues like navy, black, white, and gray, punctuated with the occasional bold accent. These pieces are timeless, many originating in France and remaining relevant to this day.
Iconic French Fashion Staples
The Breton Top (Sailor Striped Shirt)
First introduced in 1858 as a French Navy uniform, the Breton top, with its iconic navy and white stripes, soon became a symbol of French fashion. Tricots Saint James, a legendary French brand, began commercializing this garment in 1889 using wool and cotton.
Over time, the Breton top became a favorite among cultural icons like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and James Dean. French designer Jean-Paul Gaultier also embraced it, featuring stripes as a signature element in his collections since the '80s.
The Breton top’s versatility has kept it in vogue for well over a century.
The Pea Coat
Known for its broad lapels and double-breasted front, the pea coat has been a staple since the 1700s, popular across both Europe and America. Yves Saint Laurent brought the classic navy wool pea coat into the fashion spotlight in the '60s, making it a must-have in every man's wardrobe.
From high-end designers like Saint Laurent to more affordable brands like GAP, the pea coat remains a universal fashion piece.
The Collarless Shirt
Also known as the “Mandarin collar shirt,” this simple and lightweight shirt is a favorite among French men. Made from materials like cotton, jersey, or linen, it reflects the relaxed, easygoing nature of French fashion.
Paired with cuffed jeans or chinos for daywear and a blazer for evenings, the collarless shirt offers versatility and comfort.
The Light Scarf
While French men keep their clothing minimal, they add a touch of flair with accessories like scarves. In spring, a light, short scarf or bandana tied at the neck adds a romantic, French touch to any outfit. A pro tip: choose scarves that don’t necessarily match your clothes for an authentic French look.
Slim-Fit Jeans
Though jeans are American by origin, Parisian men have made them a core part of their wardrobe, often pairing jeans with blazers and tees for a casual, yet refined style.
French Dressing Habits
Blazers Aren’t Just for Button-Downs
French men love blazers, but they don’t always pair them with stiff, button-down shirts. Instead, they’ll often swap out the shirt for a plain tee, a Breton top, or a lightweight sweater to keep things casual yet sharp.
Jeans Over Dress Pants
Want to dress down your suit while keeping it sharp? French men know how to nail the look by replacing traditional dress pants with a pair of dark jeans.
All-Black Everything
Wearing black isn’t difficult, but Frenchmen know how to layer different shades and textures of black to create a polished, monochromatic look.
Navy and Black Combo
Mixing navy and black may seem unconventional, but it’s a hallmark of French style. The contrast between these two deep tones creates a sleek, modern look.
Attention to Detail - Less is More
In French fashion, less is often more.
The art of dressing well lies in the subtle details: ditch the undershirt with your sweatshirt, wear loafers without visible socks, or skip the belt with dress pants. It’s all about simplifying your look to stand out more.
Mastering this approach takes practice, but with the right basics, you’ll be dressing like a Frenchman in no time.
Commenti