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Writer's pictureTom Goedhart

The Striped Tee: Once for the Navy, Now for You

If you don’t already have a striped T-shirt hanging in your closet, you’re definitely missing out 🤨. And no, I’m not talking about just any stripes – I mean the classic Breton shirt, a timeless piece that dates back to the 1800s. There’s something undeniably captivating about this design. Personally, I can’t get enough of them 😢, and my collection just keeps growing.

Let’s kick things off with a little history. The Breton shirt, also called the marinière in French, became the official uniform for the French Navy in 1858. The name "Breton" comes from sailors in Brittany, a region in France credited with being the first to adopt these iconic stripes.

It might have stayed just a functional piece for sailors, but fashion icon Coco Chanel visited the French coast and was inspired. In 1917, she brought the Breton into her collection, making stripes a permanent fixture in fashion. Since then, it’s been worn by legends like Pablo Picasso, James Dean, Andy Warhol, Robert Redford, Paul Newman, Mick Jagger – all different, yet united by the appeal of the striped shirt.

A fun fact: It’s said the striped shirt was chosen for the Navy because the blue-and-white contrast made it easier to spot sailors if they fell overboard. Striking, right? But beyond the practical roots, Breton stripes are best worn with simple, clean pieces to let the pattern do all the talking.

While there are many color combinations, for me, the navy stripes on a white background are unbeatable! How versatile is the Breton? Hmmm, how do I put this? I challenge you to find something that doesn’t look good with it! Pair it with jeans, layer it under a blazer, or wear it with chinos or trousers. That’s why Coco Chanel’s discovery was such a game-changer 🤩.


If you’re looking for the best in Breton shirts, two brands stand out: Saint James and Armor Lux, both known for their mastery of the style.

Originally designed with 21 stripes to symbolize Napoleon Bonaparte’s victories, the Breton shirt has been woven into history since 1858.

In 1917, Coco Chanel found inspiration in these simple uniforms. She incorporated them into her 1917 collection, pairing them with flared trousers.

The Breton shirt made its Hollywood debut in 1953, in a scene from the film The Wild One. Then there was James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause in 1955.


In 1956, Audrey Hepburn wore a white-striped Breton shirt on a blue background in the film Funny Face - and yes, it still counts as a Breton!

Pablo Picasso!

Andy Warhol

Jean Paul Gaultier, the renowned designer, has been known for his use of Breton stripes throughout his fashion career. He even adorned his iconic Le Male fragrance bottle with this signature stripe pattern.

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