Breton stripe T-shirts and tops are a great investment as they will never go out of fashion. They are also steeped in history.
A Breton shirt should form part of your wardrobe basics. It is one of a woman's forever pieces so invest in the best quality you can, such as genuine Breton clothing from Saint James of France and Armor-Lux of Quimper for some extra luxe.
The History of the Breton Stripe
Breton stripes are traditionally associated with French fishermen, who wore the tops to protect them from the elements. The shirts, which date back to the 1800s, protected them from the strong winds of the Brittany coast. Genuine Breton tops have a close-knit quality of the very fine double-twist cotton that protects against sudden gusts of wind, which are sturdy enough to withstand the fishermen’s work at sea.
According to Amor-Lux, the striped Breton shirt came into its own after the 1858 Act of France on March 27th recognized the ¾ length-sleeve navy and white striped shirt as the uniform for French navy seaman. If a sailor fell overboard, the distinctive block pattern of this French striped shirt made him easier to spot, when trying to stay afloat in the waves. This traditional stripe top, also known as a marinière was picked up by other nautical men such as the Brittany fishermen.
Since then, the original shirt pattern has inspired look-a-likes with its prominent stripes in cream and navy, navy and cream and red and cream.
Fashion's Love Affair with the Breton Stripe
The Breton stripe was thrust into the fashion spotlight when European and American socialites on the French Riviera adopted the style, first made chic by Coco Chanel. This iconic designer, who has given the world so many trends, used to pair her Breton tops with boyish wide-leg pants.
Soon the Breton stripe T-shirt was all over the society magazines with photographs of the rich and famous. Artists Picasso and Andy Warhol – who was rarely seen without his signature T-shirt and fashion desinger Jean-Paul Gaultire is rarely parted from his. Another famous fashion icon, Audrey Hepburn also embraced the Breton stripe, and this classic piece epitomized her elegant style.
Fashion's love affair with the Breton shirt continues to this day with designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Jill Sander, Marc Jacobs and the late Alexander McQueen using this classic stripe as design inspiration for tops, skirts and dresses. We continually see a modern-makeover of the Breton stripe, as part of the perennial nautical fashion trend.
French Riviera Capsule Wardrobe
The Breton stripe top forms part of the chic French Riviera Capsule wardrobe of navy blazer, white pants, Breton shirt, oversized sunglasses and a quality straw tote.
When wearing a Breton shirt, let the stripes speak for themselves and don’t go overboard with other pieces that compete. Keep the look simple, as you want to channel understated glamor.
Breton Stripes for Spring/Summer 2011
The spring/summer 2011 runways are awash with the Breton stripe once again, but the new season sees them updated with bright colors and asymmetric prints. Designer Junya Watanabe has taken the Breton stripe to a whole new level by created cool cuts in his very nautical-inspired spring 2011 collection. For more traditionalists the navy and cream stripe is guaranteed to feature in any spring wardrobe and has its roots in pre-spring Cruise collections and summer French Riviera chic. This classic stripe is part of the nautical feel, one of the holy trinity (floral, nautical and tribal) of spring trends.
Source:
"Hello Sailor," Net-a-Porter magazine, January 12, 2011, Net-a-porter.com
Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
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