What does Breton stripe mean?
Breton stripes hail from Brittany (or Bretagne) in Northern France, which explains their name. Thick cotton shirts with these stripes became part of the uniform for seamen in 1858, because they were decreed easy to spot in a sea emergency and because the fabric was so hard-wearing.
Why do Breton shirts have 21 stripes?
The Breton stripe shirt was first introduced in 1858 as the uniform for all French navy seaman in Northern France. The original design featured 21 stripes, one for each of Napoleon Bonaparte’s victories and the distinctive stripes made it easier to spot wayward sailors who had fallen overboard.
What do you wear with Breton stripes?
How to wear Breton stripes six ways:
- #1 Wear Breton stripes with a suit in a creative office.
- #2 Wear Breton stripes with Chelsea boots and jeans.
- #3 Wear Breton stripes with khaki shorts in the summer.
- #4 Wear Breton stripes with joggers and sneakers.
- #5 Wear Breton stripes with bright pants and an OCBD.
Why are nautical clothes striped?
Sailors used to say that the stripes made it easier to see men who had fallen into the sea. Marinières were made by independent tailors, but eventually were made in navy workshops; army tailoring was a separate duty, often performed by conscripts.
How do you wear a Breton?
Team it with a skirt in a contrasting print, or a strong colour, rather than jeans or shorts. Or use it as a layering piece, so that only a slice is visible: a Breton stripe sleeve worn under a short sleeve or sleeveless knit always looks chic.
What does Breton top mean?
A marinière (French: [maʁinjɛʁ]), or tricot rayé (French: [tʁiko ʁɛje]; lit. ‘striped sweater’), is a cotton long-sleeved shirt with horizontal blue and white stripes. It is also known as a Breton shirt, as many sailors in the French Navy were from Brittany.
What kind of shirt has a Breton stripe?
As far as basics go, the Breton striped shirt is as necessary as a trench coat, or a pair of espadrilles, and like those French wardrobe staples, the allure of the Breton stripe shirt lies in its versatility.
Where are Breton shirts and sailor tops made?
Made of high quality cotton, they are renowned for being durable, versatile and fun to wear. At The Nautical Company we are delighted to offer some authentic Breton shirts made in Brittany, France.
What kind of shirt has blue and white stripes?
A long sleeved & boat neck top made in a high quality thick heavy weight interlock cotton with traditional navy blue & white stripes, and a branded label on one arm. Also known as “La Marinière” or French fisherman’s shirt, it has long been the favourite of many celebs & artists.
When did Jean Paul Gaultier wear a Breton shirt?
In 1960, the Breton striped shirt was associated with French New Wave Cinema and was a favorite of many on-screen stars like Jean Seberg, who worn the sailor style in the 1960 film “Breathless”. Jean Paul Gaultier’s “Toy Boy” Collection 1983.