What exactly is the Breton Stripe?

"Breton" = from Brittany

When I think of a breton stripe, I am thinking sailors on the high seas. Think male submariners or as I have researched, even Picasso rocked a breton stripe!!

They were in fact, first seen in 1858 as part of the uniform on ships in the Napoleon Navy. Most commonly known to be made of cotton and long-sleeved in a navy and white horizontal stripe, 21 stripes to be exact. This was to allow men who fell over board to be seen more easily.

Nothing more than that but the fashion industry has been running with breton stripes for years. From the hey days of Chanel, through to the 50's and 60's with famous people such as Andrew Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot and on to Jean Paul Gautier and now our own Duchess of Cambridge.

Now anything goes. Stripes in every colour (always with white or navy), always horizontal and evenly spaced but on t-shirts, sweatshirts and knitwear.

To be honest I have been wearing them since a tiny tot, my children have worn them (good old Mini Boden and Le Petit Bateau) and I am still wearing one. Will they ever date?? Never!!

Roll on to this season and here are just a few of what we have to offer.

 

Shop Breton Stripes here