French royals and French republics have come and gone, but the Breton stripe is ageless. What is it about something so beautifully simple in design that today it has become an iconic fashion piece and a wardrobe essential? Le Haut Breton, or the Breton Top – no matter the language the meaning has not changed. It is a classically styled piece that stands the test of time. I have a lifelong French love affair with this classic piece, no matter the season. I hope that you begin a French affair with ‘la blouse marinière’.

Featured Image | Captured by Photographer Paul Bellaart.

La Blouse Marinière

The term Breton is derived from the city of its origins, Brittany. The Marinière (The Sailor Blouse) – the origin of the Breton – has its origins in the maritime world. It was a simple piece that began its journey through French seaman in the 1850s that has evolved today to be a fashion staple. They introduced this navy and white stripe sweater known as the Marinière that became their daily uniform to protect them from all weathers. The sweater exhibited a round neck and button detail on the shoulder. The Breton sailors wore the Marinière under their Vareuse (a French sturdy pea jacket). It was worn close to the skin for warmth and protection.

THE BLUE & WHITE

It was not purely about the style. So functional that in 1858 it became the uniform of the French Navy. And if you look the blue stripe is twice as narrow as that of the white. The navy blue and white stripe motif served a practical purpose. French sailors wore these striped sweaters as part of their uniform, thanks to an act of the French Parliament in 1858. Admiral Hamelin, the Minister of Marine, specified that ‘the body of the shirt will count twenty-one white stripes, each twice as wide as the twenty to twenty-one indigo blue stripes.’ The long line sweater stripes represented a point in history – each of the twenty-one stripes is believed to signify Napoleon’s battle victories.

A Fashion Evolution Collage | Credits In Footnote.

THAT FASHION MOMENT

Interestingly, at the time, the striped look was not considered stylish. Wide stripes were associated with jesters, madmen, and the ill. Coco Chanel was inspired to bring this to fashion when she saw sailors wearing them in 1917. As you look back at this time in the evolution of fashion Chanel has inspired generations with her pairing of the Breton with wide trousers that creates a timeless seaside look work with ballet flats; or a chic Parisan approach styled with a classic navy or white jacket. Chanel’s Breton tops allowed women to embrace looser, more relaxed clothing, departing from the heavy, tailored styles of the past. It was the beginning of the French Riveria influence on fashion.

THE ARTISTIC INSPIRATION

Something that began its life at sea became artistic workwear as Pablo Picasso adopted the top as his signature style. French intellectuals, artists, and Hollywood stars embraced the Breton look. It became a symbol of chic in the 1960s through the cinematic movement of the Nouvelle Vague – Brigitte Bardot wearing it in Le Mépris and most famously, Jean Seberg in Breathless. Marlon Brando wore it in The Wild One, James Dean rebelled in a Breton top in Rebel Without a Cause, and Audrey Hepburn donned one in the iconic film Funny Face.

Is it the appeal of navy and white or the fact that it can be worn casually or formally depending on how you style it? The original Breton shirt has now been reimagined. They are versatile and a wardrobe staple. Be it to create a Parisian chic or a touch of Hollywood glamour the nautical stripes of a Breton Top will elevate your everyday wardrobe. Begin a new love affair with these ‘sailor blouses’ with variations on the stripe, colour palette and sleeve definition to suit your style and the occasion. 

THAT FRENCH AFFAIR

Saint James is the iconic French label that combines modern styling with tradition. To this day, the Saint James atelier and factory is still located in the small village of Saint James, about 20 kilometres from Mont-Saint-Michel. Saint James Galathee II can be worn as an undershirt, it can be slept in, or it can be worn while jogging or even hiking. The Style Notes: This signature piece pairs with a cropped jean and ballet flats to create that French Riveria 1930s look.

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EASE & ELEGANCE

Jac Cadeaux captures the ease and timelessness of French style. At the cornerstone of their collection is the Breton stripe. Their garments are crafted from rich, natural fibres such as linen, cotton, Australian merino wool and cashmere. The French Breton Boat Neck Top is renowned for the French elegance they exude – that nonchalance and je ne sais quoi. The Style Notes: The blue and white stripes teams beautifully with the Le Blanc Jean.

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TRADITION MEETS MODERN

KNITS & SEQUINS

HERITAGE AND STORIES

BY FRANK & EILEEN

The Patrick Popover – crafted from heritage cotton it features a slight drop sleeve, and the v-collar detail designed for a relaxed fit. It will take you from the high-street shops to beach walks or brunch. The Style Notes: Team with the Wide-Leg Linen Pant. This is the wear-with-anything pant for a relaxed resort feel that reflects a timeless and classic fashion appeal.

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French Affairs – La Blouse Marinière is a story of heritage, necessity, and enduring style. You may not be a sailor, but you may embellish a little of the ocean spirit that is in all of us.

Evolution Collage Credits | LoQ The Label; Chanel 1928; Brigitte Bardot by Willy Rizzo; Audrey Hepburn by Pierluigi Praturlon.

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Discover more beautiful moments. In The Beauty Notes Falling For Beauty – Some Seasonal Moments; And In Style And Grace The White Shirt – A Timeless Approach.