The Classic Breton Stripe Top

Posted in Daily Outfits, Fashion.

classic breton striped top

Oh, I do love a proper Breton stripe. It’s surprisingly hard to find the perfect Breton – they’re often ill-fitting, with stripes that are either too wide or too thin, or a colour scheme that strays too far from the original navy-on-white. It’s a real Goldilocks situation, let me tell you.

But, I’m committed to the Breton lifestyle and I’ve been searching for ‘the one’ for quite a while. During my long and intensive search, I’ve discovered many things about the Breton stripe – did you know it originated in 19th Century France as a uniform for the French Navy in Brittany, as the distinctive stripe made it easy to spot men who had fallen overboard? Well, there you go.

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I’m no French seaman, but I imagine this top will soon become my official uniform. It’s the ‘Sailor Shirt’ from Seasalt Cornwall, a brand that’s totally new to me but appeals to my cottage-by-the-sea side. A side I’m fully ready to embrace, I should add.

There are a few things I look for in a Breton top – a soft cotton, loose fit, long sleeves and a white and black/navy colourway. What can I say, I’m a traditionalist. The Seasalt Sailor Shirt is 100% organic cotton with a relaxed fit, boat neck and no 3/4 length sleeves in sight – I think we’re on to a winner!

classic stripy tshirt
seasalt cornwall espadrilles
how to wear a breton striped top
Breton top, c/o Seasalt Cornwall | Skirt, Miss Selfridge | Backpack, Michael Kors | Espadrilles, c/o Seasalt Cornwall | Necklace, Topshop | Sunglasses, Miu Miu

I wore my Breton with a cute A-line denim skirt and equally adorable espadrilles, also from Seasalt. Tomorrow I might wear it with wide-legged culottes, and it’s the perfect partner to some loose Boyfriend jeans for a weekend brunch date. Forget crochet bikinis and fringed suede waistcoats – this is all I’ll be wearing for summer.

seasalt cornwall breton striped top

10 Comments

Saz

Controversial I know but I had a similar longline top which was black with a dark lilac-y stripe, I absolutely loveddd it & have no idea where it went. It was so great! Someone obviously saw how awesome it was & pilfered it.

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Oh Hey! blog

The struggle is real. 10 years on and I am still yet to find the perfect one. I’ve given roughly a million (I don’t exaggerate) and still nothing that I absolutely love. I hate when the fabric is too flimsy. Looks like you found a goodie though!! Don’t you just find stripes so fancy?

Megan || http://www.ohheyblog.com

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Maria

Oh I am a Breton gal too! I love this Seasalt one (they have some great stuff!) and how you have styled it is ace!

Maria xxx

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Vintage Scribe

Just discovered your blog and am now hooked. Love this post about Bretons – and how you’ve styled the look. Heading straight over to Seasalt website right now! 🙂

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MissSophie

I love a good Breton top they really go with everything! Such a classic staple!

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