Sailor Chic

A striped shirt is as essential in any wardrobe as a pair of skinny jeans.I love a classic striped shirt, for me though it is simply a striped shirt, I have seen the term Breton Stripe used quite a lot and was never sure what the context of this word was in regards to a striped shirt.
Do you know what a Breton Stripe is, I sure didn't.
The term Breton Stripes  refers to a navy and white stripe, boat neck knit shirt, which first came about in 1858 when the French Army introduced the knit stripe shirt to the french sailors as part of their uniform, it was said that the stripes made it easier to spot sailors who had fallen overboard. The original shirt had had 21 stripes one for each of Napoleon's victories.
In 1919 Coco Chanel took notice of the stripe shirt on a trip to the French Riviera where fisherman were donning the Breton Stripe, and introduced it into her nautical collection.

French Sailors

Coco Chanel in her Breton Stripe and wide leg trousers, so chic...

The Breton Stripe has been a wardrobe staple ever since and has been a favorite of style icons for years from Audrey Hepburn, Bridget Bardot, Jackie Onassis and Olivia Palermo

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Here are a few great Breton Stripes

Gap                                                                                                J Crew

Francoise Tee Amour Vert                        Demylee Shay Pullover

Soft Joie Diadem Sweater