If you’re going to be beside the seaside you may as well dress the part, so naturally we’ve got a fair few Breton stripe shirts in our wardrobe. These wonderfully versatile tops offset our holiday photos nicely, and we love the fact they can be dressed down for a day on the sand, or dressed up for a night out with your friends.
The French navy first donned the horizontally striped shirts back in the 1850s, with the original design having 21 stripes, to mark each of Napoleon’s victories. Fast-forward 150 years, and the top is now synonymous with adventures to the coast.
To save you the hassle of hunting high and low for a new shirt, we’ve gone ahead and picked out the best selection of Breton stripes for this season.
If you’re…after the original
If you’re all about keeping true to style in its original form, then you’ll never go wrong with this beautifully cut cream and navy top from the Breton Stripe Shirt Company. The best thing about this baby is, the more you wash it, the softer it gets.
Breton Stripe Shirt Company, £29.95
Buy it here.
If you’re…a savvy shopper
If you’re after a quick-fix bargain piece that still looks as good as its pricier counterparts, you won’t go far wrong with this long-sleeved top from H&M. The boat neck keeps it authentic while the round hem adds an expensive-looking touch.
H&M, £7.99
Buy it here.
If you’re…a mum-to-be
After something beautifully soft that expands as your bump grows? We know just the piece. This shirt is suitable throughout your pregnancy and works just as well in the office as it does paired with your skinny blue jeans and some flats on the weekend.
ASOS Maternity, £12
Buy it here.
If you’re…a laid-back lady
If comfort is your thing, this slouchy number from Daisy Street will be right up your, well, street. The crew neckline keeps it nautical, while the white pocket patch adds a modern touch. We’d pair this with our favourite snug blue jeans for a shoe-less stroll on the beach.
Daisy Street at ASOS, £12.99
Buy it here.
If you’re…a trendsetter
If this is you, you’ll know that necklines are high this spring. Grab this bargain from up and coming Swedish company Monki. A high neck also means more warmth from that seaside breeze.
Monki, £8
Buy it here
If you’re… petite
This short-sleeved creation has a thicker knit than your standard t-shirt, meaning it works well if you find yourself on a blustery seafront this summer. Perfectly cut to fit those who’re 5’3 and under, this top would work wonders paired with a denim shirt and subtle gold chain necklace.
Topshop, £16
Buy it here.
If you’re…curvy
The off-the-shoulders cut and ¾ length sleeves make this Breton stripe top unconventional, and it’s for this reason that we love it. Try tucking into dark blue jeans. Available in sizes 12-26.
Simply Be, £25
Buy it here.
If you’re…someone who likes to stand out from the crowd
If blue and cream isn’t your bag, stand out with these wide navy and pink stripes. Our favourite feature on this ¾ length creation is the addition of a zip on the back. Not only does it add a luxe touch, it also means you can whip it on and off without ruining your hairstyle. Winner, winner.
John Lewis, £25
Buy it here.