Breton tops for every shape, style and budget. Shop our edit now...
If there’s one thing your wardrobe needs all year round, it’s the classic breton top. The humble striped t-shirt still remains a trusted, off-duty staple which will never go out of style.
Don’t believe us? Time for a fashion history lesson. The breton top was once the uniform of the French navy back in 1858, and in case you never noticed before, it had exactly 21 stripes, one to showcase each of Napoleon’s victories. The blue and white stripes also made sure that sailors could easily be spotted if they fell overboard.
Breton top history
But it truly made it onto the fashion map when Coco Chanel (who else?!) took the stripes and turned it into a staple no woman (or man for that matter) could live without, after incorporating it in her 1915 nautical collection. The rest, as they say, is history.
Fast forward a few decades and everyone from Kate Moss to the Duchess of Cambridge and sassy street stylers have one lurking in their wardrobe.
How to wear breton tops
It’s a go-to top for every occasion and is no longer limited to just weekend wear. Sure, it’s always great paired with a nicely cut pair of jeans and trainers, but it’s perfect to dress up too. Try throwing on a chic breton top with super-sized flares, skinny leather trousers or a sleek printed skirt.
New breton top trends
The breton style has much evolved from the traditional blue and white combo too. If you’re into your classics, red and white is also a winner, but this season, it’s had a bit of a makeover, with colourful slogans embroidered or stamped across long or short-sleeve styles.
The rules generally dictate that this fail-safe stripe top will work with pretty much anything in your current wardrobe, day or night, meaning you can afford to invest heavily in the trend.
In the meantime, here is a selection of our favourite breton tops, from investment pieces to high-street alternatives to shop right now…

Etre Boyfriend Knit Multi Stripe, £245 at Etrce Cecile

Markus Lupfer Sweater, £245 at Net-A-Porter

Striped Cotton Top, £35 at Arket

M.I.H. Jeans Merino Wool Breton Sweater, £195 at The Modist

Striped Top in Eco-Cotton, £44, Gudrun Sjödén

Merino Wool Mariniere Jumper, £89 at Arket

Kate Striped Long Sleeve, £18 at Weekday

Current Elliott Breton Stripe Long Sleeve T-Shirt, £140 at Harrods

Jersey top, £12.99 at H&M

MM6 Maison Margiela Breton-Stripe Step-Hem Top, £320 at MATCHESFASHION.COM

Black Stripe Boxy T-Shirt, £9.99 at New Look

Striped Top with Scalloped Hems, £19.99 at Zara

French Connection T-Shirt, £23.95 at AMAZON FASHION

Glamorous hot dog top, £24 at Topshop

J.CREW Deckhand striped sequined silk-satin top, £120 at NET-A-PORTER

Picasso II top, £48 at The Original Breton Shirt Co

Saint James Galathee top, £55
Reading now

Lactic acid for skin: The complete guide for beginners

This is why you will always see Prince William holding George’s hand

These are the clothes brands Prince George and Princess Charlotte love

50 Over 50 Awards: nominate your unsung hero for an award and win tickets to a sumptuous lunch

Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz are welcoming their first child together

The Queen is celebrating her 92nd birthday in surprising style this weekend
Popular
The best eye cream for wrinkles, puffy eyes and dark circles
How to double your days off work this year
Tinder’s new AI-assisted feature could change dating IRL forever
These are the best sex apps for no strings attached sex, but would you use one?
Is the 5:2 diet right for you?
This is how much you’re spending on make-up every year
This is how to tell if your makeup has expired
How to (actually) save money in 2018
The British teenager kept as a sex slave in London for four years
Everything you need to know about the art of tantric sex
This is everything you need to know about how to contour
These are the most inspirational women in history
These are the 10 best online dating sites you need to know about
The best wedding guest outfits to get you through all those summer weddings
Sign up for our daily bulletin and get the latest fashion & beauty news, competitions and exclusive Marie Claire offers direct to your inbox