Breton sweater, £49, Long Tall Sally

There are few wardrobe staples that transition seamlessly through time, and the Breton top is certainly one exception to the rule. Once a functional and practical piece of clothing, formed of a traditional cream and navy stripe, ‘La Mariniere’ was the
go-to uniform of Brittany’s navy seamen. In order to be a true Breton however, it had to feature 21 stripes – one for each of Napoleon’s victories…

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For fashion enthusiasts, it was iconic designer Coco Chanel, who brought the Breton to the forefront of fashion, by introducing the classic French style into her 1917 nautical collection.

At the time, the simple and relaxed design helped break away from typical fashions that involved heavily corseted items. From here on out it transformed the way women thought of casual wear, paving the way for a more comfortable wardrobe.

Today, the Breton top’s allure remains in its ability to be worn in so many different ways, making it a classic go-to piece in many women’s wardrobes. Treat it as necessary as a good pair of jeans or a failsafe little black dress. “Each season we change our Breton, finding new and exciting ways to wear it,” Holly Fowkes from Joules explains to Sew. You’ll now see the top worn by people of any shape, size, gender or age. The understated yet stylish Breton can easily be styled to suit your personality too.

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“It will look great on your grandmother, but equally as charming on their five-year-old grandchildren,” Holly advises. “Style yours with a bold scarf, Chelsea boots or sandals and a bright red lipstick. It’s so versatile and can be worn with anything from bright trousers to a plain black skirt – it really is a piece you can mix and match.” Historically made in a tightly stitched cotton, Chanel’s choice of a simple jersey has remained the go-to ever since. “Ultimately, quality is the key element to the perfect Breton top,” Holly finishes. What more could a wardrobe ask for?

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