the best of the breton shirts
Newer people may have stumbled on this post thanks to a Reel on my instagram, whereas longer standing blog readers will know that my style (or whatever you want to call it) stems from a love for Breton stripes. If it is cream, blue and striped I probably owned it at one point or another. When street style photography was at its peak I used to hoard pictures of beautiful French girls in stripes, denim and other basics. And over the years I’ve figured out the best places to buy Bretons of my own, so here is the list of the best places I’ve found…
1. sezane
Starting with an obvious one, Sezane. The French fashion house, (founded by someone who’s style I oohed and aahed over a lot before she started it up) unsurprisingly has two rather well known Bretons. The Collette and the Noan. The Collette is the “city Breton” - the absolute classic that when you have a Breton in your head is probably what you’re thinking of. The fabric isn’t quite the heavy, sailor-worthy traditional stuff but it’s denser than a t shirt and falls really nicely. My advice is to size up; Bretons aren’t ever meant to be fitted. Or, for more of a seaside feel go for the Noan. It has lovely buttons down the sides (rather than the shoulder like the Collette) which are intended to be open for a looser, more relaxed look. I actually love this one with a shirt underneath - looks really great.
2. beaufort and blake
A 2023 find for me, Beaufort and Blake. A gorgeous British brand, they also make beautiful sweats, tops and trousers. But the ultimate find for me were their striped pieces and in particular this Colemore Long Sleeve. A relaxed fit, I sized down and it’s still quite large. I really recommend them, the fabrics are incredibly soft and wash very well.
3. ivy the brand
I absolutely love this small business which I discovered in 2020. I first bought a short sleeve tee from them and was so impressed I got myself another long sleeve, the Audrey, this year. Although it’s made from more of a T shirt fabric, it sits really well and is super durable. It feels very expensive, which is an added bonus as it isn’t. They also have a more traditional style, the Layla, with a crew neck (the Audrey is a classic t shirt neck which I really like).
4. john lewis and partners
Perhaps an unusual choice but I bought a really good one from here in 2019 and it’s still going strong. It comes in a ton of colours, but my fave is obviously the white and blue. It’s a slightly stretchy fabric but don’t panic its not tight fitting and it’s thick enough to hold its shape for ages. I’ve been really mean to mine and hot washed, tumbled and worn it to death and it’s like new…
5. & other stories
If I could shop from one place I think it might be here. They just do everything well, even if I do have to wrestle with their sizing a little bit (generally speaking dresses and tops are usual size but anything with tailoring I have to size up or I never get my limbs in things - and don’t get me started on the underwear, it’s just upsetting). This breton top is a brilliant one, and not too expensive either. Size up, just to get the looser look. I’ve popped a link to all their striped things, as they often have really good Breton knitwear too…
6. boden
This brand is having a bit of moment. Gone are the days that it was only supply teachers and coastal grandmothers wearing it (no shade to either). Their classic breton tees are incredibly good and the fabric is strong enough to either be thrown on with jeans and dressed up for evening. I have a couple and they done me very well, through millions of accidental tumble dries and coffee stains. Strongly recommend.
7. the tiny big sister
This I discovered through an Instagram advert, and I immediately sent it on to my (younger) sister as I am the smallest yet eldest of the two of us. She then bought it for me for my birthday. The adult part of children’s brand Tiny Cottons, I am obsessed with everything from this Portuguese brand. They do lovely, soft stripes all year around in seasonal colour ways. I can’t recommend them enough.
These obviously aren’t the only places, but they’re a really good start. I just love how easy Bretons are to wear, they’re like an understated nod that you have a little bit of a style and they don’t have to cost the earth. Hope this is helpful!