'Like denim which started as railroad workers’ clothes, or how we all cannot resist the call of khaki, certain sartorial genres have been co-opted over time from more humble or utilitarian origins,' explains fashion stylist and creative director Mary Fellowes. 'The image of dozens of French sailors with these horizontal lines cutting through our visual horizon was surely beguiling for fashion visionaries that effectively upcycled them into everyday civilian style.'įor those who deem the tee a little too classic, we've found new fashion takes that veer away from the 21-stripe requirement and traditional color schemes.

And today, the best Breton stripe tops remain accessible wardrobe pieces for all while also maintaing a high-impact fashion presence. In the '50s, the style was catapulted to fame via French (opens in new tab) cinema girls like Brigitte Bardot and Jeanne Seberg. The blue-and-white tee, with 21 total stripes (a tribute to each one of Napoleon's victories), was an easy way to detect the whereabouts of unlucky French sailors who'd fallen overboard on the high seas. In 1858, the distinctive Breton stripe was officially dubbed the uniform of the French Navy.

Red and white striped button up shirt