Napoleon Dynamite

How the uniform of the French Navy was adopted by the entire world

Adopted as the official uniform of the French Navy in 1858, the marinière tricot rayé or “striped sweater” more commonly known as the Breton shirt, has become an enduring classic adopted by stylish civilians and celebrities the world over.

The original design of the Breton shirt, which received its name because it was designed for the French Navy sailors who hailed from Brittany, featured 21 stripes – one for each

of Napoleon Bonaparte’s victories over the British. It’s been said that the stripes made it easier to spot sailors who had fallen overboard into the sea.

In World War I, Coco Chanel became inspired by the sailors’ uniforms and created a nautical collection that included Breton striped shirts. In addition to causing a storm in the fashion world, they also helped to launch a sexual revolution, as French women began to adopt the casual striped sweater over their restrictive corsets.

“During the 1950s the striped shirt became a part of youth culture, adopted by James Dean, Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, Paul Newman, and Marlon Brando, among others.” Even Dennis the Menace wore one under his signature red overalls.

Since then, the shirt has become a staple in its own right – something chic Parisians, Hollywood stars – anyone for that matter who favors a little seaside flair.

The classic Breton posses three distinguishing features: a boat neck, long sleeves, and navy-blue stripes, perfectly aligned from front to back. The cotton weave makes the sweater feel more like a comfortable, lived-in sweatshirt. And the added benefit? It will never go out of style.

Make it your go-to for upcoming cool summer nights or windy beach days. Almost every designer has their version of the Breton sweater, but for the more classic look, reputable brands to consider include: Armour Lux and Saint James.