The History of The Women's Breton Jumper

We all have those go to pieces in our wardrobe, one of ours is the classic Breton Stripe Sweater.

Introduced in 1858 as the uniform for the French Navy, the style was soon to be recognized by Coco Chanel after a trip to the French coast. In 1917 Chanel designed a Nautical collection introducing the stripes and forever changing the face of women's casual wear. 

A Breton stripe is a necessity in your wardrobe, sitting alongside your black blazer, dark wash skinny jeans, black roll neck and white t-shirt, it is equally as versatile. 

Keep reading to see how the Breton stripe has been worn by various personalities over the years, including Coco Chanel, Brigitte Bardot, Alex Chung and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

Looking back in history as reference for styling introduces a whole new selection of outfits and chic, exciting ways to wear your Breton.

In the 1956 film 'Funny Face', Audrey Hepburn was seen wearing black pants, a black turtleneck, and a Breton tee. She was also a firm favourite of taking the Breton on holiday, truly cementing its nautical roots.

Jean Seberg wore the sailor style in the 1960 film 'Breathless’ which introduced the style to a whole new audience, showing how to dress up or down this classic stripe. Actress and style icon Bridgette Bardot proved that you could partner your Breton with an assortment of different outfits and remain on trend and current.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attended a Sports Aid Workshop in late 2013 which catapulted the style back into mainstream media and had everyone talking about how and where they were going to wear theirs.

Artists and musicians alike have found themselves rotating their Breton stripe throughout the year, choosing to glam up or keep it casual. Partnering a darker stripe with bright accessories is an easy way to introduce colour into your wardrobe whilst remaining smart.

Pair with a lighter denim for a springtime look that will take you from brunch straight into your afternoon meeting.

Why Cotton

• Easy to maintain and care for, cotton is a low maintenance fibre and doesn’t have a complex washing process.

• Cotton tends to shed any ‘pills’ (small balls of fibre collected on the surface) in the wash, meaning the knit will stay in its original condition for longer.

• Once washed, cotton garments can be gently manipulated into place, left flat to dry and will easily slip back into their original shape. No need to worry about shrinking or misshaping.

• Soft, absorbent and breathable, cotton won’t irritate the skin like synthetic fibres.

• Cotton is hypoallergenic which makes it perfect for those with sensitive skin.

• Cotton protects again heat in the summer and the cold in winter by creating air pockets between the fibres.

How to Style Your Breton.

Our Women’s Breton Stripe is made from 100% ultra-fine cotton yarn. It has been styled into a classic long sleeve roll neck silhouette and this wardrobe essential will see you through the seasons. We have introduced two colour ways including Navy with Ecru Stripes and Ecru with Navy Stripes. Partner with light, boyfriend fit jeans and casual white pumps for a daytime look, keeping you comfortable throughout.

Available in three colours, our classic Women’s Breton Stripe Crew Neck is a must have wardrobe essential.

Decide between Insignia Blue, Teal or Sky Blue, or collect them all, you’ll be guaranteed a versatile, easy to care for, lightweight piece of knitwear. For a limited only, you'll also find our Coral and Red Breton Stripe Jumpers on sale. This style is being discontinued and is only available while stocks last.

View our entire women's Breton stripe collection here.

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Our Factory Store

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• History Of Roll Neck Jumpers