The Breton Top: A Fashion Icon

May 20, 2016 11:29 am Published by Leave your thoughts

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The classic Breton top was the first workwear piece to filter its way into the world of fashion, and it sure didn’t do it halfheartedly. It seems that every fashion house worth knowing has adapted a version of this Brittany-born piece. This iconic garment doesn’t have a season, it doesn’t fit with a specific trend – it’s truly timeless. Pair a Breton top with anything in your wardrobe, for any occasion, and instant chic is guaranteed. It’s a real fashion superpower. Discover the Breton top’s story, here.

The French Navy Era

The Breton top hasn’t always been a staple piece in every fashion-savvy individual’s wardrobe. The 1858 French Act initially sealed its purpose as the French Navy’s compulsory uniform. Bearing 21 stripes, known to represent Napoleon’s total victories, French quartermasters and seamen were easily spotted in rough seas when overboard due to the Breton top’s distinctive white and navy stripes.

Made in Brittany, the French Navy’s main base, the Breton people (fishermen in particular) adopted the French Navy’s mariniere into their own wardrobes for its practicality and comfort. The Breton top was a classic piece of maritime workwear for all seafaring men in the North of France – until it inspired Coco Chanel, that is.

The Coco Chanel Era

In 1917, Coco Chanel became inspired by the French Navy’s uniform and showcased a nautical resort collection featuring a breton top with white, flared trousers. She introduced these pieces to her bourgeoisie customers in her boutique in Deauville, Northern France, for wealthy women traveling to the glamorous French Riviera for summer. The notion of mens workwear inspiring women’s fashion was a completely novel idea, and one step forward in Coco Chanel’s in advocating female emancipation through fashion.

With the Breton top reaching France’s renowned region of the Cote d’Azur during the belle epoque era, everyone from Hollywood actors to bohemian artists embraced the Breton top. This iconic mariniere became an international symbol of freedom and adventure, and a foolproof way to look immediately stylish.

 

 

Team your favourite Breton top with a complementary Italian leather bag by Maxwell Scott Bags. Our luxury collection of women’s satchel bags are a statement piece for your casual wardrobe. Wear across the body for a relaxed look and team with a pop of red for a maritime-inspired aesthetic.

Left to Right: The Lucca / The Medolla M / The Palermo

Our Top 3 Luxury Breton Tops

If you invest in a cotton, nautical-striped Breton top, it is bound to become one of your most-loved and most-worn pieces. It will complement your whole wardrobe, from a statement pair of denim jeans to a leather mid-length skirt.

Left to Right: Sandro / J Crew/ Saint Laurent

 

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This post was written by Julia Munder

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