Saint James Breton Top: Stripes of Brittany
Is it weird that I have no trouble wearing bright colours but then the mere thought of classic stripes intimidates me sometimes? Finding the right kind of stripe takes time (the plethora of choices available doesn’t help either), and after searching far and wide, I’ve finally found the perfect top for all my sailor dreams!
Synonymous with seafarers, the original Breton shirt featured 21 stripes that allegedly stand for each of Napoleon’s victories. In 1858, a law was passed to introduce the “tricot rayé” (striped knit) as part of the French naval uniform:
“the body of the shirt will count 21 white stripes, each twice as wide as the 20 to 21 indigo blue stripes”
Some say the stripes make it easier to spot a sailor who has fallen overboard. Not sure what I think about that, but the white is part of the appeal as it creates visual space – so that you don’t look like Wally or Hamburglar when you rock up in a marinière.
I had my eye on this Saint James top while we were vacationing in France and it seemed the perfect keepsake to take home from Normandy and Brittany. I knew the Galathee was the one when I saw it – its slight boat neck and ¾ sleeve lend a contemporary touch and the ecru/navy colourway also makes it more chic than cliché.
Here the jeans are very subtly pinstriped to balance the horizontal Breton stripes. I rounded off the look with my statement jacquard loafers and a blue beret for a bit of fun. This is easily one of my favourite looks from last year (okay but I’m also a sucker for anything mom jeans and loafers) and you'll find me wearing it all spring before switching out the jeans for shorts in summer.
Saint James currently does not ship to Hong Kong but their pieces can be found on several online retailers. Just pick your favourite style and your best friend Google will take care of the rest.
Photos by Justin
Wearing:
Top | Saint James — Galathee Breton striped top in ecru & navy (F36)
Jeans | American Eagle Outfitters — pinstriped mom jeans (0, TTS)
Loafers | Tory Burch — Jessa 20mm Loafers in eqmbellished jacquard-trim (7.5, TTS)
Beret | Taobao
Bag | Loewe — Puzzle bag
Did I Miss Anything?
Would you try stripes for spring? Or maybe you prefer other patterns and prints.
Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below. I’d love to hear what you have in mind!
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