This style staple is back on the catwalk and having a high-fashion moment
It’s tough being a fashion icon. Just ask the Breton top. One minute you’re heralded as an instant shortcut to French chic. The next? The fashion pack are more likely to be rocking dad sandals or zebra print trousers and the Breton top is relegated to school-run mum staple... Hmm, not exactly high style and definitely not an item you’d spot on the catwalk.
Except the prevailing mood of 2021 has seen classics championed for their very, well, classicism. Right now the world wants sustainability and longevity from our fashion choices and the Breton tee chimes with our love of the perma-trend. Worn with a blazer and jeans, stripy t-shirts are a sartorial step-up from the essential white tee as polished daywear. Or you can amp them up with sequins and heels if you’re feeling maximal. Right now some of the biggest designers in the world are taking a fresh look at the stripy staple.
It started on the Spring / Summer catwalks of Celine and Louis Vuitton where the stripes were teamed with either jeans, a bomber jacket and baseball cap (making basics utterly desirable) or exquisitely embroiled trousers (the perfect example of the High / Low styling mix.)
Alexander McQueen’s pre-Fall collection followed with a stripy sweatshirt worn with a luscious full white skirt while Balmain mixed the top with jeans and a blazer. At Chanel’s resort show the Breton got a glow-up in shimmering sequins - but as the house that originally brought the mariniere (the classic Fisherman’s t-shirt) into fashion, you’d expect nothing less.
Sometimes in fashion, going back to basics is the best option. If you don’t already have a Breton top (or three) in your wardrobe, the good news is that Breton tops are absolutely egalitarian, with a version available at every price point if you do need to go shopping for one. On the high street there’s also a twist to suit every style, whether you fancy a lemon yellow version from H&M or a sprinkling of polka dots at Boden. Spend a little more and find ruffle-trim at RedValentino or puff sleeves from Me+Em...
We’ve found the best Breton tops to shop right now. Scroll through to find your new favourite…
Read more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton here or follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton
Best Breton Tops - John Lewis
Best Breton Tops - COS
Best Breton Tops - Everlane
Best Breton Tops - Jigsaw
Best Breton Tops - Chanel
Best Breton Tops - More Joy
Best Breton Tops - ARKET
Best Breton Tops - Boden
Best Breton Tops - RedValentino
Best Breton Tops - Petit Bateau
Best Breton Tops - H&M
Best Breton Tops - Louis Vuitton
Best Breton Tops - Whistles
Best Breton Tops - Me + Em
Best Breton Tops - Marks & Spencer
Best Breton Tops - Rag & Bone
Best Breton Tops - & Other Stories
