Breton tops will never not be fabulous. They’re versatile, flattering and effortlessly chic – so why wouldn’t you want a gazillion of them in your wardrobe?
Originally an item worn by French sailors in the 1800s, Breton tops (which originated in Brittany) have become a unisex wardrobe staple. While the sailor’s uniform had strict specifications: 2cm thick white stripes and 1cm thick blue stripes, nowadays Breton tops can come in all kinds of colours with thicker and thinner stripes, depending on personal taste.
Here’s our pick of the best you can buy this season. Team with cropped denim jeans, mules, cute headband and a lightweight spring jacket for a spring/summer work outfit that wouldn’t look amiss in the swankiest of Parisian avenues.
Plus-size top with colourful pocket, ASOS, £18
Adding a pop of colour to the classic Breton stripe is this long-sleeved number from ASOS’s Curve range. The rust orange pocket and neckline adds another dimension to the top, which also comes with 3/4 length sleeves – perfect for the interchangeable seasons.
Buy it here.
Cotton striped top, M&S, £8.50
This 3/4 length sleeve top comes in a soft cotton and forms part of Holly Willoughby’s Marks & Spencer collection – in other words, we want it too. Very French, very lovely, oui oui s’il vous plaît.
Buy it here.
Striped top with motif, & Other Stories, £27
Coming in at a little more spenny is this blue striped number with a bold red neckline and ‘amour tout court’ written in red letters on the chest. It’s designed in Paris and comes with long sleeves, perfect for those who feel the cold or simply want to cover up.
Buy it here.
Maternity top with 3/4 sleeves, New Look, £9.99
This light blue and white striped top comes with a stretchy area around the middle to make room for your growing bump and is a little longer in length than most Breton tops (for obvious reasons). It has a soft cotton finish and also comes in red.
Buy it here.
Striped jersey t-shirt, Mango, £5.99
This t-shirt comes with a bit of give thanks to its elastic properties (the composition is 95% viscose, 5% elastane). It has a higher neckline than other t-shirts on the market and tight, short sleeves. We’re getting indie band member vibes.
Buy it here.
Long-sleeved top with yellow details, H&M, £6.99
Coming in at an absolute steal is this long-sleeved top in a soft cotton jersey with ribbing around the neckline and cuffs. The pop of mustard yellow on the neckline and sleeves provide a wonderful contrast to the black stripes. This style of top also comes in red/black, yellow/white, red/blue and red/white colour combinations.
Buy it here.
Striped knit top, Zara, £19.99
Fix up, look sharp. If you don’t know whether you prefer a red stripe, black stripe, white stripe or different sized stripe, Zara has you covered. This slim-fit knitted top comes with all kinds of stripe sizes and colours and would look very chic with black cigarette trousers or culottes.
Buy it here.
Tan brown striped top, ASOS, £10
With a slash neck and 3/4 sleeves, this striped top in tan brown from Asos Curve has a lot to offer. It comes in sizes 16-30 and will go with pretty much anything.
Buy it here.
Boat neck top, H&M, £9.99
This cotton jersey is a little different to the others in that it comes with a rounded hem at the bottom. We also like the straight cut, boat neck and 3/4 length sleeves which all add up to give off a strong French look.
Buy it here.
Striped top with floaty sleeves, H&M, £24.99
If you want a side helping of feminine twist with your Breton top, H&M is selling a knitted jumper with a black and white stripe, and a ‘flounce’ sleeve. Delightfully different, we like.
Buy it here.
French Connection ‘amour’ top, John Lewis, £35
Continue the French theme with this ‘amour’ slogan top which comes in a relaxed cotton-blend top with a close-body fit and cropped sleeves. Wear it with your best jeans and trainers or boots for easy style.
Buy it here.
Simple striped top, ASOS, £8
Undoubtedly the only top you want to be wearing after a big meal, this slouchy number from ASOS comes with long sleeves and a boat neck. Why choose style over comfort when you can have both?
Buy it here.
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