The birth of the breton striped shirt
Gauvain Paris men's sailor tops have crossed oceans and many eras before becoming essential pieces of the casual chic wardrobe.
Originally, sailors wore breton stripe shirts in the French Navy. They became part of its official uniform in 1858. A decree precisely fixed the characteristics of the striped shirt: it would feature 21 white stripes 2 cm wide and 20 to 21 blue stripes of 1 cm.
Thick and crafted from unbleached and indigo yarns, the breton striped shirt was worn close to the body, with three-quarter sleeves that did not stick out from the jacket to avoid any risk of snagging when maneuvering aboard the ships. It was also long enough to cover the sailors' lower back and protect them from the cold.
The particular choice of the number of stripes is still a mystery today. While some lean toward a symbolic explanation — the 21 stripes corresponding to the number of Napoleonic victories — others put forward far more pragmatic theories.
The blue and white stripes would have been chosen to make it easier to spot mates who had fallen overboard. Another speculation is that white was too messy and indigo too expensive to settle on just one of these two colors.
Either way, while the number of stripes on Gauvain Paris men's breton striped shirts has evolved over time, they remain an integral part of this garment, which has adapted to the shifts of fashion.
Our breton shirts: an artisanal know-how
Gauvain Paris men's breton striped shirts are the fruit of an artisanal know-how inherited from the French marinière tradition, kept alive every day in our partner workshops.
The striped sailor top passes into the hands of seamstresses, whose precious know-how is essential to the quality of our garments.
From knitting to packaging, each marinière goes through several manual steps and several days of manufacture.
The men's sailor shirts then go through quality control before being ironed, packed, and shipped. Several kilometers of cotton yarn are needed to produce a single piece.
This human expertise makes it possible to obtain a high-quality garment, durable over time and comfortable to wear.
How to wear the Gauvain Paris men's breton striped shirt?
The sailor shirt is an essential piece to complete a casual chic look. It pairs perfectly with every basic, lifting them with a touch of elegance and character.
It can be worn with jeans as well as chinos, or even shorts for a holiday outfit. It suits every season: in winter with a peacoat and raw jeans, in spring and autumn with slim jeans and a pair of white sneakers or boots, and in summer with chinos and boat shoes to complete the nautical look.
Easy to care for, easy to match and comfortable to wear, the Gauvain Paris men's breton sailor top is a timeless piece, suited to every occasion.
