Men's size guide
Gauvain Paris
Men's size guide
All our men's Breton shirts follow the same size chart, whether you choose La Marinière 1858 knitted in Troyes or the Marinière Originale made in Portugal.
The size chart
Body measurements, in centimetres.
| Our size | Chest | Waist |
|---|---|---|
| XS / 1 | 98 cm | 87 cm |
| S / 2 | 103 cm | 90 cm |
| M / 3 | 108 cm | 95 cm |
| L / 4 | 113 cm | 98 cm |
| XL / 5 | 118 cm | 104 cm |
Our labels carry both a letter and a number. They mean the same size.
Between two sizes? Take the larger one, for the roomier fit of a traditional Breton shirt.
And if it does not fit, size exchange is free within 30 days.
How to measure
Two methods. Pick whichever is easier for you.
On yourself, with a tape measure
- ChestPass the tape under your arms, around the fullest part of your chest, arms down. Keep it horizontal across your back, neither tight nor loose.
- WaistMeasure at the narrowest part of your waist, just above or just below the navel, without holding your stomach in and breathing normally.
Measure in underwear or over a thin garment, preferably at the end of the day rather than first thing in the morning.
On a garment you already own
If you do not have a soft tape measure, take a top that fits you well, lay it flat and measure its chest width from one armhole seam to the other. Multiply by two, then compare with the chart.
Our measurements are taken by hand: allow a 2 to 3 cm tolerance.
Men and women: the one-size shift
The same garment, two names.
Our men's and women's Breton shirts come from the same pattern. Only the size name changes, shifted by one notch. If you are hesitating between the two cuts, go by the number rather than the letter.
| Number | Men's size | Women's size |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | none | XS |
| 1 | XS | S |
| 2 | S | M |
| 3 | M | L |
| 4 | L | XL |
| 5 | XL | XXL |
Size 0 exists in women's only: it is the smallest of the range.
Looking for the women's chart? See our women's size guide.
1858 or Originale: the same chart
The size does not change. The fabric does.
Both models follow the same measurements. What sets them apart is the fabric and the origin. La Marinière 1858 is knitted in carded cotton in Troyes, under the France Terre Textile label. The Marinière Originale is made in combed cotton in Portugal. Both weigh 220 gsm. To understand how the two cottons feel, read our article on carded versus combed cotton.
Frequently asked questions
Everything customers ask before ordering.
Which men's Breton shirt size should I choose?
Measure your chest and read across the chart. A 108 cm chest is a size M, also written 3. Between two sizes, take the larger one.
What chest measurement is a men's size M?
A men's M, also written 3, corresponds to a 108 cm chest and a 95 cm waist.
What chest measurement is a men's size XL?
A men's XL, written 5, corresponds to a 118 cm chest and a 104 cm waist. It is the largest size in the men's range.
Does the Breton shirt run large or small?
It runs true to size. The cut is regular, neither fitted nor loose, with a boat neck. If you like your tops close to the body, stay with your usual size. If you prefer a more relaxed drape, take the size above.
Does the Breton shirt shrink in the wash?
No, as long as you wash at 30 degrees and dry flat. The first wash is decisive: our first wash guide sets out the steps, and our complete care guide covers the rest.
How do I choose between the 1858 and the Originale?
The sizes are identical, so the choice comes down to fabric and origin. Our guide to choosing your Breton shirt compares both models in detail.
What if I order the wrong size?
Size exchange is entirely free within 30 days. We send you a prepaid return label and your new size ships as soon as we receive the parcel. You can order with no risk.
Got your size?
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