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THE SAILOR SHIRT

A story that lives on

The Breton Shirt (marinière) was created in Brittany to protect fishermen from the cold and water. It was crafted from low-absorbency Breton cotton to give them freedom of movement. The design avoided seams and buttons so sailors wouldn’t get caught in the ropes. According to legend, the distinctive stripes also helped spot men who had fallen overboard or were performing risky maneuvers.

On March 27, 1858, the Breton Shirt became the official uniform of the French Navy, and precise design standards were established: a striped pattern in indigo blue and white, with 21 white stripes (20 mm wide) and 21 blue stripes (10 mm wide). Legend has it that the 21 stripes symbolized each of Napoleon’s victories.

Although Coco Chanel was the visionary who brought it into the fashion world in the 1920s, it was Jean Paul Gaultier who truly embraced and reimagined it through his collections, turning it into an iconic garment and a must-have in every wardrobe.
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Craftsmanship

The secret is in our hands

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MATERIAL

The making of each garment begins with the careful selection of raw materials. Every Breton Shirt is crafted from high-quality cotton: soft and breathable, helping the garment maintain its shape while allowing the skin to breathe and offering unmatched comfort

 

The Marinière 1858 is made using the traditional technique of carded cotton, with raw cotton thread, currently the only one still produced in France. For the rest of our collection, we use combed cotton, which provides a smoother texture without compromising its exceptional quality.
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REGION

Our workshops are located in France and Portugal, two countries renowned for their textile heritage and excellence in haute couture.

 

In Troyes, a city near Paris, we craft the iconic Marinière 1858.

 

The rest of our collection is produced in northern Portugal, in a small town with a rich legacy of high-quality garment making.

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KNITTING

At the heart of our Breton Shirts is tricot, a tightly knit, compact technique created on circular or flat knitting machines. These machines alternate cotton yarn spools to form the iconic stripes while producing a fabric that is both strong and flexible.

 

In some cases, the garment is made as a single tubular piece, meaning the body has no side seams. This enhances both comfort and durability. Tricotage is an essential part of the process, as it defines the garment’s strength, comfort, and signature design.

 

Thanks to the tricot technique and our use of the highest quality cotton, we can guarantee excellence in every piece.
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CUTTING

Cutting the Breton Shirt requires precision and the skilled hands of our artisans to ensure that each piece maintains its structure and iconic appearance. Once the fabric is ready, it is carefully laid out so the stripe pattern aligns perfectly.

 

Our artisans trace the patterns by hand, making sure the lines remain continuous without distorting the fabric. Then, they make three manual cuts: front and back body, sleeves, and collar, achieving a flawless finish. Before moving on to assembly, each piece is inspected again to ensure that the stripes remain perfectly aligned.
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Tailoring

In the final stage of production, our artisans assemble each part of the Breton Shirt: the body, the sleeves, and the collar. With exceptional precision, they align each stripe so the seams match perfectly, preserving the harmony of the design. The stitching, done by hand, not only reinforces the structure but also enhances its handcrafted quality.

 

In this process, tradition and precision come together to ensure a flawlessly made garment. The result is an iconic piece that blends durability and comfort with timeless design, reflecting the true spirit of the Breton Shirt.

Maître Tailleur

 

A LEGACY THAT PRESERVES TRADITION

 

The artisans we work with, like us, share a deep appreciation for the history and meaning behind the Breton Shirt. Their savoir-faire, combined with traditional craftsmanship methods, ensures that the unique process behind this iconic garment remains alive, honoring not only our region but the cultural heritage of France itself.

 AUTHENTICITY

Sets us apart

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Striped T-shirts
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High-quality, thick and soft cotton 220 g/m².

Standard cotton (160 g/m²) or synthetic fabrics.
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Uniform, woven directly into the fabric.

Misaligned, overlapping lines that fade easily.
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Handcrafted for a precise fit.

Machine-made without alignment.
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Traditional techniques used.

Basic weaving or printing techniques.
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Made in Haute-couture workshops in France and Portugal.

Mass-produced in factories.
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Keeps its shape even after multiple washes.

May lose shape, stretch, or shrink.
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Compliant with environmental regulations

Non-compliance with regulations.
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Fair compensation for artisans per piece.

No control
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Donations made to protect seabirds.

No sustainability initiatives.
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An Essential Part of the

family

The Breton shirt is the perfect balance of style, comfort, and versatility, making it an essential piece for everyone, at any time. Its classic and timeless design reflects freshness and elegance, and easily suits all ages and personal styles.

 

Men, women, and children can enjoy this iconic garment that is always in fashion.

At Gauvain, you’ll find sizes for babies, kids, and adults, because the Breton Shirt will always be an elegant and functional choice for the whole family.

Claim yours !