Women's size guide
Gauvain Paris
Women's size guide
All our women's Breton tops 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 | Bust | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS / 0 | 95 | 76 | 105 |
| S / 1 | 99 | 80 | 109 |
| M / 2 | 104 | 84 | 113 |
| L / 3 | 107 | 88 | 116 |
| XL / 4 | 111 | 93 | 121 |
| XXL / 5 | 115 | 98 | 126 |
Measurements in centimetres. 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 top.
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
- BustPass the tape under your arms, around the fullest part of your bust, arms down. Keep it horizontal across your back, neither tight nor loose.
- WaistMeasure at the narrowest part of your waist, without holding your stomach in and breathing normally.
- HipsMeasure around the widest part of your hips, feet together, keeping the tape horizontal.
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 bust 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.
Women and men: the one-size shift
The same garment, two names.
Our women's and men's Breton tops come from the same pattern. Only the size name changes, shifted by one notch: a women's M is a men's S. If you are hesitating between the two cuts, go by the number rather than the letter.
| Number | Women's size | Men's size |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | XS | none |
| 1 | S | XS |
| 2 | M | S |
| 3 | L | M |
| 4 | XL | L |
| 5 | XXL | XL |
Size 0 is our smallest size, and it exists in women's only.
Looking for the men's chart? See our men'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 women's Breton top size should I choose?
Measure your bust and read across the chart. A 104 cm bust is a size M, also written 2. Between two sizes, take the larger one.
What bust measurement is a women's size M?
A women's M, also written 2, corresponds to a 104 cm bust, an 84 cm waist and 113 cm hips.
What bust measurement is a women's size S?
A women's S, written 1, corresponds to a 99 cm bust, an 80 cm waist and 109 cm hips.
Does the women's Breton top run large or small?
It runs true to size. The cut is regular, neither fitted nor loose, with a boat neck that sits off the shoulders. 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.
Can I order a men's size?
Yes, it is the same garment. Just go by the number: a size 2 is a women's M and a men's S. Many customers deliberately size up for a roomier fit.
Does the Breton top 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.
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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