Skip to Content

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Best Breton Tops - 18 Striped Styles To Shop Now And Wear Forever

If you don't already own this essential staple, sort it out asap

By and
best breton topspinterest
The Frankie Shop

Nothing says low-key chic quite like a Breton top. It has an everlasting appeal that we doubt it will ever shake. Some of the most stylish moments in history featured these famous stripes; cast your mind back to Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face or the many photos of Brigitte Bardot on the beach (lounging in a deckchair, on a yacht, atop a Ferrari...the list goes on).

First worn back in 1858 by the navy in Northern France, these sea-blue stripes are named after the region they were first created in: Brittany. But while the unisex staple has never lost its nautical connotations, it’s most desired for the French elegance it exudes – that nonchalance, the elusive je ne sais quoi everyone’s so desperately seeking.

The good news is, buy a Breton and you’re halfway there. This easy piece strikes the perfect balance between pulled-together and laid-back. The secret is in the styling: cigarette pants and loafers for Parisian cool, flats and boyfriend jeans for wholesome seaside vibes, a black blazer and red lips for sharper looks.

Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded 18 of the best Breton tops to buy now and wear forever.

Arket Cotton Jumper

Cotton Jumper

Arket Cotton Jumper

Now 41% Off
£41 at Arket

Take the Breton trend into the winter months with Arket's striped jumper. With its wide collar and deep V-neck, this knit is a real wardrobe hero – wear it slung over everything from slip skirts to cigarette pants.

Frankie Shop Tilla cropped striped cotton-jersey top

Tilla cropped striped cotton-jersey top

Frankie Shop Tilla cropped striped cotton-jersey top

Frankie Shop's modern take on the striped staple is defined by its cropped hemline and dropped shoulder silhouette. Keep styling simple with a sleek bun and hoop earrings.

H&M Low-backed body

Low-backed body

H&M Low-backed body

The Breton bodysuit is a real wardrobe saviour. Pair it with ribcage-high jeans and get the retro Riviera look without the need for tucking or fussy styling tricks.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Saint Laurent Button-embellished striped cotton and wool-blend sweater

Button-embellished striped cotton and wool-blend sweater

Saint Laurent Button-embellished striped cotton and wool-blend sweater

Trust Saint Laurent to put a rock 'n' roll spin on the Breton, with black and white stripes. This jumper can be classic, yes, but pairing it with black denim and leather will really amp up the attitude.

Jigsaw Cotton Slub Stripe Tee

Cotton Slub Stripe Tee

Jigsaw Cotton Slub Stripe Tee

A fitted Breton top lends itself to fancier looks, but we think Jigsaw's striped style would look seriously cool contrasted with looser silhouettes (think baggy cargo pants or wide-leg jeans).

DENIMIST Striped cropped cotton-jersey T-shirt

Striped cropped cotton-jersey T-shirt

DENIMIST Striped cropped cotton-jersey T-shirt

Now 30% Off

For a fresh take on the Breton top look to Denimist's powder-blue striped tee. The boxy shape, crew neckline and heavy-duty jersey means this one will never date.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Cos The Full Volume T-shirt

The Full Volume T-shirt

Cos The Full Volume T-shirt

For those who find the Breton top too prim, COS has given it a relaxed makeover with dropped wide sleeves and a slouchy, oversized fit.

Saint James Minquiers unisex striped sailor shirt

Minquiers unisex striped sailor shirt

Saint James Minquiers unisex striped sailor shirt

The OG of Breton tops, Saint James was first worn by sailors as uniform back in 1858. The brand's designs are still made in the same atelier near Mont Saint Michel in France.

La Redoute Organic Cotton Breton Striped T-Shirt

Organic Cotton Breton Striped T-Shirt

La Redoute Organic Cotton Breton Striped T-Shirt

Now 50% Off

The black and white stripes on La Redoute's top immediately brings to mind those iconic Mark Shaw images from 1953 of Audrey Hepburn on the phone in her Beverley Hills home, wearing a Breton and hoop earrings.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Boden Off Shoulder Rib Top

Off Shoulder Rib Top

Boden Off Shoulder Rib Top

Now 30% Off

If for you Bretons are all about an alluring Brigitte Bardot vibe, go for off-the-shoulder necklines every time. Add a neckerchief, depending on how extra you're feeling.

& Other Stories Open-Collar Short Sleeve Sweater

Open-Collar Short Sleeve Sweater

& Other Stories Open-Collar Short Sleeve Sweater

If you're good on the Breton top front, we'd suggest upping your stripey game with Stories's open-collar jumper. Elevate yours for work with cigarette trousers and chunky loafers or complement the knit's boxy fit with wide-leg jeans at the weekend.

M&S Pure Cotton Striped Crew Neck Top

Pure Cotton Striped Crew Neck Top

M&S Pure Cotton Striped Crew Neck Top

If you’re looking for everyday basics like the Breton on a budget, you can never go wrong with British favourite M&S. There are multiple iterations on the site right now, but this khaki and black number is a real winner. Wear yours with selvedge denim and ballet flats now and take it into the depths of winter with knitted vests.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Comme Des Garçons Play Little red heart striped T-shirt

Little red heart striped T-shirt

Comme Des Garçons Play Little red heart striped T-shirt

The Breton doesn't have to be so understated. This long-sleeved top has punky red stripes and is appliquéd with Comme de Garcons' iconic heart emblem.

La Ligne Striped cashmere sweater

Striped cashmere sweater

La Ligne Striped cashmere sweater

La Ligne is the king of the Breton. Choose between classic jersey tops and casual cotton knits in a rainbow of colourways, or this season's more grown-up take. The red and navy stripes and slim silhouette on this cashmere sweater make it an elegant day-to-night option.

Arket Oversized Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

Oversized Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

Arket Oversized Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

Arket's bargain Breton T-shirts are a brand mainstay for a reason: they never date. We like the classic navy stripes, but there's a plethora of colourways to choose from.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Alex Mill Lakeside striped cotton shirt

Lakeside striped cotton shirt

Alex Mill Lakeside striped cotton shirt

Now 30% Off

Alex Mill drops a fresh take on the Breton every season alongside some good old classics. We like the mismatched stripes and stepped hem on this one.

Petit Bateau Women's Buttoned Cotton Breton Top

Women's Buttoned Cotton Breton Top

Petit Bateau Women's Buttoned Cotton Breton Top

Naturally, Petit Bateau is one of the best places to look for a Breton top. We like the button detailing on the shoulders and slender navy stripes on this long sleeved number.

La Redoute Collections Organic Cotton Breton-Striped Jumper

Organic Cotton Breton-Striped Jumper

La Redoute Collections Organic Cotton Breton-Striped Jumper

Now 54% Off

The perfect transitional layer, this reverse-stripe Breton jumper is knitted from breathable cotton yarns and punctuated with buttons at one shoulder.

Watch Next
 
preview for ELLE UK - Fashion
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Spring Style

sunglasses for women

The Very Best Sunglasses To Invest In This Year

best knee high boots

The Best Knee High Boots

victoria beckham x breitling

26 Of The Best Women's Watches This Season

luxury gift guide

The Luxury Gift Guide

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below