The History of the Breton Stripe
Discover the rich history of the Breton stripe: from the French Navy and Napoleon to Coco Chanel and its timeless place in fashion.
The Breton stripe is much more than just a classic pattern. Originally designed for the French navy, this iconic stripe has become a timeless favourite in fashion. Discover the story behind one of the most famous basics of all time.
- Origin
- Brittany (Bretagne), France
- Original use
- Clothing for the French Navy
- Characteristic
- 21 Breton stripes
- Historical reference
- Ode to Napoleon's 21 Victories
- Made famous in the fashion world by
- Coco Chanel
- Loved by these celebrities
- Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, Pablo Picasso, James Dean
Une belle histoire
PLEIN PUBLIQUE is a brand that will always embrace the Breton stripe. And for good reason. Behind this iconic two-tone stripe hides a rich history.
If there’s one classic that has earned its place in fashion history, it’s the Breton stripe.
= Classic
= Timeless
= Sustainable
= Fantastic in its simplicity
A stripe with a story. Proven to be popular among celebrities past and present. Read on and discover the history behind the iconic Breton stripe.
The origins of the Breton stripe
Heroic deeds, garlic, and Coco Chanel. What do they have to do with a striped sweater?
The Breton stripe has its origins in Brittany, where locals spun yarn and produced shirts for the French navy. According to legend, the 21 stripes are a tribute to Napoleon and his 21 heroic victories.
For the local sailors, who sailed to England in the nineteenth century with ships full of garlic, a warm woolen version was also developed. The striking stripes also had a practical advantage: a person in distress wearing a striped sweater was easier to spot at sea than someone wearing solid-coloured clothing.
From Workwear to Fashion Icon
The Breton sweater took on new significance when Coco Chanel freed women from the corset and paired the Breton stripe with silk trousers. From that moment on, the Breton stripe became an international fashion icon. Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, Pablo Picasso, and James Dean, among others, wore Breton stripes and turned the design into a timeless classic.
A Timeless Classic
Luxury and class are timeless. Some garments never go out of style and form the foundation of a versatile wardrobe.
Think of:
- The trench coat
- The white shirt
- The little black dress (LBD)
- The Breton sweater
The Breton stripe is a classic that remains relevant season after season.
FAQ
Waar komt de Bretonse streep vandaan?
De Bretonse streep vindt zijn oorsprong in Bretagne, waar shirts werden geproduceerd voor de Franse marine.
