The Best Breton Stripe Tops Every Women Needs in Their Closet by Sophie Dweck

When it comes to fashion staples, there is perhaps no article of clothing more timeless than a Breton striped shirt. First worn by sailors in 1858, the white and navy pattern has become a closet classic, mainly for its low-key silhouette, versatility, and how easily it can be dressed up or down. At first, the nautical design was only associated with French navy seamen, but it didn’t take long for it to go from uniform to everyday essential. Coco Chanel famously ushered the statement stripes into fashion in the 20th century, leading the way for many other style icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, and Kate Middleton to follow through with the Parisian-chic look.

Today, the perennially preppy pattern continues to reign supreme and remains the year-round wardrobe staple for men and women alike because of how much it goes with everything. Below, we share the best Breton stripe shirts that’ll be in heavy rotation for years to come.

11The Modern Rainbow Bright

Kule $68 AT KULE.COM

Multi-colored stripes offer a splash of fun to the timeless pattern, and we’re here for it.