The Best Breton Tops: Our 11 Favorite French-Style Striped Shirts for Women

Color-blocked swatches of different stripes are the way to go for a fun, laidback take on the traditional Breton stripe design. This multi-print Alex Mill shirt, in particular, is one you should consider for spring 2023. This top boasts a baggy, oversized fit, a traditional boat neckline, and slightly dropped shoulders and is crafted of ultra-soft 100-percent cotton. Lean into the shirt's unconventional look and team it with leather bottoms—slim trousers, a mini skirt, or even a pair of mid-length shorts.

This relaxed-fit Breton stripe tee will, in fact, add more joy to your wardrobe. Kule is known for its signature striped tees that update the classic graphic via a playful, personality-filled slant. In particular, this red, white, and blue striped long-sleeve shirt represents the preppy-cool brand's modus operandi to a T. It has a slightly tomboyish fit but is undeniably timeless with its straight silhouette and slightly-scooped neck. It pairs seamlessly with white jeans and your best pair of sneakers.

If you like your tees to have some structure to them, Everlane's contemporary take on the classic Breton top is for you. It's made of a 0.6 oz cotton woven in a thick, durable knit, which adds body to the top. Bonus: this T-shirt will only get softer and softer with each wear, creating a perfectly lived-in feel. "The fabric is great," raves one Everlane reviewer. "It's somewhere between t-shirt and sweatshirt thickness and is not clingy. This feels more like a structured top than a standard tee."

Offered in an assortment of striped colorways—including cherry red, baby blue, and navy—Boden's Long Sleeve Breton Top is the ideal throw-on-and-go, everyday tee. "This is the perfect shirt," writes an enthused shopper. "Classic and casual, but it also looks great with a blazer. [It's] so comfortable and holds up well in the wash. It's my go-to." Sport this versatile long-sleeve tee with a pair of jeans and sneakers. It will quickly become your weekend uniform. Oh, and this particular red style is on super, super sale for only $36.

Here's another no-fuss Breton stipe top that slightly tweaks the traditional 21-stripe design. With a pattern that begins at the bust, La Ligne's Lean Lines top creates an eye-catching staggered graphic through strategic white color blocking and 1varied stripes. It's also made of 100 percent cotton, so you know it's wonderfully soft to the touch. Reach for this soft cotton jersey top as a base layer, peaking out under oversized sweaters and blazers. As for footwear, Fellowes advises "sandals in summer or masculine loafers or other chunky flats." 

An easy top done in the classic Breton stripes—but make it going-out ready. This square-neck style from J. Crew is perfect for summer happy hours or dinner parties. Knit from a stretchy blend of TENCEL lyocell, an eco-conscious fiber made from sustainably-sourced wood pulp, this tank will keep you comfortable and worry-free all evening long. As for styling the sleeveless number, try teaming it with flowy front-pleat trousers, your best slingback heels, and trendy pearl jewelry for a look that says, "Yes, I frequently vacation along the French Riveria." 

Put simply: "a Breton stripe is a wardrobe staple," says fashion stylist Candice Lambert. "It is never outdated and can be worn year-round in any season." The expert particularly shouts out this bright blue and white striped tee from Polo Ralph Lauren, dubbing it the one to add to your closet as a classic building block if you don't already own a Breton style. Classic both in look and in silhouette, this boatneck number is one you'll find yourself constantly reaching for.

Multi-color stripes offer a cheerful alternative to the classic color combo of navy and white. Case in point: L.L. Bean's cult-favorite Saturday T-Shirt in salmon, saphire, baby blue, and yellow stripes. It's made of a comfy, soft cotton and a subtle-stretch jersey knit. One L.L. Bean shopper shouts out this playfully graphic tee as the hero piece of their seasonal wardrobe, saying it's "too comfortable [and] it just may end up being the shirt you live in all summer."

I mean, it's in the name: If you're hoping to tap into the insouciant elegance of Brigitte Bardot, try a relaxed Breton top reminiscent of the striped numbers the French film star used to sport—like rag & bone's navy and ivory style. The gold, crested shoulder buttons and contrasting navy and white sleeves offer a splash of modern flair, while the boatneck silhouette and dropped shoulders pay homage to the shirt's classic look. This shirt is what you'd call a new classic.

Here's another striped top that is one of stylist Candice Lambert's personal favorites. It's made of a yummy cotton-jersey blend, so it's endlessly comfortable. And with its sculptural and oversized sleeves, Matteau striped T-shirt feels like a more artistic take on your standard Breton top. However, there's no need to worry about drowning in the exaggerated silhouette: the tee boasts a cinched-in, fitted waist, which means you're safe to team it with baggier bottoms—cargo pants or roomy jeans, for instance.

Fellowes' greatest point she hopes you take away? "Buy [Breton stripe tops] second-hand. This is the point since they don't date. Plus, [vintage Breton tops] are typically usually made of robust cotton, which lasts and lasts many washes and wears. So not only is it a more responsible, sustainable choice to buy the secondary market, but it's also way better value for money." She recommends this specific embroidered style from Comme des Garçons, which adds interest to the classic striped tee with its subtle heart-motif embroidery.