Ah, the humble Breton top. A style classic, wardrobe staple and perennial buy that just never gets old. Even when you have a stash of about thirty in your collection, there's always room for more. Like a good cup of tea or your fave pair of slippers, the striped tee is just so easy and comfortable and on those tricky 'nothing to wear' days it will never let you down.
But where to start with nearly every high street store, boutique brand and designer label offering their own take on the Breton top? It's a stripey minefield out there, and that's why I've edited down the ultimate style finds and new launches hitting stores, the ones every fashion editor is secretly snapping up.
Whether the traditional sailor, slogan decorated or embellished finish is for you, there's so much choice out there for spring/summer 2016. Gap's gone to town with the sailor theme this season, embroidering fun, colourful seaside 'Voyager' and 'Captain' slogans across the front. Psst - these are currently marked down to just £15.96 online in the sale. A really sweet way of lifting simple blue and white stripes, I snapped up both styles and am alternating with my mood!
When I think Breton I can't help but think Boden. I've gone through countless of their striped wonders over the years, the quality is great and they wash really well. Currently selling around 2000 units of their Long Sleeve Breton a week - now that's a lot of stripes - the most popular colours include Denim Marl and Oxygen Blue as well as classic Navy. "The internal pops of colour are very unique to us and one of the things our customers love about the style," - Team Boden.
While you're there, check out the gold metallic spotty version because it's just so fun, and who doesn't want a little bit of stripy, gold spotty action in their closet?
Of course when talking of the Breton it wouldn't be right not to mention the go-to French brands.
Petit Bateau
Classic navy and red Marinieres are often tweaked with the addition of buttoned shoulders and kitsch logos.
Le Slip Francais
New to the UK, a French label offering classic stripes with a focus on the highest quality fabrics, all made in France. There's three stores in Paris and they're launching into Selfridges soon. You heard it here first! Most styles are unisex so don't rule out the mens section when you're browsing.
La Redoute
Simple, pocket friendly Breton's aplenty. This patch detail pretty gets a special mention and there's buttons on the top of the other shoulder too.
