A three-season staple of the preppy wardrobe
You really can’t go wrong with a style that has been around since the 1850s. The classic Breton top was first worn by French sailors in the 19th century as a safely measure. (The high- contrast navy and white stripes make it easy to spot a sailor who may require rescue in the water.) The look caught on for land-dwellers in the 1950s, popularized by style icons like Bridgette Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and the sporty Kennedy clan including Jackie herself. With that kind of cred, you can safely consider it an enduring wardrobe classic. Don’t’ stop at one. These tops work in spring, summer and fall alone or layered over a button-down oxford or under a cozy cardigan. Here are Lakeshore Magazine’s perennial favorites.
This is the original. Saint James brand has been around since the 1850’s and supplied the original French sailor tee to the crews of Brittany France. The Minquiers Drop features a fitted shape and drop shoulders.
Count on J.Crew to always offer a classic, sailor-inspired pullover top. This one is the softest cotton and features a three-quarter sleeve.
This option from LL Bean is made from the top 1% of the world’s cotton: Supima. It features a slightly longer silhouette and fresh nautical stripes.
Another cutie from good ‘ol J. Crew, This Painter’s Tee has a stylish neckline, fold detail shoulders, and notched long sleeves.
The VV Striped Sankaty Boatneck top is a little different. Instead of cotton it’s made from wrinkle-resistant stretch poly.
Another original, the Comme Des Garçons sailor tee features an embroidered logo, a round neck and a straight hem.
How ’bout this cute take on the theme? The bell sleeves give it a little something extra and the price is perfect!
Boden claims that on an average day, you can find roughly 83% of Boden staffers wearing something stripy. This British brand always does stripes right.
Tommy always has the best preppy stripes! This elbow sleeve stretch tee comes in several colors and is ideal for summers by the lake.
Tommy always has the best preppy stripes! This elbow sleeve stretch tee comes in several colors and is ideal for summers by the lake.
Here it is in dark pink!
And in red. More colors and options available too. Just follow the link.
Here’s another brand that we can always trust to offer a great elbow-sleeve boatneck.
An elegant option, this pick from Everlane is made of their eco-conscious Clean Silk for more beauty and less waste.
Let’s have it in a dress! Shift silhouette with three-quarter length sleeves and boatneck.
Disclosure: Some (but not all) products featured in Lakeshore Magazine contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Lakeshore Magazine in business.
