Breton tops - are they a classic?

[LadyTiredWinterBottom2]

Or are they a bit old hat? I've seen some with turquoise stripes and l like them but l wonder if they are for the more mature lady in her 50s or 60s?

One person’s classic is another’s old hat.

I think they're both to be honest. It's a classic in that the Breton top people wear today are near identical to the one Coco Chanel made fashionable in 1915. And they'll always be around. Having said that I feel like they've been around too much in the last 10 years and became part of a clichéd 'converse, skinny jeans, breton top' casual wear uniform. I haven't got rid of mine but I don't think I'll be reaching for one any time soon.

I have loads but never wear them. The only one I do wear is navy with a white stripe which I probably bought 15 years ago. All my others are white with a coloured stripe which I’m over.

www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/a27552228/why-the-breton-top-will-never-lose-its-appeal/

I love them! I mainly have them in dress form but I wear them all the time. Classic or old hat, I don’t care, just wear what I like

I think the main reason they've been so popular this last decade was that they helped balance out skinny jeans. Now that skinnies are slowly slipping out of fashion there isn't the same need for them any more. The same goes for biker jackets. But I can't see them actually disappearing and you can't catch 'old lady' from them so I think you'll be fine.

They had to sew some in Sewing Bee this week and some of them looked lovely, so it reignited my love for them.

Also in a total coincidence, I saw a rep at work wearing one with a navy peacoat and she looked so cool.

But hers was slightly oversized and looked a bit more contemporary. Slouchy and cool. I don't think I would get one of the "classic" Joules ones with 3/4 length sleeves at the moment because I think the shape is a bit over.

I'm definitely going to try to find an oversized one though to try and recreate that look.

I think it's how they're worn more than anything.

They can look really clean, fresh and preppy if done well.

They’re definitely a classic. I haven’t worn one for ages but was looking at them online at Labour & Wait. I would definitely steer clear of skinny jeans and converse though.

I don't do skinnies l'm far too generous in the leg for that.

It was the sewing bee that made me think as l have some white and pale blue striped Jersey and wasn't sure what to do with it! I have a navy with thin white stripe. I have to say l don't wear it that much now l think about it..thanks for the replies!

It’s one of my absolute staples, you will never get me to part with my Breton. I think they’re enormously flattering in style and shape and so for me will always look great, even if they are ‘old hat’.

I wear mine with lots of gold jewellery, red lipstick, straight legged cropped jeans and Stan smiths. Always get compliments when I wear one but arguably my friends are as old hat as I am!

I love them. I didn’t realise how much I love them, until I met up with a friend wearing a different top, and she commentated i wasn’t wearing stripes!

I love them. I have four of the Seasalt 3/4 sleeve Breton style tops, and I'm having to hold myself back from buying another couple in their new colours.

I like them. But I like a bit of a preppy look. I've had a couple from Petite Bateau I've worn for years with nice gold buttons on the shoulder. I think they're a classic that can always be updated to look in style.

Hello Fashion this month thinks so too lol! Love the one on the top left from Mango!

What's wrong with wearing them with converse and skinny jeans? I must be very out of touch.

I think the classic navy blue on cream or the other way round is always nice. I’m not personally fond of the “joules” shape and non-trad colours which I think do date.

I love my Breton stripes and have quite a few tops / dresses. Farie on Sewing Bee described it as part of the "mummy uniform " and I think she's right, but I don't care a jot.

I've worn stripey tops since I was a teenager. I still occasionally wear St. James breton tops as worn by Picasso and Chanel.

What is the Joules shape ?

Worth a look

I have several variations, mostly white:navy, and wear them most days. I have done for about 30 years!

I think they're a classic but I don't like Joules' and Boden's variations, sp if they're not 100% thick cotton. Have a look in COS.

I love a Breton stripe but felt a bit 'striped out' a few years back so only have a few left in my wardrobe which don't get worn all that often.

However, the classic navy stripe is just that, a classic and have found myself reaching for my old Mih Breton at lot more recently the HB article & YouTube video has reignited my interest. Love the white trousers and trainers outfit which I can totally do.

The skinnies, stripes and converse look has been around for ages but still a good look on people.

Finally, love the Seasalt dropped shoulder Breton at the end of the HB so that may be my next purchase.

Ralph Lauren always have lovely ones. There's a slouchy v neck this season which is a bit of a twist.