THE BRETON

 

To celebrate the launch of our Breton jumper we wanted to give you a brief bit of history around this iconic piece of knitwear.

The original Breton was introduced in 1858 as the uniform of the French Navy. The conceptual design had 21 stripes to represent each of Napoleon's Victories. 

Ever since the Breton has remained an iconic garment whose origins are steeped with maritime connotations, the stripes making it easier to spot an overboard sailor in the waves.

 

 

Over 150 years on, the humble Breton has come a long way from its utilitarian beginnings. Subsequently, its striped influence has been found in many different places. It came into popularity as a fashion item after Coco Chanel launched a nautically themed collection having been inspired by a visit to the French Coast. Since then the style has gained increasing traction with celebrity ambassadors such as Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot and Kate Moss. Jean-Paul Gaultier established a whole empire around it but who wore it best? In our opinion it is one of our style icons - James Dean wearing a collared Breton in Rebel Without A Cause.

We wanted ours to be a genuine homage to the original Breton but with Old Harry's own take on it. We have made it a lightweight cotton jumper ideal for use outside in Summer or as part of a layered ensemble, worn underneath an open jacket in the colder months. As ever, you will find our traditional OH labelling and enduring quality that leaves you in no doubt that this an Old Harry garment.