Style guide
How to wear a Breton top or striped T-shirt
A striped top is one of the few patterns that works almost everywhere in a casual wardrobe. It adds interest without a logo and pairs with denim, canvas and most jackets. Each section below shows outfits built around stripes, with every piece tagged.
Updated 5 November 2026 · 16 outfits in this guide
01
Navy and cream, the classic stripe
Navy, Sky & Grey
Casual · 7 pieces
Denim
Casual · 7 pieces
Cream, Grey & T-shirt
Casual · 7 pieces
Navy, T-shirt & Jeans
Casual · 7 pieces
Navy on cream or off-white is the original Breton colouring and still the easiest to wear. It goes with every wash of denim, with sand and cream trousers and with navy, brown or olive jackets.
02
Long sleeves for cooler days
Green, Blue & Cream
Casual · 6 pieces
Jacket, T-shirt & Jeans
Casual · 6 pieces
Jacket, Navy & Sky
Casual · 6 pieces
Sweater, Cream & Jeans
Casual · 6 pieces
A long-sleeve Breton in heavier jersey works as the main layer in spring and autumn, and under a jacket when it gets colder. The stripe at the wrist shows under a jacket sleeve, which ties the outfit together.
03
Stripes under a jacket
Jacket, Cream & Navy
Casual · 6 pieces
Blue, T-shirt & Denim
Casual · 6 pieces
Navy Stripe & Ecru
Minimalism · 6 pieces
All Blue, All Day
Streetwear · 6 pieces
Stripes look best under a plain jacket: a chore coat, a denim jacket, a waxed coat or an overshirt in a solid colour. Leave the jacket open so the stripe shows down the front.
Avoid a checked or patterned jacket on top unless the two patterns differ clearly in scale.
04
Pair it with washed or light denim
Navy & Worn Denim
Casual · 6 pieces
Stripes & Wide Denim
Casual · 6 pieces
Navy Pink Street Edit
Streetwear · 6 pieces
Mid and light washes keep a striped top relaxed. Straight or loose jeans suit the boxier cuts of Breton tops; a slimmer top works with straight denim.
05
Try stripes in a polo or knit
A striped long-sleeve polo or a striped jumper does the same job with a collar or more texture. They look a step smarter and sit well with canvas trousers.
Shop the pieces
06
Add one accent colour
Navy stripes take a single red accent well, in the shoes, a cap or a thin second stripe. Keep it to one place so the outfit stays calm.
Questions
What is a Breton top?
A cotton top with even horizontal stripes, traditionally navy on off-white with a boat or crew neck. Today the name covers most striped T-shirts and long sleeves in that style.
What jacket goes with a striped T-shirt?
A plain jacket in a solid colour: denim, a chore coat, a waxed jacket or an overshirt in navy, sand or brown.
Can you wear a striped top with jeans?
Yes, it is the most common pairing. Mid and light washes look the most relaxed; dark denim makes the outfit a little sharper.
Can you mix stripes with other patterns?
It can work if the patterns differ clearly in scale, for example a fine stripe under a large check. Most of the time a solid layer over stripes is the safer choice.