Life

Fashion: Always in style, legend has it Breton tops hark back to beating the Brits

Joules Renee Striped Sweatshirt, £39.95; Monroe Skinny Stretch Jeans, £59.95; Solena Cupsole Trainers, £69.95, all Joules
Joules Renee Striped Sweatshirt, £39.95; Monroe Skinny Stretch Jeans, £59.95; Solena Cupsole Trainers, £69.95, all Joules Joules Renee Striped Sweatshirt, £39.95; Monroe Skinny Stretch Jeans, £59.95; Solena Cupsole Trainers, £69.95, all Joules

APPARENTLY Breton tops have the number of stripes that they do because when the cotton shirts were adopted as French naval uniform in 1858 it was decreed that they should be emblazoned with 21 white and blue stripes, to represent Napoleon's 21 victories over the British.

Later, Coco Chanel popularised the long-sleeved 'mariniere' top and Breton (meaning 'from Brittany') shirts have been in style ever since.

Here's our pick of the best on the high street...

Joules Renee Striped Sweatshirt, £39.95; Monroe Skinny Stretch Jeans, £59.95; Solena Cupsole Trainers, £69.95, all Joules
Joules Renee Striped Sweatshirt, £39.95; Monroe Skinny Stretch Jeans, £59.95; Solena Cupsole Trainers, £69.95, all Joules Joules Renee Striped Sweatshirt, £39.95; Monroe Skinny Stretch Jeans, £59.95; Solena Cupsole Trainers, £69.95, all Joules
Crew Clothing Ultimate Breton T-shirt, £31.20 (was £38)
Crew Clothing Ultimate Breton T-shirt, £31.20 (was £38) Crew Clothing Ultimate Breton T-shirt, £31.20 (was £38)
Cath Kidston Hello Sunshine Breton Top, £45
Cath Kidston Hello Sunshine Breton Top, £45 Cath Kidston Hello Sunshine Breton Top, £45
H&M Boat-necked Jersey Top, £9.99
H&M Boat-necked Jersey Top, £9.99 H&M Boat-necked Jersey Top, £9.99
Uniqlo Women Striped Boat Neck Long Sleeved T-shirt, £12.90
Uniqlo Women Striped Boat Neck Long Sleeved T-shirt, £12.90 Uniqlo Women Striped Boat Neck Long Sleeved T-shirt, £12.90
Joules Harbour Printed Jersey Top, £29.95
Joules Harbour Printed Jersey Top, £29.95 Joules Harbour Printed Jersey Top, £29.95