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Armor-Lux, Made in Brittany

The Bretagne stripe legacy lives on.

James Dean, Brigitte Bardot, and Pablo Picasso were all Breton buffs. The three had an affinity for the blue-and-white-striped top otherwise known as la marinière. Peek into the armoire of any français and you’re likely to find at least one Breton top, likely more, as this classic is a staple for both men and women. The unmissable stripes—21 white, each twice as wide as the blue—have come to signify effortless chic.

 

Photo courtesy of Armor-Lux.

 

Officially adopted as the French naval uniform in the 19th century, it was Coco Chanel who nudged the shirt into popular fashion. And while there are a few brands that have staked their claim on the style, only one is made in Brittany (Bretagne en français): Armor-Lux. Headquartered in Quimper, in the northwest of France, Armor-Lux continues to manufacture in the place where it was founded. Thus, it is the only company justified in saying it produces the authentic Breton top.

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