Breton Striped Shirts
The Breton shirt—or la marinière—is more than just a basic; it is the ultimate wardrobe essential. As the iconic garment of the French Navy and the heritage of SAINT JAMES, it is a versatile piece that transcends trends.
However, we understand that finding the right fit isn't always straightforward. SAINT JAMES offers a variety of cotton weights and silhouettes to suit different preferences. Whether you are looking for a structured, heritage fit or a relaxed, lightweight feel, this guide breaks down our collection to help you select the model that best suits your style.
Women's Breton Shirts
The Everyday Classic
The Minquidame Breton Shirt
Fit: Tailored Straight / Fabric: Lightweight Cotton (Soft feel)
The Minquidame is the feminine adaptation of our unisex Minquiers. It retains the iconic Breton look but offers a more flattering geometry: the shoulders are scaled for a woman’s frame, and the body features a slight A-line cut to glide over the hips comfortably. It is soft, fluid, and effortless.
Sizing Advice: Size up one size.
The Structured Icon
The Meridame Breton Shirt
Fit: Tailored & Fitted / Fabric: Heavyweight "Carded" Cotton (rustic feel)
The Meridame takes the heavy, authentic fabric of the men's Méridien and tailors it for women. This is a shirt with substance; the thick cotton creates a sharp, clean silhouette that doesn't drape or cling. It features a slight A-line shape at the hip for ease of movement while maintaining a smart, fitted look through the chest and waist.
Sizing Advice: size up between one and 2 sizes, depending on personal preference
The French Riviera must-have
The Galathee Breton Shirt
Fit: Fitted shape / Fabric: Lightweight Cotton (Soft feel)
In its signature Breton stripes, attractive and colorful from the sea-shore to the city, the versatile Galathee striped tee features 3/4 length sleeves, round neck, and fitted waist give the iconic marinière a feminine touch.
Sizing Advice: Fits true to size.
The Short-Sleeve Staple
The Etrille Breton Shirt
Fit: Tailored Straight / Fabric: Lightweight Cotton (Soft feel)
The Etrille is the warm-weather version of the Minquidame. It features the same soft, lightweight jersey and the flattering slight A-line cut, but with short sleeves. It is polished enough to wear alone with linen trousers, yet comfortable enough for the beach.
Sizing Advice: size up between one and 2 sizes, depending on personal preference
Sportswear Chic
The Garde-Cote Breton Shirt
Fit: Fitted shape / Fabric: U.V Skin-Protection microfiber
Practical, well-made, long-lasting and outdoorsy, this Breton tee can be dressed up as a stylish yachting statement, dressed down for a casual, everyday look, or in sportswear attire with jeans or shorts. Evocative of French style, simply combine this GARDE-COTE III striped top with a blazer for a classic, casual-chic look. Made in Saint-James, Normandy, France.
Sizing Advice: size up 2 sizes, unless you’d like for it to be very form-fitting.
The everyday tunic
The Phare Breton Shirt
Fit: Comfort fit / Fabric: U.V Skin-Protection microfiber
The Phare breton shirt is a relaxed-fit striped tunic with "bateau" neckline, side slits and ¾ length sleeves in our exclusive Anti-UV Skin-Protection microfiber material.
Sizing Advice: Get your usual size.
Men's & Unisex Breton Shirts
Classic & Soft
The Minquiers Breton Shirt
Fit: Structured & Fitted / Fabric: Lightweight cotton (soft feel)
The universal favorite.
Simple, understated, and incredibly comfortable, the Minquiers is designed for those who want authentic nautical style without the stiffness. Crafted from our signature soft, breathable cotton, it feels lightweight and broken-in from day one. Its masculine straight fit around the waist and down the hips with full-length sleeves make it suitable for both men and women looking for a boyfriend fit.
Fashion Tip: when wearing their beloved Minquiers, many women like to roll up their sleeves as they are longer than average.
Sizing Advice: Fits true to size. Order your normal size.
Style: Unisex.
The Authentic Heritage Shirt
The Meridien Breton Shirt
Fit: Structured & Fitted / Fabric: Heavyweight "Carded" Cotton (Rustic feel)
The Meridien is the purist’s choice. Crafted from our signature carded cotton, it features a thick, robust weave that gives the shirt its famous durability and structure. Its masculine straight fit around the waist and down the hips with full-length sleeves make it suitable for both men and women looking for a boyfriend fit.
Sizing Advice: This rustic cotton has very little stretch. We recommend sizing up from your usual size for a comfortable fit.
Style: Unisex.
The Summer Essential
The Levant Breton Shirt
Fit: Classic Straight / Fabric: Lightweight Cotton (Soft feel)
Think of the Levant as the short-sleeve counterpart to our best-selling Minquiers model. Designed for warmer weather, it is knitted from a fine, breathable cotton that feels soft against the skin. The cut is a standard straight fit—neither too boxy nor too slim—making it a universal staple for the summer months.
Sizing Advice: Fits true to size. Order your normal size.
Style: Unisex.
