A Brief History of Striped Shirts: From Nautical Roots to Modern Fashion

Once a seafaring uniform, now a wardrobe essential — the women's striped shirt has sailed a fascinating course through history. What began as a practical garment for sailors has transformed into a symbol of effortless chic, loved by style icons and everyday fashionistas alike. Let’s unravel the stripes and explore how this classic piece became a staple in women's wardrobes worldwide.

Nautical Beginnings 

Image credit: Wikicommons

The striped shirt’s journey began far from the catwalk. In 1858, the French Navy officially adopted the blue-and-white striped top, known as the marinière, as part of its uniform for seamen in Brittany. With its 21 navy stripes (one for each of Napoleon's victories!) the shirt wasn’t just symbolic. Its bold pattern helped spot sailors who had fallen overboard. 

Worn tucked into high-waisted trousers and layered beneath heavy coats, the marinière was both practical and distinct. But it was the French fashion elite who would ultimately elevate this utilitarian piece into something altogether more refined. 

Coco Chanel Brings It to Shore

Image credit: Wikicommons 

By the early 20th century, Coco Chanel famously borrowed from menswear and workwear to create relaxed silhouettes for women. On a visit to the French Riviera, she was inspired by local fishermen and introduced the striped shirt into her 1917 nautical collection. In doing so, Chanel broke with the stiff dress codes of the time, ushering in a new era of breezy, liberated fashion. 

Through the decades, the striped shirt became a quiet revolution. Worn by Pablo Picasso in his studio and Brigitte Bardot in St. Tropez, the shirt embodied a laissez-faire attitude; intellectual yet sensual, artistic yet grounded. Jean Seberg in Breathless, Andy Warhol at The Factory, Kate Moss in the '90s all made the stripe their own. 

Pinstripes and Power Dressing 

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While the Breton shirt offered bohemian flair, the stripe evolved once more during the 20th century with the rise of the pinstripe suit. Traditionally worn by bankers and businessmen, the fine vertical stripe came to symbolize power and authority. By the 1980s, fashion icons like Bianca Jagger and Grace Jones had subverted the pinstripe, transforming it into an emblem of strength and confidence. 

Today, the pinstripe continues to command attention, especially when remixed into modern shirt design with unexpected cuts and silhouettes. 

Reinventing the Classic in the 21st Century

Image credit: The Shirt Company

Today, the women's striped shirt is available in every cut, colour, and fabric imaginable. From classic Breton tops to oversized button-downs, fashion has reimagined the stripe in countless ways. Designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, known for his signature sailor-inspired looks, have elevated the striped shirt to haute couture status.

Whether paired with jeans for weekend errands or tucked into a skirt for a polished office look, the modern women's striped shirt is proof that timeless style never fades.