Classic

The Art of French Chic: Nautical Stripes

Our pick of tees, long sleeves, & spring-friendly striped sweaters that are effortlessly chic.
By 
Six to Sunday
 | 
4.7.2023

Why do we all seem to love a classic style? Because it’s always in.

Case in point: The nautical stripe.

It all started with the Breton stripe, a motif originally designed as the uniform of the French Navy in 1858. Since then, it has become an easy, chic way to punch up everything from jeans to solid suiting and it is about as iconic as a piece of clothing can get.

Why do we love the nautical striped shirt? It’s effortless, casual, and perennially cool. That means less fussing getting out the door (you) and more time doing amazing things (also you!).

So whether you prefer the style in a t-shirt, long sleeve, or lightweight sweater for cooler evenings, we’ve got you covered.

Striped T-Shirts

J.Crew Factory. This shirt is made with 100% cotton and is breathable and light. Plus, the classic shape is a win. Available up to size 3X.

J. Crew Factory Striped Girlfriend Crewneck Tee

Boden. The lightweight cotton and cap sleeves make this a great layering piece under blazers. Up to size 22.

Boden Supersoft Slash Neck Tee

Marine Layer. Slightly boxy for a bit of mid-section room, and the hip length shape is great if you want to skip a tuck in.

Marine Layer Lydia Textured Stripe Top in Bittersweet

We Norwegians. The fitted shape is meant to mold to your body (buyers beware), and the longer sleeve length covers that pesky upper arm area. This one is a wool blend, so it’s a warmer tee option and also super soft.

We Norwegians Saltholmen Striped Merino T-Shirt

Frank & Eileen. The boxy shape has plenty of room for all body shapes without being messy, while the elbow-length sleeves provide the perfect amount of arm coverage for those looking.

Frank & Eileen Josephine French Tee

Long Sleeve Striped Shirts

ASOS. A slim fit and longer length adds a nice styling element and is great for those with height. The slightly wider stripes take this style up a notch on the fashion-forward spectrum.

ASOS Tall Long Sleeve Striped T-Shirt

Boden. Love the notched collar, as it elevates this tee ever so slightly. A moderately fuller shape through the body is a win.

Boden Notch Collar Stripe Top

J.Crew. Long sleeves, weighty material, and a classic design? Yes!

J.Crew Classic-Fit Boatneck Top

Pomander Place. The dropped shoulder, boyfriend fit is a comfort plus. We love this choice for casual weekend wear.

Pomander Place Americana Stripe Hayden Tee

Sezane. We love the bold, chunky stripe, with the tab shoulder detail. This top is Six to Sunday Editors owned and approved (!) so if you intend to layer over a button-down, we’ll advise you to size up!

Sezane Colette Mariniere

Sezane. The oversized shape of this shirt is super comfy and would look great over skinny jeans or leggings. The boat neckline shows off collar bones, and the slit and snap detail at the side hem provides a playful peek-a-boo (and great midsection accommodation).

Sezane Noan Mariniere

Alex Mill. The loose fit and dropped shoulder are good on most, while the color play on the stripes adds unexpected interest.

Alex Mill Lakeside Striped Cotton Shirt

Striped Sweaters

Banana Republic. This lightweight knit in super skinny stripes is body friendly, and it’s made from recycled material.

Banana Republic Forever Striped Sweater

& Other Stories. Boxy, with long-ish sleeves that will look great folded up to bracelet length.

& Other Stories Boxy Nautical Striped Sweater

Naadam. The color green is having a moment this spring, and finding this stripe in the perfect forest shade feels like the holy grail. Grab it!

Naadam Cashmere Striped Crewneck Sweater

Reformation. Here’s a slightly chunkier knit for those cool spring and summer nights.

Reformation Francesco Cotton Polo Sweater

Tuckernuck. This roomy cardigan with kicky gold buttons will be your new go-to layering piece.

Tuckernuck Navy Striped Lightweight Kerry Cardigan
guest CONTRIBUTOr:

All products featured on Six to Sunday are independently selected by our editors and contributors. We may get paid commissions on products purchased through our links to retailer sites. However, we recommend products based on our independent research and point of view, and the decisions we make regarding the products we feature on our site are always driven by what we believe our community will love, first and foremost.

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