Breton Stripe Top: 4 New Mat De Misaine Pieces
A good breton stripe top earns its place in every wardrobe, and this delivery from Mat de Misaine gives you four ways to wear one this season. Two jumpers, a t-shirt and a skirt, all carrying the same navy and ecru stripe the brand has built its name on.
Mat de Misaine is French, based on the Atlantic coast, and stripes are more or less all they do. Nobody does the breton stripe better.
At a glance
- Four new Mat de Misaine pieces, in stock now in sizes 8 to 18
- Two jumpers, a linen t-shirt and a cotton skirt, all striped
- Prices run from £37.50 to £105
- Classic navy and ecru, plus one red stripe t-shirt for variety
- Cotton and linen throughout, built for everyday wear, not just the beach
- Where the breton stripe comes from
- The four pieces, one by one
- How to wear a breton stripe top
- Why we buy Mat de Misaine
- Frequently asked questions
Where the breton stripe comes from
Mat de Misaine was founded in 1989 in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, a fishing port on France's Atlantic coast. The name means foremast, the mast at the front of a boat, and it tells you everything about where the brand's stripe comes from.
The original breton stripe was fisherman's workwear, worn so a man overboard could be spotted fast against grey water. Mat de Misaine has spent almost forty years reworking that same stripe into clothes for the street rather than the deck.
The four pieces, one by one
- Medina navy and ecru jumper. A relaxed, easy-fit breton stripe top in soft cotton, with elbow-length sleeves and a simple crew neck. £47.50.
- Mistral navy and ecru jumper. The dressier of the two knits, with a button placket at the neckline and long sleeves for cooler days. £105.
- Mali red and white t-shirt. Short-sleeved and made from soft linen, this one swaps the usual navy for a bold red stripe. £37.50.
- Jupon navy stripe skirt. A straight-cut cotton skirt with button-detail pockets, made to pair with any of the tops above. £57.50.
All four are in the shop now, and online at Mat de Misaine.
How to wear a breton stripe top
Start with the Medina jumper and straight-leg jeans. Add white trainers and you have an outfit that works for the school run and for lunch afterwards.
The Mistral suits smarter days. Wear it under a navy jacket with tailored trousers, and the button placket does the work of a collar without adding bulk.
For warmer weather, pair the Mali t-shirt with the Jupon skirt. Stripe on stripe works here because both pieces share the same navy, and the red gives it a lift.
Why we buy Mat de Misaine
We buy against brands that are everywhere on the high street, and a well-made breton stripe top from a specialist is exactly the kind of quality and difference we look for.
Mat de Misaine has been making stripes since 1989 and nothing else. That focus shows in the fabric weight and the fit, not just the pattern.
The full range sits together in Mat de Misaine, alongside the rest of our women's knitwear.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a breton stripe top different from any other striped top?
A true breton stripe follows a set pattern of navy and ecru bands, first worn by French navy sailors and Atlantic fishermen. Mat de Misaine still makes theirs to that original proportion, rather than a generic stripe, which is why the pieces read as authentic rather than a passing trend.
Where can I buy Mat de Misaine in the UK?
We stock Mat de Misaine at Shirley Allum in Shaftesbury, Dorset, both in the shop and online with tracked UK delivery. It is a French brand with only a small number of UK stockists, so we tend to sell through sizes quickly on a new delivery.
What sizes are in stock?
This delivery runs from a UK 8 to a UK 18, though it varies piece by piece and stock in each size is limited. If your usual size has sold through, come in and we will help you check the fit against something similar on the rails.
What are the pieces made from?
The two jumpers are 100% cotton, the t-shirt is 100% linen, and the skirt is a cotton and elastane mix for a little stretch. All are machine washable on a delicate or wool programme, so they are easy to keep in regular rotation.
Can I try these on in the shop?
Yes, and we would rather you did. A breton stripe top can sit quite differently depending on the fabric weight, and the Medina and Mistral fit differently despite the same stripe. We are at 30 High Street in Shaftesbury, open Monday to Saturday, and there is no need to book.
Written by Shirley Allum
Shirley has run her Shaftesbury boutique since 1997 and still does all the buying herself, across fashion, footwear and lingerie. She and her team have been dressing the women of Dorset for nearly thirty years.
