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LA MARINIÈRE

A story that lives on

The Breton shirt was created in Brittany to protect fishermen from cold and water. It was made from Breton cotton that absorbed little moisture, offering great freedom of movement. Its design without seams or buttons prevented sailors from getting caught on ropes. According to legend, the distinctive stripes helped spot men who had fallen into the sea or were performing perilous maneuvers.

 

On March 27, 1858, the Breton shirt became the official uniform of the French Navy, with precise design standards: a striped pattern in indigo blue and white, including 21 white stripes (20 mm wide) and 21 blue stripes (10 mm wide). Legend has it that the 21 stripes each symbolize one of Napoleon's victories.

 

Although Coco Chanel was the visionary who introduced it to the fashion world in the 1920s, it was Jean Paul Gaultier who truly embraced and reinvented it through his collections, transforming the Breton shirt into an iconic and essential garment in every wardrobe.
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Craftsmanship

The secret is in our hands
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MATERIALS

The making of each garment begins with the careful selection of raw materials. Every Breton Shirt is crafted from high-quality cotton: soft and breathable, helping the garment maintain its shape while allowing the skin to breathe and offering unmatched comfort.

The Marinière 1858 is made using the traditional technique of carded cotton, with raw cotton thread, currently the only one still produced in France. For the rest of our collection, we use combed cotton, which provides a smoother texture without compromising its exceptional quality.
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Region

Our workshops are located in France and Portugal, two countries renowned for their textile heritage and excellence in haute couture.

In Troyes, a city near Paris, we craft the iconic Marinière 1858.

The rest of our collection is produced in northern Portugal, in a small town with a rich legacy of high-quality garment making.

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KNITTING

At the heart of our Breton Shirts is tricot, a tightly knit, compact technique created on circular or flat knitting machines. These machines alternate cotton yarn spools to form the iconic stripes while producing a fabric that is both strong and flexible.

In some cases, the garment is made as a single tubular piece, meaning the body has no side seams. This enhances both comfort and durability. Tricotage is an essential part of the process, as it defines the garment’s strength, comfort, and signature design.

Thanks to the tricot technique and our use of the highest quality cotton, we can guarantee excellence in every piece.
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CUTTING

Cutting the Breton Shirt requires precision and the skilled hands of our artisans to ensure that each piece maintains its structure and iconic appearance. Once the fabric is ready, it is carefully laid out so the stripe pattern aligns perfectly.

Our artisans trace the patterns by hand, making sure the lines remain continuous without distorting the fabric. Then, they make three manual cuts: front and back body, sleeves, and collar, achieving a flawless finish. Before moving on to assembly, each piece is inspected again to ensure that the stripes remain perfectly aligned.
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TAILORING

In the final stage of production, our artisans assemble each part of the Breton Shirt: the body, the sleeves, and the collar. With exceptional precision, they align each stripe so the seams match perfectly, preserving the harmony of the design. The stitching, done by hand, not only reinforces the structure but also enhances its handcrafted quality.

In this process, tradition and precision come together to ensure a flawlessly made garment. The result is an iconic piece that blends durability and comfort with timeless design, reflecting the true spirit of the Breton Shirt.

Maître Tailleur

A LEGACY THAT PRESERVES TRADITION

The artisans we work with, like us, share a deep appreciation for the history and meaning behind the Breton Shirt. Their expertise, combined with traditional craftsmanship methods, ensures that the unique process behind this iconic garment remains alive, honoring not only our region but the cultural heritage of France itself.

AUTHENTICITY

Sets Us Apart
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Striped T-shirts
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High-quality cotton, thick and soft, 220 g/m².

Standard cotton (160 g/m²) or synthetic fabrics.
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Uniform, woven directly into the fabric.

Misaligned lines, overlapping and easily fading.
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Handmade for a precise fit.

Machine made without alignment.
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Traditional techniques used.

Basic weaving or printing techniques.
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Made in haute couture workshops in France and Portugal.

Mass production in distant countries
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Retains its shape even after multiple washes.

May lose its shape, stretch or shrink.
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Compliance with environmental regulations

Non-compliance with regulations.
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Fair remuneration for artisans

No control
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Donations for the protection of seabirds.

No initiatives in sustainable development
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An Essential Part of the

family

The marinera strikes the perfect balance between style, comfort, and versatility, making it an essential piece for anyone, at any time. Its timeless, classic design reflects freshness and elegance, easily adapting to all ages and personal styles.

Men, women, and children alike can enjoy this iconic garment that’s always in style.

At Gauvain, you’ll find sizes for babies, kids, and adults, because the marinera will always be an elegant and functional choice for the whole family.

Claim yours !