Looking for a perfect OOTD for your Paris trip? Check out this blog about The Original Breton Shirt Company and why I love their shirts so much!
This post about The Original Breton Shirt Company was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Whenever I think of a classic Parisian woman, the first thing that comes to mind is the iconic Breton striped shirt. Look at any vintage photo of Paris, and you’ll see celebrities and everyday people rocking the Breton shirt. But it’s also very current and on-trend. It’s truly a classic shirt that has thrived throughout the decades.
When we decided to make Paris a stop on our most recent European adventure, I knew I needed to get my hands on some Breton tops for the trip. I scoured online to see what was available. I prefer to shop online when preparing for a trip. This alleviates the pressure of finding something perfect while on vacation.
After much research, I kept returning to The Original Breton Shirt Company.
What I liked most about this company is that they modernized the classic design to offer shirts with a feminine and relaxed fit. Its three-quarter sleeves and crew neck make it a timeless piece and a perfect Parisian vacation OOTD.
I have small children, and I jump at any chance to wear something that will make me feel cute and put-together in their French navy look-a-like outfit.
The Original Breton Shirt Company sent me their Chemise Saint Malo in classic red and white stripes. I normally don’t wear the color red. This shade is a dark cherry color and looks fantastic with the nautical stripes. They also have them in seasonal shades.
All shirts from The Original Breton Shirt Company are made with 100% organic cotton and are very soft.
My shirt had a nice weight, so it could be worn alone or paired on top of a shirt or underneath a sweater.
I felt like a true Parisian relaxing in the garden near Notre Dame in Paris. Photo Credit: Darren Cheung
I’m in love with my Breton shirt. It felt appropriate for basically every activity we did on our trip to Paris.
The weather in April was surprisingly cold. I layered a sweater on top in the early morning. When the sun peaked in the afternoon, I could walk around with the shirt and a nursing camisole underneath.
The Breton shirt was roomy enough to nurse easily wherever we were. But it didn’t feel too wide, so the fit was pretty flattering. The color also looked very chic paired with blue jeans.
My youngest enjoyed his first carousel ride at the base of Sacre-Coeur in Paris. Photo Credit: Darren Cheung
My Breton shirt is very versatile. I felt confident touring major attractions like Notre Dame and Sainte-Chappelle because the shirt was modest.
I was also comfortable exploring Sacre-Coeur and playing with my baby and 3-year-old at the park and carousel.
It was also the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely Parisian lunch at a quaint cafe and to race those iconic toy boats at Jardin du Luxumbourg.
My oldest entertained us at a cafe by spinning a medallion he got at Sainte-Chappelle. Photo Credit: Darren Cheung
What I like most about my Breton shirt is that it will always remind me of the special memories I made wearing it while bringing my family to Paris for the first time.
I’m looking forward to wearing it around Seattle when I visit our French cafes, and anytime I step on a sailboat. Very few clothes can make me smile as soon as I wear them. My Breton shirt is one of them!
The Original Breton Shirt Company sent me my shirt for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
[mailerlite_form form_id=2]
That shirt is so cute and timeless, just like you said. Plus, it is the quintessential Parisian look – simple and elegant. I love that you found something that is versatile enough to look great while also hanging out with your littles – something I often struggle with.
Yes, I struggle so much with that! I loved that I could nurse in it since there was a bit of width to the shirt.
Super cute top! I’m not one for wearing strips but when done right they can really look fabulous! I had no idea this was a parisian style.
Yep! This is one of my first times really wearing stripes and I’m digging it!
You look so super chic in this shirt! Love the Breton shirt – totally a classic and totally perfect for casual days while you still want to look fab!
Yes! I know it will be a staple in my closet for years!
Very cute shirt! I miss living in England and visiting Paris. These posts make me want to move back overseas again. Such a beautiful city!
What a cool opportunity you had living in England!
I really love that shirt! I checked around their website and they seem to have some really great pieces!
Yes! They have really flattering pieces!
I love shirts that never go out of style and this is one of those shirts! Looks like you guys had a fantastic trip.
Yes, it’s truly timeless!
This is a really cute top! I like the overall look.
Your pictures are also entertaining 🙂 . Good stuff.
This shirt is so very cute!! I love the red and white stripes. Breton shirts are such a classic, I never get sick of them and there’s a reason they are always in fashion — they look amazing with everything!
I love your classic style. Sometimes the simple outfits have that timeless look. I always feel like what Chanel said was true. Before you leave the room, remove one accessory. When I was younger, I’d wear giant statement necklaces and earrings. Now I focus on one piece with a pattern. I feel like it makes you look more refined immediately!
Yes, yes, yes! I live by that Chanel quote, too!
What a cute little outfit – loving the breton stripes on you, they really emphasise your gorgeous figure! And it looks so comfy too! xx
I love the style of this shirt, so timeless (like you said). I also love that the length is perfect. I hate shirts that are too short, and you are constantly pulling at them to keep you covered.
This is a trademark when it comes to Paris. I think it’s really nice and it’s perfect for everyday wear. It’s something that you’d want to have in your closet.
You really can’t go wrong with a classic Breton shirt. It looks tres chic with a pair of jeans or even with a skirt.
This shirt is amazing. It reminds me of Audrey Hepburn. I could absolutely see her wearing it with cigarette pants and a little scarf.
I know, right! And who doesn’t want to dress like Audrey?
This is such a cute shirt on you!! You are totally rocking the parisian look! I love to wear nautical looking stripes.
Upon reading your blog, I just realized that a striped shirt has been a symbol of classic Parisian woman. It is in a way classic but also a bit modern. I bet, the shirt feels so comfortable, a little bit cold or warm weather, it is still good to wear. Plus it is good on jeans, long skirt or a jumper.
It’s so versatile, which is why I think it’s so iconic
The shirt is very chic! I love the whole outfit. I am awful when it comes to getting some cute little
Outfits!
The outfit looks great. That shirt looks very casual and comfy! I would definitely wear it.
Now there’s a classic shirt that I have not seen in a while. I never got the opportunity to own one of these back when they were popular before. I will get my chance now!
Ooh your short is so cute! I’m obsessed with stripes! I wear them whenever I can so maybe I’m a secret Persian 🙂
I love this shirt! It’s casual and comfortable looking yet feminine. It is also a classic that perfectly captures the Parisian look.
Yes! I love how it isn’t as boxy as other Breton shirts.
I took a semester in Paris and I still have fond memories of my time there. Looks like you, guys had a lot of fun. I love how this shirt looks on you!
It’s an incredible city!
You look totally adorable! That shirt is so cute and so are you! Thanks for posting this! I love stripes!
Thanks! I don’t usually wear stripes but this shirt is super cute!
I love how simple the shirt is. Such a classic and you when wear it through all the seasons!
This shirt suits you very well. Another brand that is very successful in France is “Petit Bateau” (my daughter works there) : interesting collection for young mothers and children. Have a look on : https://www.petit-bateau.co.uk
Yes! I actually picked up a pack of onesies for Hugo that are Petit Bateau! I can’t wait to dress him in them this summer. They have the cutest things for moms and kids! I told Darren that I wished we had more time to shop in Paris. I guess we’ll just have to come back 🙂