Couple en marinière à la plage

The authentic Breton shirt

The traditional “marinière”, the Breton striped shirt, also called "striped knit", was born in the 19th century when the French Navy made it the official uniform of sailors. Today, the Breton shirt has become a symbol of French fashion.

The sailors of the French Navy

The term "marinière" was initially used to designate the knitwear worn by sailors under their smocks. In 1858 a decree allows the Navy to introduce "knitting" in the official list of their outfits. This knit is characterized by its blue and white stripes. It makes it possible to distinguish the sailors and, as the sailors say, to more easily spot the men overboard. The stripes of the Breton shirt are coded: 21 stripes on the body and 14 stripes on the ¾ sleeves.

The symbol of ready-to-wear and French savoir-vivre

In the 20th century, Coco Chanel introduced this men's workwear into her collections for women. She declines the striped shirt in different shapes and materials and makes it a fashion classic.

Jean-Paul Gaultier then seizes this garment and makes it his signature. The Breton shirt is present on the fashion catwalks and thus becomes the symbol of ready-to-wear and French savoir-vivre.

French raw materials

Timeless and trendy, unisex Dalmard Marine sailor tops for women, men and children are available in several shapes and colours. Designed in Brittany and manufactured in France and Europe from French raw materials, they are designed to last and be passed down from generation to generation.

In favour of consuming less but better, the Dalmard house recycles the offcuts of its cotton striped sweaters to make washable pouches.