As a fellow traveller, you know how exhausting packing can be. You want to pack light, but that means giving up on building outfits worth posting on social media. You want to pack heavy, but no more than a suitcase, so the struggle is real.

Packing just right is a skill you can work on over and over, and it will take some time to learn that picking timeless pieces that suit your figure is always the best. You can wear such pieces across the years, when fashion trends change, and in different settings, from a fancy restaurant in the Amalfi Coast to the Bastille Markets.

So, what do these pieces entail? Well, for trousers, always go with linen, which keeps you cool, and always have a jersey blouse available for the chill summer nights, as it’s a highly breathable piece. But what we’re most fond of is the Breton French shirt, a staple piece in every traveller’s suitcase.

Why the Breton French shirt?

The history of the shirt starts in the maritime history of the French Navy, and it has turned into one of the most well-known and appreciated pieces in fashion. It can be long- or short-sleeved, but what makes it distinguishable are the horizontal navy stripes on white or ecru canvases, along with the wide boat neckline.

While this is the usual design of the shirt, you can also find it in red and white for a bolder yet elegant look. It’s a shirt for both men and women, and this is also why it’s a globally loved outfit piece. The cotton material makes the shirt suitable for both summer and autumn.

How do you pick the right shirt?

While the design is everywhere, consider investing in a high-quality shirt that will last you several years of washing and wearing, so you can pack light and fashionable clothes every time you travel. Usually, you can spot the difference between a well-made French Breton shirt and a short-lived one by touching the blouse and feeling the material. A qualitative shirt is made of combed cotton, which goes through a process of fibre combing that removes the short strands, so the textile is softer to the touch.

In comparison, a blouse made of polyester, a common clothing material, will feel slightly slick. It is also one of the least sustainable materials in clothing, along with acrylic and nylon. Be wary of deceiving tags that label the piece as cotton, but when you look closer at it, the true material is polyester.

How do you incorporate the French Breton shirt in an outfit?

Even if the blouse is striped, you can blend it beautifully into a classy yet comfortable outfit. The pieces go well with everything, from the regular jeans to the lightweight linen trousers. For a complete outfit, or one that needs to change from day to night, you can have a blazer on top of the shirt for a business casual look, or even a jersey shirt.

If you lack inspiration, you can look into how reputable brands of the Breton French shirt display it in outfits. Models from a maison like Gauvain will add a nice statement piece with the blouse, such as a red bandana around the neck or a brown leather belt to create a seamless outfit.

On taking care of the French Breton shirt

Every brand has its care instructions for the French Breton shirt, but there are general rules to remember when buying such a piece. The Gauvain shirts are either made in France in a France Terre Textile certified workshop, or in GOTS-certified workshops in Portugal, so being of high quality makes them sensitive to regular washing. So, never wash the blouse at more than 30°C, otherwise the cotton will shrink or get damaged, so lower temperatures are also ideal.

It is also best to skip the fabric softener, as it can build up residue over every wash, and can reduce the absorbency power of the cotton, which is known to be moisture-wicking. Also, never tumble dry the shirt because this can also shrink the shirt. Instead, lay it flat on a surface to air dry, which will allow the blouse to return to its shape after washing it.

How to build a capsule wardrobe around the French Breton shirt

Building a capsule wardrobe means simplifying your clothes and turning your wardrobe essentials into statement and timeless pieces. Starting with the French Breton shirt is great because you have a basis from which you can extend your outfits. As mentioned before, you can get the shirt in short- or long-sleeves, and navy and ecru/white and red stripes.

If we’re looking at overalls, a leather coat is great for colder temperatures, while a blazer is ideal for Spring. Pants can include jeans if you’re going for the Jane Birkin look, who wore straight and flare jeans with anything, or capris, which are coming back in trend this year. The French Breton shirt can also look amazing with a skirt. On shoes, consider trainers and ballet shoes for a casual look, and loafers or kitten heels to elevate the outfit.

Men should also not be afraid of a striped shirt, and we can look for inspiration in some of Andy Warhol’s looks. As the piece became his daily uniform and even a statement of his art, he often would wear a lightly wrinkled shirt under a leather jacket, and would even wear these shirts with paint on them as part of the creation process. There’s something special and elegant in a man wearing a striped shirt who is confident enough with his masculinity.

Travel light and fashionable

If you are even doubting what to pack in your travel suitcase, consider a French Breton shirt that goes with absolutely anything. The blouse is a timeless wardrobe piece you can accompany with jeans, kitten heels, or elegant blazers, all without overshadowing the simplicity of the blouse. Look for high-quality materials when purchasing a shirt, or look out for small and sustainable businesses that craft durable and elegant pieces. Make sure to care for the blouse accordingly, and you will never need anything else in your travel baggage.