Top 12 Flattering Breton Tops for 50+ Women

A Breton-style top has to be one of the very best wardrobe staples for women of any age or shape. They look so fresh and these tops come in so many variations – fine stripes, wide stripes, different colourways, t-shirts, jerseys and cardigans.

Another plus is that they are not too expensive considering how many times you are likely to wear them. You may find cheaper Breton-style tops on the internet but they will probably lose their shape after a few wears and/or are not produced sustainably.

DID YOU KNOW? Originally seen on French Navy uniforms in 1858, the Breton top originally featured 21 stripes, one for each of Napoleon Bonaparte’s victories plus the distinctive stripes made it easier to spot unlucky sailors who had fallen overboard.

  • Super feminine pale blue long sleeve Breton top – wide stripe and boxy shape. £32 at Boden
  • Breton Striped Jumper in Cotton Mix with puff Sleeves from La Redoute £41.25
  • Supersoft frill detail top £32 at Boden
  • Ivory Striped Colour Flash Crew Neck Jumper £34.30 from Wallis
  • Relaxed collar sweater £65 at & Other Stories
  • Striped sweater with zip £35.99 from Mango
  • Breton Crew Neck Long Sleeve Cardigan in cotton-rib jersey. Doubles as a lightweight jacket when layered. £115 from Me+Em.
  • Cotton cashmere sleeveless vest (such a great layering piece) £95 at Me+Em
  • Boxy Breton in cream and black £85 at Me+Em
  • Striped Crew Neck Jumper £19.50 at M&S
  • Relaxed fit tee £55 at Cos
  • Slim fit long sleeved top £29 from Cos

I hope you found this article on Breton tops useful. We’ve lots more fashion-related posts here on A&G website if you feel like having some more style inspiration…

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Anonymous
Anonymous
1 month ago

Love the article on best Breton style tops for +55 women but why use images of much younger women? I couldn’t see any of us represented in these photos.

Annabel & Grace
Admin
1 month ago
Reply to  Anonymous

Hi. Brands that use young models are the bane of Annabel and my lives! True, some brands – Hope Fashion for example – use ‘real older women’ as models and, if you are a regular reader of A&G you’ll know that A and I model clothes as much as we can to show you what they look like on an older body. However, it’s not always possible for us to do so due to time restraints. Look out for next Wednesday’s post which will be featuring Annabel and I wearing lots of new M&S clothes. Best wishes, Grace

Kate
Kate
1 month ago

Ooh love a Breton top, such a classic! Thanks for the tips! Unaccountably, one has found its way into my shopping basket!!

Annabel & Grace
Admin
1 month ago
Reply to  Kate

LOL Kate, good one! Best wishes, Grace

Sarah
Sarah
1 month ago

Breton tops are such a timeless way to look stylish and ‘relevant’. And if you also wear a linen blazer – you are set for anywhere! I have a couple from Seasalt – which are not on your list, well made and keep their shape.

Annabel & Grace
Admin
1 month ago
Reply to  Sarah

Thanks for the additional recommendation for Seasalt, much appreciated. Best wishes, Grace

Christine Coates
Christine Coates
1 month ago

I love a breton top and have a good number of differing models in my collection. Great article.

Annabel & Grace
Admin
1 month ago

Hi Christine, thank you so much for your kind comment. Best wishes, Grace