Ha, this is right up my alley— my mariners are a wardrobe essential in my closet. Here is my take—based on what has stayed in my closet vs. what got tossed after a few wears.
The LL Bean mariner: I’ve owned several over the decades, but not currently in my closet because I got bored with the boxy fit and wasn’t fond of the lighter fabric in today’s versions. Definitely worth trying, though, for all the reasons stated by Elizabeth.
The “authentic” Saint James Breton Stripe: Pricey, but lovely fabric in the sweater and T-shirt. Found the cut a bit short and boxy—also the French unisex sizing made for an odd fit around bust because of my broad IT shoulders. And did I say pricey? Still in my closet but thinking of consigning.
Joules Mariner: Substantial fabric which washes well and I like some the stripe variations which are available. Price is reasonable for the quality. Stays in my closet as I prefer the cut to the boxier LL. Bean mariners, but probably won’t replace when it wears out. https://global.joules.com/Wome.....?id=200440|HSTFNAV
Boden Mariner: Just purchased the T-shirt version which Mr. G gave an enthusiastic thumbs up for the fit. Fabric isn’t as thick as the Joules which makes it easier to layer. Has been washed once and still looks pristine with no shrinkage. Looks promising. Price is reasonable and Boden shipping is very fast, but I haven’t tried returns yet so that is still unknown.
J Crew Mariners: Some were good and some were horrible. Right now, I’m very pleased with my striped “PerfectFit” T-shirts which still look good after a year’s wear. The fabric is not see-through and seems to resist pilling even through dozens of laundry cycles. I have both the long-and short-sleeve versions, and really like the longer sleeve length on the short-sleeve versions. I also like the cut which gives my rectangular mid-section a bit of shape without being fitted. Bought on sale, so price was very good for this workhorse. https://www.jcrew.com/ca/p/wom.....hirt/J1638
I’ve cycled through other brands like BR, Club Monaco and even Costco over the years with mixed results, but the hits have been smaller as compared to the misses. For example, the Angie-recommended, striped BR terry version that Suz mentioned stayed in my closet for a couple of years with very little wear; the cut looked good but the heavy, almost rigid, fabric made the top too hot to wear if the weather was warm but the looseness of the neck made it too cool to be comfortable when temperatures dipped. Finally passed it on in my closet cull last year in almost new condition.
