The classic French striped shirt

I really fell in love with a lot of the looks on the French clothing website posted a few days ago, and figured it would be a relatively easy thing to whip up myself. I found a fabric site that specializes (to some degree) in French/European style fabrics & patterns (i.e. lots of stripes). Can anyone suggest maybe the top three striped fabrics you like? I suspect it's 6 of one, 1/2 dozen of the other, but that's why I'm torn! I'm not looking to make exact replicas of the French clothes - in some cases the tops are cashmere, and I'm looking at cotton or cotton lycra knits, so it won't be quite the same, but the stripey-ness will be there.

Here's the French site - note the various striped tops: http://www.comptoirdescotonnie.....ollec_Id=2

and here is the fabric site - I'd like to get 3, maybe 4 fabrics.
http://marcytilton.com/index.p.....038;page=2

I've linked to the second page (scroll down for most striped fabrics) but did want to point out two striped fabrics from the first page - one a wool jersey and the other a mystery knit:

http://marcytilton.com/item.ph.....38;cid=905

Thanks for looking!

15 years ago

Marigold

Active Member

Are you going to make them by yourself? (I thought of it once or twice but am not an experienced sewer... mostly baby summer dresses and bibs..).
The fabrics I like are the: Beach Mist Stripe Cotton knit, Petite Stripes in Gray and Navy, St Moritz Stripes in Cream and Navy (probably fave, would look great with a camel/tan trenchcoat), Maxi Stripe Sweater Knit is also nice (for thicker shirts).
Do you have a pattern in mind?

judy

Veteran

Not sure, but I think this brand is considered the "real" French striped shirts? http://www.saintjamesboutique.com/

I got the America Apparel Unisex version last Spring.
http://store.americanapparel.net/rsahs400w.html
It's wide in the shoulders and narrow around the hips, which I like but the fabric doesn't hold up that great with washing. So I think next time I may get the Saint James.

Barbara

hey mpj! It's one of my favorite websites, so I wanted to share.

I have also considered making my own, so your post is timely. I like Isabella's fabric choices - perfect color combinations. Of course, you might find THE perfect shirt while out and around shopping. I've been searching for a while.

Mamapicklejuice

Yes, it's odd, because I have been trying to inject some color into my wardrobe (with success - I own green cowboy boots now!) but for some reason, I looooved the muted palette of that website!

It's funny, because I'd be happy with even a simple striped tee - but every time I find one online I see reviews which cite fit problems (skinchy tight arms) or quality issues (pilling, etc)...I figure I may as well try to make it myself! And of course the prices are all high (imo) for knits ($78 upwards)...

Thanks for putting me onto that site!

Aida

I really like the Beach Mist Stripe Cotton Knit:
http://marcytilton.com/item.ph.....38;cid=905

The St Moritz Stripes in Cream and Navy is also nice but the stripes are too thin and close together for my taste (though navy+white is a great French striped tee combo):
http://marcytilton.com/item.ph.....38;cid=905

Maya

I'd just ebay for Breton shirts. Most authentic way I can think of, unless you're really bent on making one yourself.

mpj, I love that muted palette as well although I usually shy away from neutrals.
Each outfit is styled to detailed perfection!

Anonymous

You might go try on striped tops to see what width and contrast you like best. I found that the stripes that were lower contrast (like navy or black with grey) worked better than the high contrast of black or navy and white. The narrow stripes can look more like a texture and less widening, if that is an issue. On the other hand, wide black/navy and white stripes make such a great statement.

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