Breton Shirt Sewing Patterns: Staple of the Dock and the Runway

 

The Breton Shirt is an iconic classic. It originated in 1858 when the French Navy decreed it as an official piece of the sailor and quartermaster uniforms. The original Breton was highly regulated, with specific measurements down to the width of the stripes and neckline. Since then, it has become de rigueur in wardrobes worldwide, thanks to fashion pioneers like Coco Chanel and Brigitte Bardot.

These days, clever sewing pattern designers have taken the Breton in new directions while keeping the original stripes and bateau, or boatneck, by adding buttons and mutton sleeves, playing with ease and length, and more. We rounded up the most interesting indie-designed Breton shirt sewing patterns available today to help you make this staple top your own.

Classic Breton Shirts

Thoughtful Details: The Liesl + Co Maritime Knit Top

A classic Breton with thoughtful details, including topstitching details, side vents, and short or three-quarter sleeves.

Sizes: 0-20
Delivery: PDF Level: Beginner
Recommended Fabrics: Knits, including jersey, double knit, thermal knit, and interlock.

A Bodycon Option: Brigitte Top Pattern by Tessuti Fabrics

Narrow in the torso with a classic bateau and four sleeve options.

 

Sizes: AUS 6-16 (US 2-12)
Delivery: PDF (free) or Print (paid)
Level: Beginner
Recommended Fabrics: Stretch Jersey and lightweight Ponte knit

Generous Size Range: Fibre Mood Afra T-shirt

The Afra has comfortable ease in the torso and slightly dropped shoulders for a casual look.

Sizes: XS-XXXL
Delivery: PDF 
Level: Beginner
Recommended Fabrics: Viscose jersey, cotton jersey, or French terry.

Daring Departures

Hello, Collarbones: Milor T-Shirt by I AM Patterns

The Milor is a classic Breton with an extra wide boatneck that ends close to the shoulder points and exposes a little more of the chest.

Sizes: 36-46 ( 32.25" to 40.5" bust)
Delivery: PDF 
Level: Beginner
Recommended Fabrics: Jersey

Darts & Buttons: Kanerva Button Back Tee

While still a boatneck made with a knit fabric, the Kanerva is tailored with bust and waist darts, a cropped hem, and a unique button placked down the back.

Sizes: 36-46 ( 32.25" to 40.5" bust)
Delivery: PDF 
Level: Beginner
Recommended Fabrics: A medium-weight knit fabric with a stretch percentage of 30 to 50%, such as ponte, French terry, or sweatshirting.

Poofy Sleeves: Maven Patterns Somerset T-shirt

A slim-fitting boatneck t-shirt with an option for playful bishop sleeves. 

Sizes: UK 8-20 or 18-32 (32" to 57" bust) 
Delivery: PDF or Print
Level: Advanced Beginner
Recommended Fabrics: Light to medium weight knit with 40% stretch.

Raw and Tailored: Half Moon Atelier Anegada Boat Neck Top

The Aneganda roughens the classic bateau neckline with a raw front that creates a rolled edge. In contrast, a fitted waistband and sleeve cuffs add form and body.

Sizes: 30" to 44" Bust
Delivery: PDF 
Level: Advanced Beginner
Recommended Fabrics: Bamboo or rayon jersey, interlock, t-shirt weight merino, French terry, and lightweight sweat-shirting, with 25% to 100% stretch.

 

Free Breton Shirt Pattern

Mandy Boat Tee by Tessuti Fabrics

A relaxed, beginner-friendly boatneck, the Mandy has a boxy torso and drop shoulders. A simple, free pattern!

Sizes: XXS-XXXL (32" to 45.75" bust)
Delivery: PDF (free) or Print (paid)
Level: Beginner
Recommended Fabrics: Stretch knits with elastane content.

 

Bretons For Kids & Teens

Ready to Sew Pénélope Marinière

Penelope is the authentic and unmistakable "marinière." The shirt features a straight silhouette, a boat neckline closed by two buttons on one shoulder, side vents, and a slightly longer hem in the back.

Sizes: EU Kids 104-140 (22" to 30" chest)
Delivery: PDF only
Level: Beginner
Recommended Fabrics: Cotton jersey or thick double-knit, at least 250 gsm.

A Breton for Men

Wardrobe By Me Breton Shirt

Given that the Breton was designed for an all-male Navy, finding a pattern for men was surprisingly hard. Wardrobe By Me did the trick with this simple long-sleeve t-shirt with a slightly rounded boat neck.

Sizes: XXS-4XL (27" to 49" chest)
Delivery: PDF only
Level: Beginner
Recommended Fabrics: Light to medium weight jersey knit, stretch optional.