Trendspotting: Hello, sailor! Nautical stripes return

Oh la la! The always-reliable nautical look has popped up for its regular summer season revival, but this time it's a lot more fitted and stylish than before.

By Emmet Purcell

The nautical look is something that gains traction every summer without fail. And despite what a cursory glance outside the rotten Irish weather outside, it actually is just the summer - trust us on that one.

Worn by the likes of Picasso and James Dean, before being popularised by Jean-Paul Gautier in the 1990s, the sailor look is enjoying a big revival this summer, with a wealth of designers looking to fashion the style to current trends. With chinos and smart trousers increasingly becoming as prevalent as jeans on the modern men, it’s a look that fits perfectly with the stylish 2011 man.

We’ve selected some of our top picks below and will admit straight away that there isn’t much variety to be had from this trend; we’re pretty much diving right into the Breton stripes revival and focusing chiefly on the iconic navy and white colours that embody the look.

From Levi’s to ASOS (particularly big on the nautical look right now, so be sure to check back to their site) and All Saints current summer sale, there should be something to pique the interest of everyone below:

ASOS Breton 3/4 Sleeve Top - ASOS €48.72

This top is the classic naturical look, featuring a relaxed crew neck, two-tone horizontal Breton stripes and three quarter length sleeves, in a relaxed fit and a pure cotton finish.

ASOS Breton Stripe T-Shirt - ASOS €20.51

A muted design featuring a two tone Breton striped design, a boat neckline with reinforced trims and a lightweight pure cotton finish.

All Saints Moat Crew - All Saints €52.50

Knitted crew with cropped sleeves and traditional Breton stripe pattern. Hurry up though, as they're on sale.

All Saints Bateau L/s Crew - All Saints €52.50

The Bateau L/s Crew is knitted in a traditional Breton stripe pattern from ultrafine natural yarn. This style is slim fitting with ribbed cuffs and hem and has a wider fitting neckline.

Levi's White Breton Stripe T-Shirt - My Wardrobe €18.00

Off white Breton black and red Breton stripe t-shirt by Levi's with a crew neck, red embroidered brand tab symbol to the hem and pointed shoulder panel

Fred Perry Breton Striped T-Shirt - Xile Clothing €33.93

A fitted crew neck t-shirt present in an amber and blue colourway finished off with the classic Fred Perry emblem to the left