In Brittany, the nautical style flows freely

Every summer, it's the same scene. From Carnac to Quimper , between two wholemeal pancakes and a force 6 gale, Brittany sees its holidaymakers arrive. Brand new yellow raincoats, Aigle boots without a trace of mud, striped sweaters still labeled... They walk the cobblestones of Saint-Malo, the coves of Crozon or the paths of the Pink Granite Coast as if they were born there. The scenery changes but the silhouette remains the same. The image of the Breton is worn, and bought.

Between homage and panoply

The striped sweater has established itself as the region's signature garment. It acts as a totem: we wear it as if we were asserting a symbolic attachment, even if it were temporary. In Trégastel, a multi-brand boutique prepares for this textile tidal wave every year. " It's the iconic piece, without a doubt ," confides Lysiane, the manager. " We sell a huge amount of them as soon as the vacationers arrive. The most popular model? The classic: navy blue stripes on a white background, or vice versa. Some are looking for a slightly more chic version, like an admiral à la Jean Paul Gaultier. Others simply want a piece made in Brittany. "

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It's hard to talk about Breton style without mentioning the raincoat, a must-have against the local weather. Yellow for purists, navy blue for the more urbane, it now comes in pastel shades, fitted cuts, and striped linings. Far from the utilitarian sailor's garment: the raincoat has become bourgeois and stylized. So much so that you can now see it on the quays of Nantes as well as on the platforms of the Paris metro.

Aigle boots, too, have left the vegetable garden and shore fishing to become a trendy accessory. And when they've already made their mark on the beach or in the bakery line, there's still the other Breton wardrobe staple: the dense, rough, and timeless sailor sweater.

Everyone wants to look Breton, but not at any price.

" There's a real appetite for beautiful pieces," observes the Trégastel shopkeeper. "The 100% wool sailor sweater works very well. The Minor remains a benchmark for those who want locally made items. For those on tighter budgets, we also work with Portuguese brands that offer quality cotton. Because everyone wants to buy French-made items, but unfortunately, not everyone can afford it... " Behind these sartorial choices, one truth persists: everyone wants to look Breton, but not at any price. Neither financial nor stylistic. Because this enthusiastic adoption sometimes borders on uniformity. As soon as they arrive, vacationers equip themselves fully with Breton kit. An aesthetic that some locals welcome with skepticism.

"It's like putting a 'tourist' label on your forehead."

Jeanne, 44, a graphic designer in Brest, oscillates between amusement and weariness: " It's always the same people. It's like a festival. It's nice, but they take the experience a bit too far. I saw a guy in a raincoat when it was 25 degrees and sunny. " Étienne, 53, the boss of an SME, is more curt: " It's astounding. It's as if I arrived in Paris with a beret on my head and a baguette under my arm. "

But should we ignore this desire for anchorage? Élise, 27, a waitress in Brest, raises an eyebrow at every new sailor shirt. " Yes, it's often a bit much. " She doesn't really agree, but she understands the impulse. So, she qualifies: " What I tell them, sometimes, is not to wear everything at once. Otherwise, you might as well write 'tourist' on your forehead." She also notes that the most "stylish" are those who choose sparingly. A sailor shirt, yes, but worn with a denim jacket and worn sneakers.

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The locals' advice is unanimous: it's better to be inspired than to imitate. Don't pile up clichés like you're ticking off a checklist . One piece is enough. Two, at most. Beyond that threshold, it's close to disguise. And above all, bring your clothes to life. Get a little dirty. Crumple your striped shirt. Keep your raincoat open. Let your boots wear out. In short, get back to basics. Because in Brittany, everyone will tell you that the weather is beautiful in the summer. Fortunately, style doesn't lie.