Stripey Things
The distinctive blue and white stripes of the original "Breton" top worn by French Navy crew members featured 21 stripes – one for each of Napoleon’s victories.
Had something else planned for today. Decided instead to run with this piece from RR2 re “Stripey Things”. REMO is just about to receive fresh stocks of its perennially best-selling navy and white “stripeys”. So, I figured it was timely to take a look back at the history of apparel bearing stripes. Also, as a treat for this Substack community, I’ve come up with a special offer. See the PS below.
Remo
The history of striped tops spans centuries and has been influenced by various cultural, social and fashion trends.
In the European Middle Ages striped clothing was associated with deviance and abasement. Servants and court jesters wore striped clothing, as did prostitutes, madmen and criminals, not voluntarily but by official orders. Stripes were a mark of the unwanted of society.
This association and negative vibe remained in some form until the 1800s with the introduction of stark black and white striped uniforms for US prison inmates. The stripes also had a practical purpose, making escaped inmates easily identifiable on the lam … that is until orange became the new black (and white).
The origins of the boat neck stripey thing that we mostly think of as a top today can be traced back to the 19th century when it was recorded by decree in March 1858 as the official undergarment of the French Navy. The distinctive blue and white stripes of this original Breton or marinière design featured 21 stripes, one for each of Napoleon’s victories, and the distinctive stripes made it easier to spot sailors who had fallen overboard. [Ed: Handy.] Sailors of the modern French Navy still wear these garments.
Other navies got in on the stripey act. The Imperial Russian Navy adopted a blue and white striped “telnyashka” blouse during the 19th century. (It was also worn as an undershirt.) The colours variations for the telnyashka were defined in the Russian Federation Presidential Decree No. 532 in 2005, e.g. dark blue stripes are worn by the Navy troops, black stripes are worn by Submarine divisions, green stripes are worn by border guards, and orange stripes are worn by the Ministry of Emergency Situations crew.
The popularity of stripey things expanded beyond the navy and into mainstream fashion during the 19th century.
In the early 20th century, fashion icon Coco Chanel played a significant role in popularising the stripey thing. She incorporated it into her nautical-inspired collection in 1917.
The stripey thing gained further popularity in the mid-20th century, partly due to cultural heavyweights adopting it. Personalities such as Pablo Picasso, Audrey Hepburn, James Dean and even John Wayne (huh?) were often seen sporting a stripey thing, contributing to its association with an artistic and bohemian lifestyle.
The stripey thing, manifest in various styles, continued to be a versatile and timeless piece in fashion throughout the latter half of the 20th century, and stripey thing champions are ever emerging, e.g. the fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier adopted the stripey thing as his personal uniform.
Last, but certainly not least, REMO introduced its version of the stripey thing (with a signature stripe ratio of 1:1.5) back in 1989, and it quickly became the General Store’s number one best seller, a position it retains to this day.
Surely the history has something to do with its enduring appeal.
PS: Free copy of General Thinker included for REMORANDOM Substackers ordering a REMO Stripey this week. Offer ends Sunday 17 August AEST. Checkout code: RRST.
REMORANDOM Book Chapter
Indeed! Your stripey things inspired my interview with you for FastCompany aeons ago : https://www.fastcompany.com/944104/remo-selling-story-not-stripey-thing 😉
Vive La France. 🇫🇷