My Favourite Breton Top Finally Wore Out — And Now I Can't Find a Replacement

So one of my favourite top, which is a long sleeve Breton t shirt, is finally worn out. It’s where the spot where I usually push up the sleeves on my forearm, now there are loose threads and worn out material. It’s not an expensive top at all, it’s Joe Fresh brand, which in Canada is usually sold through Loblaw’s (Grocery retailer).

I’ve have this breton top for at least +15 years now, and have worn it through all 4 seasons. It’s such an easy shirt to put on and can be for both casual and more formal (not too formal). I wear it for airport trips, to working from home, to going out. The navy and blue stripes just works.

What I like about this specific Joe Fresh breton top was it’s got the traditional wider neck but not too wide, and it’s not too thick and not too thin. Yes, when it’s colder I for sure wear a jacket or hoodie over it. But it for sure works in the summer going out with sleeves pushed up.

It’s not easy to find Breton top

Not sure if it’s because Breton top is not in right now. Most searches will come up with Saints James and Armor Lux, which both seem to be heritage brands for Breton top, probably European brands as I am not as familiar with them. The issue is these stores are not here in Canada, and given how often I wear this shirt, I’d like to try it out in person.

Then there are some other choices where if it’s not good, like Amazon brands, but given how much I liked my Breton top, I don’t mind buying a more premium product. And even usual brands from Uniqlo to Banana Republic doesn’t seem to sell them anymore, at least in Canada.

I could go with non-Breton top style, where it’s just 2-colour stripe long sleeve

I also looked into just regular stripe long sleeve t-shirts, even ones that are navy and white to match as close to my Breton top as possible. But somehow, they just look different - it gives off a different vibe, closely to a rugby shirt that that classic seafarer vibe. And I already have a yellow-navy with white collar Rugby shirt in my wardrobe, and honestly I don’t need more clothing. I just want to replace my classic Breton top.

I will keep on searching

Good news I mainly work from home, and it’s not like I can’t do without a Breton top for awhile. I will continue the search - it will be interesting to see how hard it really is to get my hands on one that I can try in person.

If someone in Greater Toronto area have suggestion - I am listening!