There's a reason we keep coming back to stripes. They're classic without being boring, polished without trying too hard, and somehow always feel right—even when we have nothing to wear.
A good striped tee is one of those wardrobe staples you reach for without thinking. Throw it on with jeans, dress it up with trousers, or layer it under a blazer. Easy.
But finding the one? That's another story.
After more than 30 years designing clothes, I've learned that sometimes the smallest details make the biggest difference. A neckline that sits just right. A sleeve with a little extra room. A hem that hits exactly where you want it.
Here's what I look for when choosing—and designing—a striped tee worth keeping.
What Makes a Great Striped Tee?
It's all in the details. And while there's no single formula for the perfect striped shirt, a few things are worth considering.
1. Fabric: Feel Comes First
A striped tee should feel just as good as it looks.
Cotton jersey is a classic for everyday wear. Fabric blends can offer different levels of softness, stretch, and drape depending on their composition and construction.
Personally, I gravitate toward fabrics that feel soft against the skin and move naturally with the body. For our striped tees, we use a viscose-from-bamboo and cotton stretch jersey chosen for its soft feel and fluid drape.
Because a shirt can look great on the hanger, but if it doesn't feel good on? What's the point?
2. Fit & Proportion: Relaxed, Not Sloppy
The right fit is personal. Some prefer a closer silhouette. Others want something relaxed, boxy, or a little oversized.
I tend to favor easy proportions with enough room to move, without overwhelming the overall silhouette.
Pay attention to where the hem falls, how the shoulders sit, and how the fabric hangs. A high-hip length can work beautifully with wide-leg trousers, while a longer tee offers more options for tucking or wearing loose.
Forget the rules about what you're supposed to wear. The best fit is the one that feels right on you.
3. Neckline: Small Detail, Big Difference
Never underestimate a neckline.
A crewneck feels familiar and casual. A boatneck creates a wider, more open neckline that can make even a simple striped tee feel a little more polished.
Neither is better. They're just different personalities.
Think about what you reach for most often and how it works with the rest of your wardrobe.
4. Stripe Scale & Placement: A Little Personality
Narrow stripes feel subtle and understated. Wider stripes make more of a statement. Even the contrast between colors changes the overall effect.
And then there's placement.
Traditional horizontal stripes are a classic for good reason. But introducing a change in direction—like a vertical stripe along a side panel—can give a familiar pattern an unexpected point of interest.
It's one of my favorite design tricks: a small detail that makes a classic feel fresh without trying too hard.
5. Sleeves & Construction: The Finishing Touches
Sometimes it's the sleeve that makes the shirt.
A traditional set-in sleeve creates a familiar shape. A roomier sleeve gives the silhouette more ease. Cap sleeves offer a different balance of coverage and proportion.
And don't overlook construction. Check how the neckline sits, how the seams are finished, and whether the fabric hangs the way you want it to.
These are the details that can make the difference between a tee you like and one you keep reaching for.
Our Take on the Classic Stripe
I've always had a soft spot for stripes. They're familiar, versatile, and just interesting enough to make an outfit feel pulled together without much effort.
At Lacson Ravello, we love a classic. But we also like giving it a little personality.
That might mean adding vertical stripe panels to a horizontal pattern, playing with sleeve proportions, or adjusting a neckline to change the silhouette.
Nothing overly complicated. Just thoughtful details that make a familiar favorite feel a little more special.
Our striped styles are designed, cut, and sewn in small batches in Oakland, California, using imported fabrics selected for their feel, drape, and comfort.
It's all part of our approach to getting dressed: modern classics, mindfully made. Less fuss, more ease.
Find Your Stripe: Four Styles, Four Personalities
The perfect striped tee isn't necessarily one particular shirt. It's the one that works for you.
Here are four of our takes on this wardrobe classic.
The Marinière: The Classic, Reconsidered
If you love a traditional French-inspired striped shirt but appreciate an unexpected detail, meet Marinière.
With its classic crewneck, long sleeves, and gently shaped fit, it's familiar in all the right ways. Vertical stripe side panels add a subtle change of direction.
Why we love it: A classic with a little something extra.
The Adriana: The Effortlessly Polished One
For those who like their everyday basics with a little more presence, there's Adriana.
An elegant boatneck, roomy sleeves, and a relaxed, boxy silhouette give this striped tee an easy sophistication. Its high-hip length pairs especially well with high-waisted trousers.
Why we love it: Relaxed, refined, and anything but ordinary.
The Lilou: The Easygoing One
Some days call for something completely uncomplicated. Enter Lilou.
With cap sleeves, a relaxed shape, and a softly draped fit, it's an easy alternative to the traditional short-sleeve tee. Contrasting stripe directions at the crewneck add a subtle finishing touch.
Why we love it: Casual comfort with a polished point of view.
The Arva: The Cozy Classic
And because stripes shouldn't be limited to T-shirts, there's the Arva Stripe Sweatshirt.
Made from soft French terry, Arva combines an elegant boatneck with a classic relaxed fit—neither too fitted nor oversized. Vertical stripe side panels and a clean, rib-free finish give it a more considered look than your average sweatshirt.
Why we love it: All the comfort of a sweatshirt, with a little extra polish.
One Classic. Plenty of Possibilities.
One of the best things about a striped tee? It works with so much of what you already own.
Everyday Ease: A relaxed striped tee, favorite jeans, and loafers. Simple. Done.
A Little More Polished: A boatneck striped top with tailored trousers and a blazer. No overthinking required.
Weekend Uniform: A striped sweatshirt, easy wide-leg pants, and sneakers. Comfortable without looking like you've given up on getting dressed.
That's the beauty of stripes. A little pattern goes a long way.
A Few Things Worth Knowing About Striped Tees
What should I look for in a quality striped T-shirt?
Start with the fabric, fit, and construction. Look at how the fabric feels, how the neckline sits, and how the seams are finished. Consider whether the silhouette works with the clothes you already own. A good striped tee should feel comfortable and suit the way you actually dress.
What's the difference between a Breton shirt and a marinière?
The terms are closely related and often used interchangeably today. Both reference the traditional horizontally striped shirts associated with French sailors. The marinière is the French nautical striped shirt, while "Breton shirt" is a common English-language term for this classic style.
Are striped shirts still in style?
Stripes have been part of everyday wardrobes for generations. Their simple pattern works with denim, tailored trousers, skirts, and layers. Rather than worrying about whether stripes are trending, choose a silhouette and color combination that feel like you.
How do I choose the right striped tee for my body type?
Focus on proportion and personal preference rather than dressing rules. Consider the neckline, sleeve shape, hem length, and how much ease you like through the body. The right striped tee is the one that feels comfortable, works with your wardrobe, and makes you want to wear it again.
Your Next Favorite Stripe Is Waiting
Maybe it's a classic crewneck. Maybe it's a boatneck with a little drama. Or maybe it's a striped sweatshirt that becomes part of your weekend uniform.
Whatever your preference, a good striped tee should make getting dressed easier.
And isn't that the point?
