The Timeless Appeal of the Multi-Border T-Shirt
The Multi-Stripe T-Shirt: A retro-striped tee capturing the essence of the '70s West Coast.
The striped pattern is said to have originated around the 16th century with the hand-knit, striped sweaters worn by sailors in the Basque Country, a region spanning France and Spain.
For a long time, these striped garments were simply workwear for seamen. Until the late 18th century, a religious view in Europe discouraged wearing two-toned clothing, so stripes were not worn by the general public. Instead, they were often forced upon those on the fringes of society, like prisoners and jesters—an association that lingers today in the classic black-and-white stripes of prison uniforms and clown costumes.
This perception began to shift dramatically with the American Revolution in 1776 and the French Revolution in 1789. The red, white, and blue tricolor stripe became a global symbol of freedom. Later, in 1858, the French Navy officially adopted the striped shirt as part of its uniform.
The striped shirt's journey into fashion began in 1913, when Coco Chanel adapted the classic naval uniform into an elegant womenswear piece using jersey fabric. By pairing the striped top with trousers, Chanel herself established a new standard for sophisticated, casual style.
The design's influence expanded in 1923 after artist Pablo Picasso was seen in the Saint James Naval Basque shirt, sparking its popularity in resort destinations throughout Europe and America. Soon, the striped shirt was adopted by a new generation of cultural figures, including Ernest Hemingway, Andy Warhol, Audrey Hepburn, and Brigitte Bardot. It became a lasting icon of both nautical heritage and refined French style.
The multi-stripe pattern, which combines several colors, emerged in the 1960s as a vibrant style influenced by Pop Art and the hippie movement. A key characteristic of the multi-stripe is its versatility; different color combinations and stripe arrangements can create a wide range of looks, from sporty to high fashion. This has made it a valuable tool for brands to visually express their identity and concepts.
Today, a particularly nostalgic design cherished by West Coast surfers in the 1970s is making a comeback. With its retro color palette and laid-back feel, the multi-stripe T-shirt is poised to become a new standard.
