June 25

The Rise of Modern-Day Beachcombers

There’s something about nautical style that never drifts too far from shore. Worn originally by sailors, fishermen, dockworkers and adventurers, it wasn’t created in fashion houses - it was built on the decks of fishing boats and navy ships for life at sea. Yet over the years, those practical, salt-weathered staples made their way inland, carrying with them a sense of freedom and effortless style.


One of the most iconic pieces, the Breton stripe, or la marinière, has a story worth telling. In 1858, under the rule of Napoleon III, the French Navy issued strict regulations for their sailors' uniform, including a knitted wool jersey with exactly 21 white stripes and 20–21 indigo-blue lines. The design wasn’t chosen for looks; it was created so sailors who fell overboard could be seen more easily against the waves. A piece of pure, considered function that would later inspire style history.
As time went on, surplus naval kit found its way into the hands of civilian fishermen, dockworkers and coastal labourers. These were men who valued durability and practicality - worn denim, faded caps, and tough canvas chore jackets became everyday essentials. By the early 20th century, those same pieces started appearing along the French Riviera, picked up by artists, writers and free spirits drawn to the simplicity of life by the water.

Nautical Style, The &SONS Way

We’ve always been drawn to the kind of style that tells a story, pieces shaped by the elements, built to last, and worn with a sense of ease. Our take on nautical style doesn’t replicate the past, it channels its spirit for modern pioneers who chase horizons, whether that’s along the coast or miles inland.

The Breton Striped Tee is a natural starting point, lightweight and breathable, perfect for layering under a chore jacket or pairing with denim shorts for weekends by the water. It’s the kind of piece that carries history in its stripes but feels at home in any setting.

Indigo tones feature heavily in our summer wardrobe, inspired by the washed-out hues of old fishing harbours and sun-bleached boats. From lightweight denim shirts to canvas workwear jackets, these pieces add texture and depth to warm-weather looks without feeling heavy.

Worn denim shorts feel right at home in this story too. Originally a by-product of workwear, cut from old jeans past their best, they carry the same practical roots as their full-length counterparts. Pair them with a simple striped tee, a salt-faded cap, and a vintage-inspired pair of sunglasses for a look that feels easy, authentic and ready for wherever the day takes you.

Style Inspiration

Indigo work shirts and chore jackets add depth and texture to any style, while accessories like leather bracelets, neck scarves or vintage-inspired sunglasses finish it off with character. The pieces were made to move, to get worn in, to catch the sun and sea spray. 

The best thing about nautical style is that it isn’t precious. It’s built for movement, for getting your hands dirty, for long afternoons spent chasing horizons - whether that’s by the coast or miles inland.

Explore our nautical-inspired pieces 

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