Three new lines to add to your wardrobe.

Stripes have not always been a welcome sight when it comes to clothing. In fact, it was once a rather treacherous style to favour. In the middle of the 13th century, a group of Carmelite monks adorned in brown and white striped cloaks arrived in Paris from Palestine. They were branded “les frères barrés” (the barred brothers) and assaulted wherever they went. In 1310 in the French town of Rouen, a member of the local clergy was killed simply because he had been found wearing stripes. Both of these events are documented in The Devil’s Cloth: A History Of Stripes And Striped Fabric, written by Mr Michel Pastoureau, a leading expert in medieval heraldry. In his book, he also suggests that medieval writers thought that zebras were beasts of the devil, and that, up until around the 18th century, stripes were commonly associated with hangmen, clowns and the condemned.

Thankfully, nowadays stripes have slightly less negative connotations – and there are less serious consequences for wearing them. In fact, it is positively encouraged in most social circles. This week, we have welcomed many a striped item on site, so we picked out our three favourites.

Given it is not yet quite warm enough for just a T-shirt, spring is the perfect time for a long-sleeved Breton top. But this is not just any old Breton top. This is an Ami Breton top exclusive to MR PORTER. It is a one of a kind. Unique, and designed just for us in a cotton slim fit. Indeed, there are few better ways, in our opinion, to inject a bit of Gallic style into your wardrobe. So snap it up, and pair it with something simple, like a pair of black jeans, or these chinos by Officine Generale.

Whether you’re on dry land, or in water, you can always find time to show your stripes. And, since you’ll probably be looking to invest in some new swim shorts before you start packing for your vacation and realise, far too late, that your current ones don’t fit, why not try these by NN07? Not only are they stylishly subtle, but they’re flattering to boot – both because they are cut in a pleasing mid-length shape, and because of those leg slimming vertical lines. If it gets chilly, just slip on a simple tee.

If swimming in the sea on holiday is the positive end of the spectrum when it comes to water, then rain must be the absolute negative. And, during showers when just a good coat won’t cut it – you will need a trusty umbrella. But not that free plastic umbrella you were given with a copy of your newspaper last week. A proper gentleman’s umbrella. So take the time to invest in one of note, like this one by master maker Francesco Maglia. If you want to find out more about the work that goes into each one – read more here.