The French sailor shirt, also known as la Marinière, originated as the uniform for French navy sailors in 1858 when a decree standardized the striped navy and white design. The shirt became popular for working mariners and sailors across northern France. In 1917, Coco Chanel introduced the striped top to high fashion, making it a symbol of luxury. Artists and celebrities like Brigitte Bardot, Pablo Picasso, James Dean and Audrey Hepburn popularized the shirt further in the 1950s and 60s, cementing its status as a French fashion icon.