Stripes have a rich history in fashion, and they actually started as a fabric worn by outcasts. However, by the mid-14th century, stripes (particularly vertical) had become a sign of aristocracy and by the mid-1800s, stripes were the uniform for French navy seamen (it’s where the Breton stripe top comes from). Soon, seaside towns were bursting with stripes everywhere: umbrellas, bathing suits, beach tents, lounge chairs and more. It’s no wonder the pattern has become such an integral part of coastal design.