Kate Middleton’s Go-To Top Could Have a Special Meaning liennhi

Whether she's wearing an elegant gown to a state dinner or just paying a visit to one of her many patronages, any time Kate Middleton wears anything, royal fans are paying attention. Case in point: her engagement announcement dress put the label Issa on everyone's radars and her go-to Barbour coats prove that she knows all about British heritage dressing. But one of her most often-worn pieces isn't British, it's steeped in French history—and it could be a sort of security blanket for the princess.

According to experts, Middleton wears a Breton-stripe shirt or jumper when she needs to feel confident and comfortable. Since she entered royal circles, she's worn navy or black versions and continues to wear the signature style today. Recently, she wore a Breton-stripe top in a message congratulating Team GB on its efforts at the Paris Olympics. Just a few months before that, she wore a striped sweater to share her cancer diagnosis.

"Whether it's a top or a jumper, the Breton acts as somewhat of a comfort blanket for Catherine," says Clemmie Fieldsend, fashion editor at The Sun. "It's become a uniform for her, which means when she wears it she'll instantly feel confident and at ease, especially through difficult times. It's also a reminder of consistency, not only for Kate, but for us, too. The royals, as a British consistent that we can rely on, as is a Breton top, thanks to its long historical popularity."

The Mirror adds that Breton styles were first worn by the French Navy and then entered the public sphere after the striped knits were popularized by Coco Chanel. The outlet adds that Kate's knits are often by the British label Erdem, though she also has pieces from more affordable brands and American go-to Ralph Lauren.

It's not just Kate, either. Meghan Markle, the princess's sister-in-law, has also been spotted wearing the preppy, striped style.