The genuine Women's French Marinière "Marine Nationale"

The authentic mariniere

The marinière, originally a workwear garment, has become an iconic symbol of the French military navy and maritime style.

The French naval decree of 1858 standardized the appearance of sailors by precisely defining their uniform, which was provided by the army, contributing to the uniformity of the French military. The marinière featured twenty indigo blue stripes, each ten millimeters wide and spaced twenty millimeters apart, on the chest and back. The sleeves had fourteen indigo blue stripes and twenty-one white stripes, with the same spacing, and were three-quarters in length, not extending beyond the jacket. The flared neckline, now known as the boat neck, rested at the base of the neck.

The marinière was an undergarment for sailors, visible during their tasks or rest, but covered by the jacket during official ceremonies. It quickly became a symbol, especially thanks to early 20th-century photographs that depicted the everyday life of French sailors.

The Orcival marinière embodies our values and those of our customers. Made in France, it is designed to last and remains timeless. Some models of marinières from the French Navy, recognizable by their indelible numbers, find new life in thrift stores, further enhancing the reputation of our brand. Authentic and steeped in history, the Orcival marinière is an enduring garment.

At Orcival, we distance ourselves from fast fashion and its disposable approach. The Orcival marinière is meant to stay in our customers' wardrobes for many years without compromising its style. As an authentic brand and a reference for the true French marinière, Orcival is part of the French heritage.

The straight cut and refined style of the Orcival Marine Nationale marinière are the result of these functional requirements.

Over time, the marinière has been embraced by fashion icons such as Gabrielle Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Paul Gaultier, Picasso, Brigitte Bardot, Jean Seberg, and Charlotte Gainsbourg, further solidifying its status and reputation.

The Orcival marinière, made of heavy cotton, adheres to the codes of a garment designed for work, with a noble purpose. It is made to endure and gain character over time. It now embodies a unisex product appreciated by both men and women. Whether in long or short sleeves, the Orcival marinière is a casual garment that pairs perfectly with t-shirts and sweaters.