Heralding a new era of the French Football Federation through the means of a partnership with Nike, the first Nike Franc...e 2011 away shirt introduces a clean look. The blue and white striped knit shirt is a French classic and can trace its roots back to the navy. Before 1858 there was no prescribed uniform for low-ranking French sailors. The officers had uniforms, but the lowly seamen just wore whatever they had. However, many of them did wear the blue and white striped knit top which was already being worn as a workingman’s undershirt. It was comfortable, practical, and kept the guys warm. Then in 1858, the navy decided that French sailors needed to have an official uniform. And the striped undershirt became an integral part of it. The rules about it were very specific: It must have 21 white stripes which are twice as large as the 20-21 indigo blue stripes. The three quarter length sleeves must have 15 white stripes and 14-15 blue ones. The shirts were long, reaching to the upper thighs, and doubled as undies which weren’t yet in regular use. This shirt is called "breton shirt" or "marinière" and "tricot rayé" in French