The Gondoliers were dressed mostly in black to match the color of the Gondola. Some wore all white. After World War 2, The stripes became a part of the uniform. Some say they were to match the striped poles in front of the Palazzo's on the Grand Canal.

The iconic blue or red striped shirts worn by Venetian gondoliers—known as la marinière—are a high-value blend of maritime tradition and practical safety. Historically, stripes were mandated for French and Italian naval uniforms because the high-contrast pattern made sailors who fell overboard significantly easier to spot against the waves. While the "Breton stripe" was officially decreed for the French Navy in 1858, it was adopted by Venetian gondoliers in the 20th century as a premier uniform that symbolized the city's nautical heritage. In 2026, these shirts are often made from high-quality Merino wool, chosen for its thermoregulation and breathability, allowing drivers to stay comfortable while performing the high-intensity physical labor of rowing through the canals in Venice’s variable weather conditions.