Best 8 French Underwear Companies​

French underwear companies set the global standard. Known for careful craftsmanship and classic style, these brands represent a legacy of sophistication that attracts discerning customers everywhere. 

Navigating the crowded landscape of underwear manufacturers can feel like decoding a Parisian subway map: overwhelming and full of wrong turns. Balancing heritage artistry with scalable production and ethical practices? Oui, it’s a tall order.

But fret not. This article cuts through the noise like a perfectly tailored silk robe to spotlight eight standout French underwear companies that solve these puzzles with flair.

Whether you prioritize durability, trend agility, or supply chain transparency, these brands are the crème de la crème.

Best 8 French Underwear Companies​

​​Company​​	​​Key Products​​	​​Customization Options​​	​​Sustainability​​
​​Simone Pérèle​​	Wireless bras, convertible slips	Fabric choices, lace patterns, co-branding	GOTS-certified cotton, renewable energy
​​Chantelle​​	Wire-free bras, post-surgery lingerie	Private-label lace motifs, color palettes	Recycled elastane, ISO 14001-certified
​​Aubade​​	Strapless bras, gravity-defying briefs	Exclusive lace designs, hardware finishes	OEKO-TEX silks, zero-waste cutting
​​Etam​​	Adjustable briefs, machine-washable silk	Private-label embroidery, size extensions	Organic cotton, waterless dyeing tech
​​Carine Gilson​​	Hand-embroidered luxury bras, corsets	Bespoke embroidery, 18K gold accents	Silk sourced from ethical Italian mills
​​Hervé by Céline Marie​​	Bold lace bodysuits, retro-inspired sets	Limited-edition prints, seasonal collabs	Deadstock fabric upcycling
​​Maison Lejaby​​	Sculpting corsets, convertible bras	Vintage lace revivals, eco-packaging	95% fabric recycling, renewable energy
​​Ysé​​	Inclusive bralettes, adaptive closures	Size ranges, color palettes	Recycled lace, B Corp certification

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1. Simone Pérèle

Simone Pérèle is a top name among French underwear companies, well-known for her innovative approach to lingerie. Founded in 1948, her brand emerged from a desire to create beautiful pieces that also fit comfortably. 

Design and Craftsmanship

Every piece from Simone Pérèle is designed in France, using the finest materials sourced from top European embroidery and lace houses. The brand is characterized by:

• Alluring French style
• Flawless fit
• Effortless comfort
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Luxurious European fabrics

Production Capacity​​

Simone Pérèle operates state-of-the-art factories in France and Portugal, producing over 2.5 million pieces annually. Their integrated facilities help scale up bulk orders. They do this without losing the hand-finished details. They combine automation with artisan techniques.

Customization Options​​

Simone Pérèle provides custom lingerie options. You can choose fabrics, lace designs, and branding tags. Limited-run collaborations let partners create exclusive lines. They work well for luxury retailers and boutique hotels.

Pro Tip​​: Use predictive fit analytics tools to pre-order styles aligned with your customer demographics. Minimizing excess stock while capitalizing on precision-engineered designs.

2. Chantelle

Chantelle is one of the renowned French underwear brands established in 1876. With 148 years of experience, it has positioned itself as a leader in the high-end lingerie market.

Lead Time​​

Standard orders ship in 5-7 weeks globally, with rush options (3 weeks) for loyal partners. Custom designs require 10-12 weeks, prioritizing meticulous quality control for intricate lace and embroidery.

​​Customer Service​​

Dedicated multilingual account managers (English, French, Arabic) assist with order logistics. Their B2B portal features AI-driven inventory forecasting and 24/5 live chat support, resolving issues within 24 hours.

​​Customization Options​​

Chantelle offers private-label collaborations with customizable lace motifs, monogramming, and exclusive color palettes. Retailers can co-develop capsule collections with MOQs as low as 300 units per design.

​​Packaging and Transportation​​

Luxury-grade packaging uses recyclable soy-ink boxes and reusable silk pouches. They work with Geodis for climate-controlled shipping. This way, delicate fabrics, like Chantilly lace, arrive perfectly.

3. Aubade

Aubade, established in 1958, stands out among French underwear companies with its bold approach to lingerie. The brand started when Doctor Bernard, a corset expert, moved from practical lingerie to trendy designs.

Key Innovations

• Matching Sets: Aubade was the first brand to create matching bras and underwear, revolutionizing the lingerie set concept.
• Technical Breakthroughs: They pioneered innovations like strapless bras and the “Agrafe-coeur,” a front-closure bra.
• Unique Styles: The brand introduced lightweight options such as the tanga and the barely-there thong, weighing just 2 grams. They also created the “Petite Tricheuse” brief that defies gravity.
• Expanding Horizons: In the 1980s, Aubade entered the men’s underwear market with the sexy “Aubademen” boxer collection launched in 2013.

Sustainability​​

Aubade uses OEKO-TEX-certified silks and recycled polyester blends. Their factories focus on energy-efficient LED lights. They also use zero-waste cutting methods, recycling 85% of fabric scraps.

​​MOQs​​

Minimum orders start at 500 units per design for core collections. Custom collaborations, like limited-edition lace patterns, need 300 units. This amount is perfect for niche retailers or luxury partnerships.

4. Etam

Etam, established in 1916, is a leading name among French underwear companies. With over 100 years of refining lingerie craftsmanship, it blends elegance and comfort seamlessly.

​Production Capacity​​

Etam operates factories in France, Poland, and China, producing over 15 million pieces annually. Their hybrid model uses advanced machinery for basic items. For premium lines, it includes hand-finishing. This approach allows for scalability across different price points.

​​Lead Time​

Standard bulk orders ship within 3-5 weeks. Priority partners access a 2-week express lane for core collections. Custom designs require 8-10 weeks, including rigorous quality checks.

Customer-Centric Initiatives

• Fast Delivery: The innovative three-hour delivery service in selected Paris locations caters to today’s fast-paced lifestyle.
• Social responsibility: Etam participates in corporate initiatives, such as promoting youth employment and supporting employee well-being through its Mission Handicap program.

5. Carine Gilson

Carine Gilson is an exceptional choice among French underwear companies. Founded in 1993, this couture lingerie brand stands out for its artisanal approach.

Craftsmanship and Design

• Artistic Creations: Every item reflects a blend of traditional couture techniques and modern aesthetics. This makes Carine Gilson synonymous with luxury.
• Signature Features: Expect intricate lace incrustations and stunning silk craftsmanship. The designs draw inspiration from Old Hollywood glamour and feminine elegance.

Exclusive Collections

• Limited Production: Carine Gilson produces exclusive runs of garments, ensuring each piece is rare and distinct.
• Luxury Items: The brand offers a variety of products, including silk kimonos, Chantilly lace bras, slips, and exquisite nightwear.

Carine Gilson’s work is often featured in top fashion magazines, highlighting her role as a pioneer of “lingerie couture.” Her collections showcase sensuality and artistry. They set a standard for luxury lingerie around the globe.

6. Hervé by Céline Marie

Hervé by Céline Marie is a unique French underwear company that combines traditional French craftsmanship with modern design. Each piece is handcrafted to order in Barcelona, ensuring exclusivity and artisanal quality.

Materials and Sustainability

• Reclaimed French laces, silk, and organic bamboo cotton are used to create the lingerie.
• Each item is handmade, focusing on sustainability and luxury.
• The collection features four shades of ultra-sheer mesh. These shades match different skin tones and create a unique ‘tattoo’ effect.

Product Features and Customization

• Sizes range from XXS to XXL, and pieces can be customized for individual complexions.
• Notable for illusion mesh and intricate lacework, these designs celebrate the female form.
• Fabrics are draped directly on the body, ensuring a perfect fit and creative expression.

Production and Exclusivity

• Every item is crafted to order, meaning each piece is personalized for the wearer.
• The creative process includes hand-drawing and draping, allowing materials’ spontaneity to shape the final design.

7. Maison Lejaby

Maison Lejaby is a notable name among French underwear companies. Founded in 1930, this well-known brand stands out in lingerie. It has a rich history in corset making, starting in the creative workshops of Lyon. 

Quality and Innovation

• Exceptional Quality: Maison Lejaby is celebrated for its quality lingerie, crafted from the finest materials with precise cuts and a controlled fit. You can expect high standards of comfort and creativity with each piece.
• Trendy Collections: Their diverse range includes bras, panties, thongs, corsets, and more. Each collection flatters different body shapes and fits various lifestyles. They come in many sizes and colors.
• Cutting-Edge Design: Known for its innovative spirit, Maison Lejaby introduced the first Lycra bra in 1965, which was a game-changer, selling over 3 million units.

Sustainability​​

Maison Lejaby uses OEKO-TEX-certified silks and recycled nylon. Their Lyon facility runs on 100% renewable energy, and 95% of fabric scraps are recycled into new collections.

​​MOQs: Minimum orders start at 800 units for standard lines. Limited-edition collaborations (e.g., vintage-inspired corsets) allow 300-unit MOQs for niche retailers.

Expert Advice: Combine limited-run corset collections with behind-the-scenes storytelling about artisanal techniques and eco-friendly materials to drive premium pricing.

Kaiser R., Director at Clothing Manufacturers

8. Ysé

Ysé Paris is a distinctive French underwear company founded in 2012 by Clara Blocman and Bérengère Lehembre. It focuses on providing lingerie that caters to a variety of body types. Initially aimed at small-breasted women, it has expanded to embrace inclusivity for all shapes and sizes.

Customization Options​​

Partners can co-create collections with:

• ​​Fabric customization​​: Choose from 200+ OEKO-TEX-certified materials, including recycled lace, organic bamboo blends, and hypoallergenic microfiber.
• ​​Size inclusivity​​: Develop bras in AA-K cups and briefs in XS-4XL, with adjustable straps and adaptive closures.
• ​​Branding​​: Add private labels, embroidered logos, or co-branded packaging.
• ​​MOQs​​: As low as ​​200 units per design​​ for standard lines; ​​150 units​​ for sustainable collections using deadstock fabrics.

Sustainability​​

• ​​Materials​​: 85% of fabrics are GOTS-certified organic cotton, recycled nylon, or deadstock materials diverted from landfills.
• ​​Production​​: Factories use 100% renewable energy and recycle 90% of water via closed-loop dyeing systems.
• ​​Certifications​​: B Corp pending, PETA-Approved Vegan, and membership in the Sustainable Apparel Coalition.

Main Products​​

• ​​Adjustable Triangle Bra​​: Features removable padding and 6-way convertible straps.
• ​​EveryBody Bralette​​: Wire-free support for AA-K cups, available in 15 colors.
• ​​Second Skin Thong​​: Tagless, seamless design weighing under 5 grams.
• ​​Post-Surgery Collection​​: Soft, non-irritating bras with front closures and adjustable bands.

Conclusion

French underwear companies continue to redefine luxury, blending heritage craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation to meet modern consumer demands. 

​​LeelineApparel offers strategic manufacturing solutions from China, merging cost efficiency with premium quality. Specializing in custom jeans, custom swimwear, and custom children’s clothing production.

Connect with us to harmonize your sourcing strategy. Elevate your brand’s potential today.

FAQs About French Underwear Companies​