23 French Clothing Brands You Might Not Know, but Definitely Should
When you think of French clothing brands, it’s the iconic fashion houses—Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Celine—that probably come to mind. Their designs are stunning and totally worthy of a dream wish list, but they’re not exactly the most practical or affordable. Luckily a number of chic and budget-friendly Parisian labels have popped up in recent years, making it insanely easy to channel those French girl vibes for less.
French style consistently appeals to so many of us because it’s an effortlessly elegant vibe that can make us feel like our truest self. It’s all about ease, and most women across the Atlantic don’t really care for throwaway, high-street styles. What do they care about is clothing that’s well-made and versatile—pieces that read polished without trying too hard.
You won’t see red berets or ballet flats in here, but what you will find are simultaneously essential and fresh designs that can slip seamlessly into your wardrobe. The French fashion brands listed below also have a consistent point of view (that je ne sais quoi, if you will), so you don’t have to worry about adding something to cart today that will look dated tomorrow. Shop 23 of the best French clothing brands ahead.
Maje
With its fashionable silhouettes and edgy-but-subtle details, Maje’s pieces always feel current. The brand has grown in popularity since it opened doors stateside in 2011, and is currently stocked at major retailers like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.
Sandro
We can’t talk about Maje without mentioning Sandro—its slightly more polished sister brand. Check them out if your style leans classic since they make quality basics with a twist. Think boyfriend blazers, embellished jeans, and ruffled white button-downs.
Veja
Meet the sneakers that are about to be a staple in your closet (if they’re not already). Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton both love Veja’s white sneakers, and for good reason: They’re sustainably made and pair well with anything already in your wardrobe.
Ba&sh
Fans of Maje and Sandro will love Ba&sh for its similar selection of trendy pieces at affordable price points. We’re partial to its printed blouses and sweatshirts to dress up (or down) a pair of jeans.
Zadig & Voltaire
“Boho chic” is the first thing that comes to mind with Zadig & Voltaire. Its lace-paneled camisoles, teddy coats, and slouchy knits will give your current wardrobe some serious attitude.
Isabel Marant
From Katie Holmes to Beyoncé to Gigi Hadid, Isabel Marant and her eponymous diffusion line Isabel Marant Étoile have a serious celeb following. Her accessories and ready-to-wear designs are instantly recognizable (she was the first to make sneaker wedges a fashion must-have, btw), and somehow never go out of style.
Rouje
A cult-favorite on Instagram, Rouje has a range of vintage-inspired tops and knits that look great with high-waisted denim or silk slips. Like its founder Jeanne Damas, you can expect the overall vibe to be soft and feminine without trying too hard.
Loulou Studio
When Parisian influencer Chloé Harrouche couldn’t find the knitwear she’d always wanted, she decided to make it herself. The result: Laid-back staples in rich fabrics that make you feel good in your skin. Loulou Studio is truly an extension of Harrouche’s personal style, with boyish tailoring and earthy tones dominating the color palette.
Sézane
No matter your personal style, Morgane Sézalory’s vintage-inspired brand will easily win you over. Its pieces are romantic and so easy to mix and match. Work one of its mohair knits into your rotation and see for yourself.
The Kooples
If Zadig & Voltaire feels too grungy and Sandro too polished, you might love Parisian brand, The Kooples. The brand always features real-life couples in its ads, and fittingly, its pieces have an understated, unisex feel.
Musier Paris
Here’s another influencer-led brand making waves. Brought to life by Anne-Laure Mais in 2018, Musier Paris gained major traction after Bella Hadid wore one of its cropped cardigans on a yacht this summer. Look to the brand for the ultimate Parisian wardrobe: shrunken knits, tailored separates, and versatile dresses.
Eres
If you consider swimwear to be a worthwhile investment, Eres is the label to have on deck. The French brand is known for its elegant one-pieces and bikinis, featuring minimal seams and long-lasting fabrics. Its lingerie collection is not be missed either.
Jacquemus
Those low-cut draped dresses and tiny bags you’ve been seeing all over the internet? You have Jacquemus to thank for that. The brand’s been enjoying its time in the sun, with basically everything being sought after by celebrities and fashion influencers—Boobie Billie included.
The Frankie Shop
You may know The Frankie Shop for its minimalist vibes and expert curation (Ganni and Nanushka are two of the labels it carries), but the buzzy boutique also designs some of the coolest basics. Case in point: Its sweatshirt sets and sweater-and-scarf combo which feel both on-trend and timeless.
Ysé
Give your top drawer a much-needed refresh with intimates from Ysé. The brand is founded by women for women, so you know you’re getting bras and undies that make you feel like your best self. Learn more about its made-to-measure approach here.
Bouguessa
Drawing on her French and Middle Eastern background, Faiza Bouguessa’s label is all about modest and luxurious designs. Her shirt dresses, abayas, and trench coats are great examples of how she bridges modern culture with traditional dressing values.
Maison Château Rouge
Maison Château Rouge is a socially-conscious lifestyle brand that sells hand-made, African-inspired fashion and home decor. It was founded in 2015 by brouthers Youssouf and Mamadou Fofana as a way to change the narrative around African culture in France.
Ernest Leoty
“Tailored” and “activewear” aren’t necessarily two words you’d put together, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Ernest Leoty. The brand draws inspiration from Leoty’s heritage as a storied corset maker, bringing you elegant bodysuits and stretchy sports bras in high-quality fabrics.
Charlotte Chesnais
For jewelry that looks like a work of art, check out Charlotte Chesnais. Her sinuous, sculptural rings and earrings in gold vermeil and silver are statement pieces are well worth the investment. You’ll own them for years to come.
Claudie Pierlot
Like many of the brands in this list, Claudie Pierlot’s clothes have a preppy but sophisticated vibe. Bookmark the label if you’re on the hunt for a new jumpsuit or Zoom-ready top.
A.P.C. Atelier
Opting for something super minimal? Look no further than the clean lines at A.P.C. Atelier. Its raw denim is a cult-fave too since it never loses shape or shrinks in the wash.
Iro
French women love their leather jackets—and Iro has some of the best on the market. They cost a pretty penny, but you’re paying for quality. The material gets better with age, and unlike some oversized fits which can feel too Danny Zuko in Grease, Iro’s slim-fit designs would add polish to your look à la Emmanuelle Alt.
