When it comes to effortlessly chic style, we’re constantly chasing that je ne sais quoi of all French girls. Breton stripes, ballet flats, their ability to totally transform a look with the simple addition of a blazer or leather jacket; it’s as if all Parisians are born with that innate confidence of dressing that we spend the better part of our lives in pursuit of. And we want in. This season, we’re attacking our French-girl wardrobe in the most logical way possible: We’re starting with our lingerie drawer. After all, there’s something about slipping into a romantic lacey bralette we want to show off just as much as the shirt we layered on top that turns our everyday stroll into a little more of a runway strut—even if no one else knows it.
From couture creations to affordable styles you can truly stock up on, here are 11 French lingerie brands you need to know. Prepare to start building the Parisian wardrobe of your dreams—starting with your intimates, of course.
If you’re looking for an everyday brand that is going to make you feel extra special, look no further than Eres. Lovers of cotton bralettes trimmed in lace, high-waisted briefs, and slips you’ll want to wear layered under dresses at parties, as well as totally on their own once you get back home, this is the vibe you’ve been seeking.
Inspired by fine art, Lise Charmel is renowned for her use of satin, silk, guipure embroideries and Calais lace. One of France’s best selling luxury lingerie brands, its intricate and beautiful detailing is too pretty to resist.
Yasmine Eslami has been around for almost 10 years, quickly joining the greats in the Parisian lingerie world. Coming from a background of designing for iconic designers such as Vivienne Westwood, though, it’s no surprise that she instantly mastered the vintage yet modern style we’re all seeking.
If you’re looking to channel Marie Antoinette and the women of the French revolution through your intimates, Chantal Thomass is the designer for you. With a penchant for the sophisticated, most of her styles boast sculptural bows, satin feels, or delicate lace designs.
The easiest way to break into splurge-worthy lingerie, there’s something just so special about Agent Provocateur’s selection. There’s something for everyone: the classic, the sporty, and even the truly daring. And with each style, fussy or not, you’ll feel like you’re wearing a true work of art.
Calling themselves the “best fitting bras in France,” Simone Perele matches form and function, creating silhouettes that will make a girl feel her best without fuss while adding details of design that are quintessentially Parisian—even for those of us living a million miles away.
While you’ll find some of the most gorgeous lingerie sets from Le Petit Trou, the real charm of this brand lies in its bodysuits. It’s safe to say we consistently want one of each. And then some.
Chantelle offers one of the widest ranges in size when it comes to French lingerie brands, making sure to offer many of its best sellers in cup sizes that go up to an H and bottoms that reach 16/18. From simple soft cups in nude to the laciest of its selection in sultry black, there’s something for everyone.
Eberjey is the everyday lingerie that will make you feel anything but boring. In varying shades of pastel lace, cotton, and silk, it’s the kind of bra-and-panty set you’ll feel equally comfortable layering under a cotton T-shirt and silk cocktail dress alike.
Maison Lejaby has a gift of putting lace in all the right places. Whether it’s that extra few inches of trim, an allover lace cup that gives way to a comfortable cotton band, or romantic accents along the back of a particularly eye-catching style, there’s something for everyone. What’s more is that the brand’s selection is more inclusive than most, going up to a size 38F.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.