French Women Swear By These 6 Lingerie Brands

Honestly, I don't think there'll ever be a time when I'm not obsessed with French style. When I think about the women who influence me the most, it's Caroline de Maigret, Michele Lamy and Jane Birkin (she might be British, but her style is unmistakably French). And as Paris continues to be home to some of the biggest fashion houses in the world and the inhabitants of the French capital continue to be purveyors of effortless style, I don't see this love affair ending any time soon.

While we often talk about how les femmes françaises know how to create the ultimate chic wardrobe (ballet pumps, a Breton top and a pair of classic blue jeans), there's one area of their attire that we don't talk enough about: lingerie. Much like their clothing, we've come to assume (or at least I know I have) that French women are experts in lingerie. Is it because the word lingerie comes from the French word for linen? Or maybe it's because of the stereotype that French women wear their silk shirts with just the right amount of lace bra showing? Despite the fact that it was the British who championed bras, rather than corsets, during the late 19th century, I still look to French women for lingerie advice.

I decided to ask some of my favourite French fashion influencers to ask them which lingerie brands they rate and why. Because there's nothing better than getting actual advice from French women, n'est pas? Ready to upgrade your underwear drawer to a whole new level of chicness? Keep scrolling for the six French lingerie brands influencers rate, and then shop our edit. 

"The two words that are the most important when it comes to French lingerie? Comfort and elegance. French women love invisible, sculpting, refined and timeless underwear while at the same being on-trend when it comes to shape, materials and colours. This is exactly what brands like Lejaby and Chantelle offer. They're popular brands because they tick all these boxes and offer neat, elegant and modern finishes for a chic and natural look."

"I love that Maison Lejaby has recently revamped its look. This is great because the quality is so good and ideal if you have boobs. I also like Livy for a bit more of a fun look, but it's still super chic. Then there's Eres—it's known for swimwear but it's also great for lingerie as its shapes and colours are on point. It's really delicate too, which is another reason why I like it so much."

"I've always been a fan of Chantelle's designs, but it's their artistic direction and sensibility that I'm particularly inspired by, such as their collaboration with Musée Rodin to showcase their new 'Softstretch' collection earlier this year. I also love Ysé. This is a brand that creates pretty, feminine and very affordable lacy bracelets and under-wired options that perfectly embody my concept of French style. I also love their photos and campaign images, which promote a range of real body types."

"For me, Aubade has the most glamorous and ultra-feminine pieces, they’re beautifully crafted sets and are collectibles that I’ve kept for years in my wardrobe. But I also love lingerie from Etam. It's fun, colourful, inclusive. They come up with cool collections, they're good quality and affordable."

SHOP FRENCH LINGERIE BRANDS

1. Maison Lejaby

2. Eres

3. Chantelle

5. Etam

6. Ysé

7. Aubade

Next up, the only pretty lingerie trend I'll be buying this year

This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.