The 10 Best French Lingerie Brands to Upgrade Your Top Drawer
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French women have an effortless way of making even the simplest things feel chic—lingerie included. To them, what’s underneath is just as important as what’s on display.
For the longest time, I thought lingerie was something reserved for special occasions. Like a matching lace set reserved for date nights or anniversaries.
But after living in France for nearly five years, I’ve realized that for many French women, it’s not just about seduction. It’s also about feeling good in your own skin and adding a bit of luxury to the everyday (regardless of your relationship status).
It’s no surprise then that French lingerie brands are some of the best in the world. And after getting to know plenty over the years, I’ve discovered a few favorites that truly stand out.
Whether you're after a statement corset, silky negligée or the perfect t-shirt bra, here are the very best French lingerie brands to upgrade your top drawer.
1. Simone Pérèle
Photo: Simone Pérèle
Simone Pérèle proves that beautiful lingerie can also be comfortable. Founded in 1948 by a corset maker, the brand is known for its alluring French style, flawless fit and thoughtful attention to detail.
From delicate lace to seamless essentials, each piece is designed in France using high-quality fabrics sourced from the best embroidery and lace houses in Europe.
For an everyday staple done right, their bestselling Andora 3D Molded Underwire Bra makes the perfect foundation for any outfit. So comfortable, you might just forget you’re wearing anything at all.
2. Lise Charmel
Fine lace and embroidery are the keywords of this iconic French lingerie house. Born in Lyon, the world capital of silk, Lise Charmel is today a name renowned for its savoir-faire and elegance.
From dentelle demis to satin nightgowns and tulle thongs, every single piece reflects the brand’s relentless pursuit of beauty and unparalleled comfort.
Also worth highlighting is their luxe collection of loungewear that takes looking chic at home to a whole new level.
3. Chantelle
Photo: Chantelle
With over a century of expertise, Chantelle has perfected the lingerie look with a comfortable fit.
A true innovator in the industry, Chantelle introduced the first seamless bra with molded cups in 1972. Today, the brand continues to lead the way in French lingerie, with its original factory in Épernay, France, still crafting pieces using time-honored techniques.
Chantelle offers plenty of lacey, colorful designs that make everyday lingerie feel special. If you’re in the market for seamless staples, their SoftStretch collection is a must. I personally love their SoftStretch thongs for everyday wear—they truly feel like a second skin without showing through tight-fitting jeans and leggings. The Chantelle Rive Gauche Bra is another bestseller worth trying on.
For more affordable bras and underwear, be sure to check out their sister brand, Darjeeling.
4. Chantal Thomass
A rebel and pioneer in French lingerie, Chantal Thomass has been redefining intimatewear since the 1970s with her bold, playful, and unapologetically feminine approach. She was the first designer to turn lingerie into a fashion statement—and a sign of female empowerment—sparking a trend for women to wear bras as outerwear.
Corsetry, satin bows, black lace, and vintage-inspired cuts characterize her line that’s retro, sweet and seductive all in one.
5. Aubade
Photo: Aubade
Aubade was the first lingerie brand to create matching colored bras and underwear—now a staple in a well-curated lingerie drawer. With just the right balance of sensuality and sophistication, Aubade offers a mix of intricate lace, bold cuts, and detailed embroidery.
They’re also committed to inclusivity, offering cup sizes from A to H, and sustainability, with 100% OEKO-TEX®-certified materials. To seduce like the French, Aubade is the French lingerie designer to have on your radar.
I personally own a full lace set from Aubade (stockings and corset included), and it’s an instant confidence booster.
6. Maison Lejaby
Straight from Lyon, France, Maison Lejaby doesn’t define itself as a traditional fashion or luxury brand, but rather a “House of Creation”. Each and every collection is a testament to the brand’s know-how: the materials are chosen with care, the pieces are perfectly cut while each design ensures a controlled fit.
A heritage brand with a modern approach, Maison Lejaby continues to set the standard for French lingerie, including its Elixir line, designed specifically for larger cup sizes without lacking in femininity or comfort.
7. Etam
Photo: Etam
It's impossible to miss Etam, the number one lingerie brand in France. With more than 100 years of expertise, the brand embodies the "French way to be sexy"—effortless, playful, and always chic.
What sets Etam apart? Affordable prices, modern designs, and everyday comfort, making it a go-to brand for many French women. It’s also on my list of the best affordable stores in Paris.
You don’t need a ticket to France to shop their collections either—Etam is available in the U.S. at Nordstrom.
8. Yasmine Eslami
After working alongside Vivienne Westwood for a decade, Yasmine Eslami launched her eponymous lingerie label in 2010, bringing a fresh take to French intimates.
Her designs are all about light-as-air comfort, crafted from fabrics like crepe, cotton, and mesh for a barely-there feel, while not shy in sensuality. Sheer-panel bras and bodysuits in vibrant hues have become the brand’s signature—breathable and effortlessly alluring for daytime.
Beyond lingerie, you won’t want to pass on their swimwear line that’s just as flattering.
9. Cadolle
Photo: Maison Cadolle
The crème de la crème of French lingerie, Maison Cadolle is renowned for its made-to-measure creations worn by big names like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Léa Seydoux and Monica Bellucci.
The inventor of the modern bra, Herminie Cadolle, established her legendary Parisian atelier, which has been perfecting the art of lingerie for over a century. As one of the most prestigious haute couture lingerie houses, Maison Cadolle delivers nothing less than flawless fit and couture-level detail in every piece—including their iconic French corsets.
Their custom bras, starting at €700, take a month to perfect, while ready-to-wear styles begin at €200—a serious investment for sure.
I, for one, can’t stop obsessing over this silk orange corset.
10. Eres
Eres has remained a major name in elegant swimwear, lingerie, and activewear for over 50 years.
Best known for its iconic swimsuits designed to take you from sea to city in style, their designs can be spotted on the beaches of the French Riviera and around the globe.
But lingerie is just as much a part of the brand’s DNA. With iconic cuts, pure lines and innovative materials, Eres bras and underwear are meant to flatter the female form—all while being on trend for the season and keeping with French tradition.
Honorable Mentions
This list isn’t quite over! With so many famous lingerie brands hailing from France, here are a few more worth shopping.
LIVY, NOO, and Ysé are all newer French brands bringing a fresh perspective to the industry.
When it comes to vintage-inspired lingerie, no one does it better than Fifi Chachnil and her feminine and flirty designs (certain to make you feel like a pin-up icon).
For full-bust support with luxury detailing, Empreinte is the lingerie brand to have on your radar.
Princesse Tam Tam is another French favorite with playful designs similar to Etam and Darjeeling. Passionata, a younger sister brand of Chantelle, also offers trendy and affordable bras and underwear.
And what about the man in your life? He’ll definitely want to shop Le Slip Français for comfortable basics at reasonable prices.
I hope this list of the best French lingerie brands inspires you to indulge in a new everyday essential or romantic lace ensemble—whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, date night, or simply to treat yourself.
Which French lingerie brands are your favorite? Let me know in the comments below.
