More and more of you have been reaching out to ask for my favorite spots in Paris and Bordeaux, my go-to French brands, and my best shopping recommendations. And I couldn’t be happier! I absolutely love answering your questions and reading your lovely messages—they always make my day :).
As a Frenchwoman and a fashion writer on Léonce Chenal for the past seven years, I can confidently say I’ve learned a thing or two along the way! So, to answer all your questions in one place, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide, which I hope will become your go-to resource. Inside, you’ll find a curated selection of iconic French brands, mid-range labels with great quality for the price, and an organized breakdown by category (coats, shirts, sweaters, dresses, etc.). And of course, I’ll also tell you where to find them and where to shop—whether online or in-store.
This guide will continue to evolve, so if you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments—I’d love to expand and refine this list based on what you’re looking for. And if you know of a hidden gem that deserves a spot here, don’t hesitate to share it! Your recommendations are always invaluable and will surely benefit the whole community :).
This post is not sponsored—I only share what I truly love. Some links are affiliate, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Merci!
1. The Most Iconic French Fashion Brands
- Sézane: effortless Parisian chic. One of my all-time favorite brands! The sizing runs a little small, so I recommend going one size up from your usual.
- Sandro: contemporary Parisian elegance. Prices are on the higher side, but the quality and durability make it a worthwhile investment (pro tip: shop during end-of-season sales for great deals).
- Maje: trendy and feminine urban style. Sandro’s little sister in terms of pricing, Maje has a more feminine yet not overly girly vibe.
- Ba&sh: boho chic with a Parisian twist.
- Gérard Darel: timeless French chic. A classic and refined Parisian style, with great fabrics and clean silhouettes. Iconic piece: The 24h leather bag.
- Soeur: minimalist and masculine-inspired aesthetic. Expect neutral colors, natural fabrics, and impeccable tailoring.
- Chloé: romantic bohemian luxury. The brand embodies a free-spirited, feminine elegance.
- Isabel Marant: bohemian chic with a luxe twist, the epitome of laid-back Parisian cool.
- Zadig & Voltaire: rock-chic, the French way.
- A.P.C.: high-end minimalism. The brand is known for its perfectly tailored wardrobe essentials and minimalist aesthetic.
- AMI Paris: relaxed yet sophisticated Parisian chic. The brand draws inspiration from the masculine Parisian wardrobe while embracing a gender-fluid approach.
- The Frankie Shop: ultra-trendy oversized tailoring. A go-to for structured, androgynous pieces with a fashion-forward edge.
- Rouje: Jeanne Damas’ ultra-feminine vintage aesthetic. The ultimate retro-chic Parisian style: wrap dresses, floral prints, midi skirts, and delicate cardigans.
2. French Mid-Range Brands—Chic & Accessible Fashion
Here’s my selection of mid-range French brands that sit between Sandro and H&M in terms of pricing. These labels offer great quality at more affordable prices than luxury brands, making it easy to find stylish, well-made pieces for under €200/$200.
- Sézane: effortless Parisian chic.
- Balzac Paris: a sustainable, eco-conscious brand with elegant, modern cuts and a soft, Parisian charm.
- Rosaé Paris: minimalism with a romantic touch.
- Maison 123: a brand known for sophisticated wardrobe staples with impeccable tailoring.
- Marie Marot: a label dedicated to impeccably cut shirts and minimalist pieces inspired by classic menswear.
- Louise Misha: bohemian chic with a poetic soul.
- Petite Mendigote: relaxed Parisian elegance.
- Sessùn: bohemian spirit with an artisan touch. A blend of vintage and boho aesthetics, featuring high-quality natural fabrics and artisanal craftsmanship.
- Comptoir des Cotonniers: timeless casual chic.
- Rouje: Jeanne Damas’ retro-chic sensuality.
- Musier: vintage elegance with a modern sensibility.
3. Love These Iconic French Labels? Here Are the Best Alternatives
- If you love classic Parisian chic like Sandro, you’ll adore Maje and Claudie Pierlot.
- If you love feminine Parisian with a twist like Sézane, you’ll love Balzac Paris, Maison 123, and Rosaé Paris.
- If you love bohemian and romantic vibes like Isabel Marant, you should check out Chloé, Ba&sh, and Louise Misha.
- If you love minimalist & contemporary cool like Soeur, you’ll also love A.P.C., American Vintage, and Loulou de Saison.
- If you love rock and edgy like Zadig & Voltaire, you’ll definitely love IRO and The Kooples.
4. The Best French Brands by Clothing Category
- Shirts: Marie Marot, Figaret.
- Dresses: Sandro, Maje, Rouje, Martin Martin.
- Sweaters & Knitwear: Kujten, Bompard, Maison Labiche, Maison Kitsuné.
- Coats & Jackets: Yves Salomon, Nour Hammour, Sandro, Maje, Ba&sh.
- T-shirts & Blouses: Sézane, Balzac Paris, Rosaé Paris.
- Elevated basics: CQFD Paris, American Vintage.
- Shoes: Bobbies, Jonak, Carel, Veja.
- Handbags: Le Tanneur, A.P.C., Longchamp, Polène.
5. Where to Shop French Fashion in Paris
Paris is truly the best city in the world for shopping! From charming little boutiques and niche Parisian labels to iconic fashion houses and grand department stores like Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, and La Samaritaine, the city is a paradise for fashion lovers. Here’s a list of my favorite stores—the ones I return to time and time again. If you’re visiting Paris, I highly recommend adding them to your shopping itinerary!
- L’Appartement Sézane – 1 Rue Saint-Fiacre
- La Samaritaine – 9 R. de la Monnaie
- Sandro – 26 Rue Vieille du Temple
- Maje – 49 rue Vieille du Temple
- Claudie Pierlot – 30 rue des Francs Bourgeois
- Ba&sh – 30 Rue des Archives
- Balzac Paris – 116 rue du Bac
- Bobbies – 123 rue Vieille Du Temple
- Carel – 95 Rue Vieille du Temple
- Polène – 69 Rue de Richelieu
I would personally add FYU PARIS to this list as well :)) I discovered them recently and I’m obsessed!
Thanks a lot to get chance to know about brands in France,
Thank you for this wonderful and exhaustive list. I’ve enjoyed reading all of your posts and look forward to more.
Thank you <3