Le Slip Français, the French underwear brand built on a bet that local manufacturing could survive against global giants, made its stock market debut in Paris Tuesday. The company, known for its men's and women's undergarments, T-shirts, socks, and swimwear, listed on the Euronext Growth Paris exchange. Founder and CEO Guillaume Gibault called the IPO a moment of pride, 15 years after starting the company to prove that making clothes in France was still possible.
The IPO follows a strong 2025, with revenue hitting €21 million ($24.6 million), EBITDA of €2.1 million, and net income of €700,000. Shares opened at €14.80 and dipped briefly before settling at €15. Gibault acknowledged the challenge of competing with fast-fashion giants like Shein and Temu, but argued that global trade uncertainty is pushing brands to bring textile production closer to home. "In every crisis there is opportunity," he said. "There is momentum now for relocating textiles in France."
Le Slip Français operates its own factory near Paris, producing about 4,500 pieces of underwear daily. Automation has helped cut retail prices from roughly €40 to about €20 while staying profitable. The company now plans to offer "Made in France as a service," manufacturing for other brands. It aims to double revenue by 2030, holding just 4% of France's men's underwear market despite 60% brand recognition. Gibault said entrepreneurship is "always super tough," but stable rules matter more than subsidies. "We don't expect any help. We just work."
Originally reported by CNBC