THE TOP 7 FRENCH CLOTHING BRANDS FOR KIDS

What do French kids wear these days? Although children’s fashion is always evolving, no matter the year, you’ll see les petits français in certain classic outfits. Striped Breton shirts, cashmere gilets (cardigans), wool coats, wellington boots, and, of course, the essential écharpe. (We’ll never  understand why, but the French just know how to rock a scarf better than anyone else!) Ready to start building a chic, trendy, and traditional French kid’s wardrobe? Check out our must-have labels below! 

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

1. PETIT BATEAU: THE FRENCH BRAND PAR EXCELLENCE

Petit Bateau is one of the oldest children’s brands in France. While Petit Bateau releases new clothes every season, there are certain staples that it’s been producing since the 1920s, including la marinière. (Yes, there’s a special name for the striped shirt all French people seem to wear!) The brand also makes classic yellow rain boots and many cirés–the most iconic is a yellow rain jacket with a white-and-blue-striped interior. If you like the look of these clothes, you’ll be happy to know that you can buy them for kids or yourself! The brand launched an adult clothing line in the early 2000s. 

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• Fun fact No.1: Petit Bateau’s name comes from the French nursery song “Maman les p’tits bateaux.”
• Fun fact No.2: Petit Bateau popularized the panties-style cotton underwear most people wear today. Read about the history of the culotte here!
• Over the years, Petit Bateau has created a variety of famous advertising campaigns, including their Marinette ads and their 1994 ad campaign that used Jacques Dutronc’s well-known song “Fais pas ci, fais pas ça.” 

2. JACADI: THE MOST PARISIAN OF BRANDS

Created in 1976, the children’s fashion brand Jacadi Paris creates high-end clothes that have a traditional, yet modern look. This is a great place to shop for a flower girl dress or fancy shoes for children ages 0-12. You can buy classic essentials like their pleated collar blouse or iconic mary janes in their US store! Keep in mind that this brand is a bit pricey, so you should keep your eye out for their great sales.  

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• Fun French fact: The name of this brand derives from the popular children’s game “Jacques a dit,” the French equivalent of Simon Says! 

3. TARTINE ET CHOCOLAT: FRENCH ELEGANCE AT ITS FINEST 

Designer Catherine Painvin created this famous high-end brand in 1977. She has said that she was inspired by the elegant outfits the Kennedy children wore at their father’s funeral in 1963, and chose the name “tartine et chocolat” after her favorite childhood snack. Today, you can buy not only elegant, “retro-poetic” clothes, but also stuffed animals, bedroom furnishings, and strollers on the brand’s website or at melijoe. If you are looking for a perfume for babies, you should try Ptisenbon, the brand’s signature fragrance. It has subtle notes of honeysuckle, lily of the valley and jasmine and was launched in 1987 as a collaboration with Givenchy. 

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• The brand’s emblem, “Léon le Hérisson” (Léon the Hedgehog), is a plush toy that has been cuddled by millions of French children for over more than 40 years. He would make a perfect babyshower gift! 

4. CYRILLUS: FOR THAT CASUAL-CHIC LOOK À LA FRANÇAISE

Cyrillus was created in 1977 by Danielle Telinge, who named her collection after her son Cyrille. While it was originally a children’s brand, it has now grown into an adult clothing and home furniture store as well. The brand is very eco-friendly, uses only natural materials, and respects its workers’ rights. Cyrillus makes adorable school uniforms and has a great lookbook. Liberty dresses, pleated skirts, tweed coats, gabardines, ribbed golf trousers… you can find all the classic French wardrobe staples with a zest of British style and 1970s colors. Unfortunately, there are few stores that carry this brand in the US, but melijoe sometimes carries their collection.

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5. CATIMINI: COLORS GALORE WITH A FRENCH TWIST

Founded in 1972 by Monique and Paul Salmon, this brand’s goal has always been to make very cheerful children’s clothes. To remain innovative and original, in 1983 Catimini set up a research project made up of recent Beaux-Arts (France’s most prestigious art school) graduates. Catimini patterns are always playful, full of bright colours and mix-and-match iconic fabrics. Originality, escapism, generosity and expertise are the brand’s four key values. Check out their clothes (for kids ages 0-14)

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6. LILI GAUFRETTE: ROBES (DRESSES) FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

Founded in 1998 by designer Catherine Wollner, Lili Gaufrette is a French clothing brand that makes dresses, jackets and accessories for girls ages 2 to 12, with meticulous finishing touches and natural materials. Blending simplicity, high-fashion and sophistication, the label offers a “preppy chic” look. You’ll find Eiffel Tower prints, houndstooth patterns, lurex swallows, gold bows, tweed shorts and pleated skirts. Overall, the brand captures the essence of that certain French je ne sais quoi.

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7. SERGENT MAJOR: HIGH QUALITY FRENCH CLOTHES AT AFFORDABLE PRICES 

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Paul Zemmour created this label in 1987 in a nod to the classic fountain pen of the same name, used by generations of French schoolchildren. Sergent Major clothes are entirely designed and created in France and all patterns and prints are exclusive to the brand. Sergent Major combines style, comfort and safety all at an affordable price and ships all over the world.