Guillaume Gibault and the Reinvention of French Textiles
In an era of globalized supply chains and quick fashion, Guillaume Gibault has built a brand that challenges the status quo. As the founder of Le Slip Français, Gibault didn’t just launch an underwear line; he bet on the resilience of the French textile industry. By prioritizing local production and industrial sovereignty, he transformed a simple garment into a symbol of national pride and economic reinvention.
The Entrepreneurial Journey: From HEC to “600 Slips”
Guillaume Gibault’s path to entrepreneurship was shaped by a blend of rigorous academic training and corporate experience. After studying at HEC Paris, he entered the Graduate Program at General Electric and later served as the sales manager for Bio c’bon. It was during his time at Bio c’bon that he worked alongside entrepreneur Thierry Chouraqui, an experience that helped catalyze his move into business ownership.
In 2011, Gibault launched Le Slip Français. The beginning was far from glamorous: after securing funding and finding a production workshop, he started with just 600 pairs of briefs and a small van. He gambled on the belief that consumers were willing to buy local if the product was quality and the mission was clear. To lean into this French identity, he gave his models the names of French submarines, such as “Le Redoutable,” “Le Terrible,” and “Le Conquérant.”
Scaling with Purpose: The B Corp Model
Le Slip Français operates on the principle that a company should pursue goals beyond simple economic profit. This philosophy led the company to become a B Corp certified purpose-driven organization. The brand’s commitment to “Made in France” is absolute, covering every step of the process from the knitting of the fabric to the final packaging.
The company’s impact on employment is significant:
- Direct Employment: The company supports 100 direct jobs.
- Indirect Employment: Through a network of 40 partner workshops, the brand supports over 200 full-time equivalents.
Industrial Sovereignty and the Bonne Nouvelle Factory
While many brands rely on third-party contractors, Gibault integrated industrial production directly into the business model. Three years ago, the company established the Bonne Nouvelle factory in Aubervilliers. This move was a strategic shift toward “textile sovereignty,” reducing reliance on external partners and tightening quality control.
The results of this industrialization are evident in the company’s growth. The Bonne Nouvelle factory now produces 1 million pieces per year, accounting for 60% of the group’s total volume. Financially, this strategy paid off in 2025, marking the factory’s first profitable year with a turnover (CA) of €21 million.
Evolution of Leadership
As the company evolved from a startup into an industrial player, its leadership structure adapted. In 2024, Léa Marie joined Guillaume Gibault as CEO. Together, they lead the company’s transformation, focusing on the ambition to prove that large-scale manufacturing in France is not only possible but sustainable.
Key Takeaways: The Le Slip Français Strategy
| Strategic Pillar | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Sourcing | 100% Made in France, from knitting to packaging. |
| Infrastructure | Ownership of the Bonne Nouvelle factory in Aubervilliers. |
| Certification | B Corp certification for social and environmental performance. |
| Branding | Cultural storytelling using French naval themes. |
Looking Ahead
Guillaume Gibault’s success demonstrates that “Made in France” can be a competitive advantage rather than a limitation. By combining corporate discipline with a mission-driven approach, Le Slip Français has created a blueprint for other textile brands seeking to onshore their production. As the company continues to scale under the joint leadership of Gibault and Léa Marie, the focus remains on creating jobs and restoring pride in French industrial craftsmanship.
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