The Truth About Made in France Fashion: Understanding the Realities and the Issues

Today, around 50% of French people prefer to buy products made in France. The “Made in France” label is now a widely used sales argument, especially in the fashion sector. However, behind this simple term lie sometimes vague interpretations that can mislead consumers. So, what is really happening with “ Made in France” in the fashion industry?

It is common for consumers to have difficulty understanding what they are buying when they opt for a product "made in France". This is even more true in the fashion sector. As a company and consumers, we have encountered these questions ourselves, hence the importance of clarifying certain points to help everyone make informed choices.

Our goal is not to exclusively promote "Made in France" or to condemn products from other sources, but simply to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions.

DISCOVER JEWELRY MADE IN FRANCE

Made in France: Ambiguous and Flexible Regulations

What does “Made in France” really mean?

In the fashion sector, the “Made in France” marking is governed by precise rules defined by the General Directorate of Customs and Indirect Taxes (DGDDI). However, this marking is not mandatory, except for certain food products.

For a product to carry this label, it must meet certain conditions:

• The manufacturing must have been carried out using non-French raw materials, but which have undergone substantial transformation in France.
• The final product must meet a minimum processing threshold on French soil.

However, this framework remains vague, which allows some companies to interpret the rules more or less flexibly. For example, a pair of pants made in France from fabrics imported from Asia can legitimately bear the label “Made in France.” This underlines the importance of digging deeper if you want to know the true provenance of a product.

The “Made in France” Label: More Rigor and Transparency

Private labels, such as EPV (Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant) or France Terre Textile, have been created to guarantee strict French manufacturing. These labels impose stricter requirements than those of customs, offering additional verification by independent bodies.

Some specific labels such as the Geographical Indication also certify a particular quality linked to the geographical origin, like Limoges porcelain. These certifications assure consumers of genuine French production, and are therefore guarantees of quality and know-how.

French-Washing: When Communication Deceives

In a market where “Made in France” is perceived as a guarantee of quality, it is not uncommon for some brands to abuse terminology to give a false impression of French origin. For example, a product may be “designed in France”, “assembled in France” or “packaged in France”, but this does not necessarily mean that it was entirely manufactured on the territory.

It is essential to understand the difference between these terms:

• Designed in France : The product was designed and imagined in France, but may have been manufactured elsewhere.
• Made in France : The product has undergone significant transformation on French soil.
• Assembled in France : The various components were assembled in France, but this is not necessarily the case for the raw materials.
• Packaged in France : The product was packaged in France, but this does not guarantee that it was manufactured on site.

At Aglaïa & Co, we favor transparency and local manufacturing, working with French workshops for the assembly and packaging of our creations.

Distinguishing the True from the False in Made in France

The “Made in France” label is often seen as a guarantee of quality, eco-responsibility and support for the local economy. However, it is essential to remember that this label does not necessarily mean entirely local or ethical production.

To avoid being misled, here are some tips for understanding labels and certifications:

• Know how to read the terms : Learn to decipher the different labels and mentions such as “Designed in”, “Made in” and “Packaged in”.
• Look for certified labels : Choose products with labels such as EPV or France Terre Textile, which guarantee more rigorous production.
• Check brand transparency : An honest brand will communicate clearly about the origin of its products, including parts of the production carried out abroad.

Why Transparency is Crucial

In today's world, where consumers are increasingly concerned about the impact of their purchases, brand transparency is essential. A brand that not only reveals its strengths but also its areas for improvement is generally more reliable. At Aglaïa & Co, we strive to provide all the necessary information so that our customers can make responsible and informed choices.

Choosing Wisely as a Responsible Consumer

As a consumer, it is essential to take the time to understand what is behind the “Made in France” label. While this label is synonymous with quality for many, there are a wide variety of interpretations that can make identifying genuine French products difficult. By being informed and choosing transparent brands, you will be able to make choices that match your values ​​while supporting more responsible and ethical fashion.