The story of a Made in France t-shirt made in a committed French workshop
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Time to read 6 min
We spoke with Camille, who runs the LAPSUSS clothing workshop, with whom we made our new 100% Made in France t-shirt. We tell you the story of the workshop and the steps involved in making our t-shirt.
The workshop made in France slip
The LAPSUSS workshop, based in Savoie, is one of the most important players in the production of our made in France t-shirt, embodying our values of sustainability and social responsibility. Smaller but ambitious, this workshop has the means to shake up the lines of the textile industry.
A committed clothing workshop
The LAPSUSS workshop is a committed clothing workshop, partnering with brands in their quest to manufacture less but better, in France, while respecting people and minimizing the environmental impact of their production activities.
The workshop is also an integration company , managed by Camille who took over the workshop in December 2022, thus saving jobs and giving new momentum to local textile production.
LAPSUSS supports brands from design to manufacturing of the finished product. This includes modeling, prototyping and manufacturing, in collaboration with trusted subcontractors and Made in France for embroidery and screen printing.
The workshop is thus specialized in small series : LAPSUSS supplies established brands and small local businesses with quality accessories and textiles. The Mon Carré Doux project , a small padded cushion, Made in France, which relieves the discomfort or pain caused by the pressure and friction of a seat belt for people wearing a medical device implanted under the skin, is a good example, demonstrating their versatility and their ability to collaborate with different partners for diversified productions.
The LAPSUSS workshop also stands out for its commitment to supporting the desire of its sister company Naige, which works to revalue local wool with projects such as the fleece, made from 100% wool, and also Made in France!
When taking over the workshop, Camille had to overcome many challenges, including managing a massive flow of information and adjusting production costs. The workshop, which mainly operated for a single brand before the takeover, has expanded its clientele to around ten companies, and today to around fifty clients, responding to a growing demand for responsible and committed fashion .
With a team of five seamstresses, three of whom are on integration contracts, LAPSUSS is dedicated to professional integration by supporting its employees towards sustainable employment , support lasting a maximum of two years.
The name of the LAPSUSS clothing workshop is the result of a collective decision, marking a new chapter in its history. Initially, the workshop had a name closely linked to the personal history of its founder. However, when Camille and the team took over, it became necessary to choose a new name that better reflects the values and mission of the workshop. Thus, LAPSUSS, an acronym for "L'Atelier Petite Série Utile Sociale et Solidaire" , was adopted. This new name highlights the workshop's commitment to small series production, social utility and solidarity, perfectly embodying the spirit of the company and its collective vision for the future.
A Savoyard workshop
The LAPSUSS workshop is located in Barberaz, a French commune in the Savoie department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Part of the Chambéry agglomeration and Grand Chambéry, Barberaz benefits from a strategic position that allows LAPSUSS to effectively radiate throughout the Chambéry basin. From there, the workshop can easily serve neighboring cities such as Aix-les-Bains, Chambéry and Annecy, and is only a short distance from Lyon. This privileged location, although there are not many clothing workshops in the region, offers LAPSUSS an excellent opportunity for local development while remaining connected to the major urban and economic centers of the region.
Photo of Barberaz, to be modified (we do not have the rights)
The challenges of relocating the textile industry in France
We asked Camille to clarify the challenges of relocating the textile industry in France. According to her, this relocation is very important. Currently, only 3% of textiles sold in France are manufactured locally , which shows the enormous challenge to be met to strengthen national production.
Local know-how is crucial, not only for the manufacturing but also for the repair of clothing. Brands like Lafuma and Millet have launched lifetime repair initiatives, highlighting the importance of this local expertise. This not only gives a second life to products but also strengthens the sustainability of the French textile industry.
However, for reshoring to truly take off, it is necessary to review tax policies. A more favorable tax system for made in France could provide a much-needed boost to this transition. Currently, competition in Europe is fierce, and the high cost of labor in France means that a locally produced t-shirt ultimately costs the customer around €50.
In short, relocating the textile industry to France is not only an economic challenge but also an opportunity to restore meaning to production, by promoting local know-how and creating sustainable and socially responsible products. To succeed, strong political support and collective commitment will be needed to support this essential transformation.
making the t-shirt made in France
The making of the Lagoped T-shirt with the LAPSUSS workshop is a meticulous process that begins well before the final production. It all starts with the creation of a precise retroplanning, allowing to work calmly and in advance. For a delivery in June, the first steps start at the beginning of September. The Lagoped team arrives with a first pattern and the necessary fabric footage. A first prototype is then made, followed by a series of adjustments to refine the design. A new pattern is then created, taking into account the modifications and color changes. A second prototype is produced to guarantee the perfect fit of the sizes.
Meanwhile, the Chambéry-based embroidery partner, La Fabrique du Textile , steps in to test and adjust the embroidery, for example increasing the size if necessary. Thanks to this close collaboration and adjustments, the final T-shirt meets Lagoped’s quality and design expectations.
The LOKAAL T-shirt by Lagoped, available in both men's and women's versions, represents an evolution in the Lagoped wardrobe thanks to a slightly improved pattern . Exclusively sold online and in a limited series, the TEEREC LOKAAL is distinguished by several unique features:
Comfort and Classic Cut : This t-shirt offers total comfort thanks to its classic cut which adapts perfectly to all body types.
Signature Embroidery : Featuring Lagoped signature embroidery, this t-shirt invites mountain lovers to guess which peak it is.
Innovative Composition : More virtuous than classic cotton, even organic, its composition mixes recycled cotton and recycled polyester for a controlled environmental impact.
Careful Details : Featuring a round neck without stitching, a Lagoped label in the side seam and embroidery at the bottom left, this t-shirt weighs 150 grams, ensuring lightness and comfort.
Technical drawings of the Lokaal t-shirt, Made in France
Made in close collaboration with professionals and enthusiasts, each piece is designed to last and respect the environment . The t-shirt yarn is made in Spain from recycled cotton and polyester, while the jersey and ribbing are knitted in France, in Picardy, before final assembly in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This local production reduces the carbon footprint and supports the French economy.
The recycled cotton used for this t-shirt avoids the negative impacts associated with conventional or organic cotton farming, such as the use of fertilizers, water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In concrete terms, 1 kg of recycled cotton can be used to make six t-shirts while avoiding:
Cultivation of 10 m² of arable land
The use of 15,000 litres of water, the equivalent of four months of daily five-minute showers
The emission of 23 kg of greenhouse gases, which corresponds to approximately 200 km traveled with a small petrol car
To extend the life of your LOKAAL t-shirt and respect the environment, machine wash it on a short cycle and at a low temperature (30°C or 40°C is enough) with a natural detergent. Prefer air drying rather than machine drying.
With the LOKAAL T-shirt, Lagoped continues to prove that fashion and sustainability can go hand in hand, offering high-quality clothing while minimizing the impact on our planet.
Lagoped expresses great gratitude to the LAPSUSS workshop for its trust. This partnership relationship is essential for the production of our t-shirt, and we are proud to support such a committed and resilient company.