Petit Bateau has dressed families in timeless French essentials for over a century. Known for its iconic yellow raincoat, sailor-striped shirt, classic caban (sailor’s jacket), and soft cotton underwear, the brand captures the spirit of carefree elegance. It now offers an iconic French style for all generations.
Petit Bateau provides quality-crafted clothing and essentials—for babies and children, but also for men and women. From Oeko-Tex® certified cotton basics to cozy sleepwear, plush toys, home linens, and beach-ready swimwear, every piece blends comfort, durability, and style.
History and Culture of Petit Bateau
The Petit Bateau story began in 1893 in Troyes, near Paris, when Pierre Valton opened a hosiery factory with one simple vision: to create high-quality garments that combined comfort with innovation.
In 1912, that vision took a pioneering turn. At a time when wool undergarments were the norm across France and Europe, the factory introduced washable white cotton underwear—a revolution in everyday comfort.
But the true turning point came in 1918, when Pierre’s son, Etienne Valton, reimagined traditional long underwear. Inspired by the beloved French nursery rhyme “Maman les p’tits bateaux,” he cut off the legs of the garment—giving birth to the very first pair of briefs. This simple yet ingenious idea earned Petit Bateau international acclaim, including the Grand Prix at the 1937 Exposition Universelle in Paris.
The brand officially took the name Petit Bateau in 1920, and has since remained a symbol of French creativity, quality, and savoir-faire.
Their official motto is Liberté, Qualité, Durabilité (Freedom, Quality and Durability).
With 28 million pieces sold each year (55% in France) and thousands of tons of fabric lovingly knitted, Petit Bateau is a global name with deep French roots. Today, 45% of their knitting and dyeing is still done in France, making them one of the leading employers in the French textile industry.
Sustainability through second-hand offering
Since 2017, Petit Bateau has been giving clothes a second life through its mobile app, where customers can buy pre-loved pieces. In 2021, the initiative expanded to stores, with 22 locations now accepting clothing returns for resale. Taking the next step in circular fashion, Petit Bateau is now launching a dedicated second-hand section on its e-shop. Customers can seamlessly purchase both new and pre-owned items in a single order.
“Our goal is to be the most sustainable and inspiring brand for children,” says Guillaume Darrousez, President of Petit Bateau. “We’re accelerating our second-hand offering because we believe in the lasting quality of our products. Our bodysuits, for example, are made to be worn by five different children — that’s the kind of longevity we stand behind.”
Insider Tip: Petit Bateau has regular -30% sales every few months so it is worth checking their website.
TAGS: #Children’s clothing #Toddlers’ clothing #men’s clothing #women’s clothing #underwear #beachwear