LES TRICOTS MARCEL TANK TOP: TEST & REVIEWS
Link to the test
Adored by some, rejected by others, one thing is certain: this garment is cult in history, and we couldn't overlook it (even less so as truckers!). The tank top, or Marcel for those in the know (the name originates from the Marcel factory that started production in the late 19th century), was originally a prized undergarment for its hygienic qualities and worn tightly, so much so that it is called a “body shirt.” Then, from undergarment, its popularity soared and it became a full-fledged garment, notably among workers. Quickly, it was associated with confidence and masculinity, showcasing the bulging muscles of laborers and then entered the wardrobe of women without ever leaving it, like a consecration. But also and especially, when we mention the Marcel, we instinctively think of great figures from the pop-rock scene (Queen) or cinema (James Dean, Marlon Brando, Bruce Willis, etc.). This knitwear, as grandma would say, is regularly brought back to the fore, and in a unique way, we decided to test it! It comes from a French brand, Les Tricots Marcel, which we discovered during the summer of 2020. Without further ado, here is the test:
Brand
“We should all have a Marcel in our life”: a phrase, a state of mind, leading to the creation of a brand: Les Tricots Marcel. In 1980, the Marcel tank top made its entrance into the dictionary, but it was in 2019, in Roanne near Lyon, that the brand (re)launched in France. And their ambition is no small thing: to restore this garment to its former glory. This involves several criteria: producing all of its products in France (Loire), partnering with a workshop that favors Pima cotton with extra-long fibers grown without any fertilizers or other products, designing robust and durable pieces, etc. Not to mention the social, economic, and professional integration of people with disabilities. It should be noted that although the brand specializes in Marcels, it also makes other items such as t-shirts, a deodorant, and even a bag or mask!
Technical Sheet
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- Model: Classic Edition
- Color: white (also available in pink, khaki, charcoal, grey heather, navy blue, red)
- Material: 100% cotton
- Fit: fitted
- Ribbed edges: no
- Available sizes: XS to XL
- Manufacturing: France
Presentation
Our new buddy Marcel likes to make an entrance. Quite demanding, the brand has comfortably installed him in a custom-made box made up of 70% recycled products. Because yes, Marcel cares about ecology, which is why the brand name is printed on the brown cardboard box with solvent-free water-based inks. To reduce his environmental footprint and transport costs, Marcel keeps a low profile and is rolled up, which is quite rare to note. This position allows him to make room for his khaki companion, as Marcel doesn’t like being alone. A small box indeed, which could easily be reused for another purpose! It should be noted that the brand also offers to deliver the tank tops individually for those who prefer to be solitary.
Design
For this shoot, we chose the most versatile color possible, the one that instantly comes to mind when imagining a Marcel for men: white. In terms of design, we are far from the oversized models often seen worn by tanned surfers with long hair on the Basque beaches (or Finistère!). We are also far from the more athletic and tight models worn by bodybuilders in gyms. Here, we have a Marcel with a fitted cut, giving off a rather vintage vibe, taking us back in time to the 1950s. I chose the most minimalist design available, the “Classic Edition,” but know that it is also available with a logo on the left chest. Now let’s move on to the construction, because something tells me this is one of the strong points of this tank top!
Construction
The brand manufactures artisanal sleeveless knits, like this one, which is entirely made within a 5-kilometer radius around Roanne. And for those who don’t know, this isn't a city in a foreign country. No, it’s truly made in
