Our history
The return of the Authentic Marcel from Roanne, a French brand clothing
100% French manufacturing, 100% Roannais (it's 60 minutes from Lyon)
The tank top is French, yes it is! It's called Marcel and comes from Roanne. Essential in a sustainable wardrobe, timeless and suitable for all seasons, this piece finds its place in the wardrobes of men and women around the world. It is to Marcel Eisenberg of the Établissements Marcel de Roanne that we owe this iconic name. Since 2019, we have revived this beautiful story in Roanne, in the tradition of Marcel Eisenberg. Discover in this article the story of this iconic and timeless piece that has conquered the world.
Marcel, more than an iconic name
A popular story, a revival in full trend
In the 1860s, in the heart of the Paris markets, and at the mercy of icy drafts, the stevedores, although physically well-placed in the food chain, are forced to wear heavy wool sweaters to avoid catching a bad cold, and thus, dying. One of these fine babies, attached to life but hindered in his movements, then decides to cut his sleeves, unknowingly giving birth to the Tank Top dynasty. Which is not one of a choirboy.
Marcel Eisenberg, a Roannais hat maker, soon becomes the echo of this clothing revolution by mass-producing this undershirt. Let's call it… let’s see… the Marcel tank top! Just like that, it spreads like wildfire to the gear of the poilus, to the first vacationers of the RN7, and through the robust busts of all blue collars. And suddenly, bang-bang, you shot me down, chaos ensues, it's a stewing, erotic frenzy: Marlon Brando makes it a massive seduction weapon, dragging a whole pack of very, very masculine men in his wake. With women comes, as often, the acknowledgment. Here they adopt our Marcel tank top without thinking to rename it Marceline, to dust the courts of tennis or take out a grumpy Alien. And between the Claudine collar and the Marcel tank top… Lara Croft made the right choice. In 1980, the Marcel tank top entered the dictionary, shortly before the Établissements Marcel themselves were sacrificed on the altar of delocalization. But here we are: since May 2019, we have, as irreducible Gauls and with a controlled gamble, relaunched the game. It is played in Roanne, still in Roanne, which bears the DNA of heritage and textile excellence. The know-how returns silently but lets "Les Tricots Marcel" make the noise it deserves.
No throwaway clothing, an impeccable Marcel tank top
From our workshops, the worthy heirs of the Marcel tank top exit with their heads held high, for all those who claim a no-fuss coolness. Because "Les Tricots Marcel" do not compromise on quality, style, or the respect for human resources. The manufacturing process is in line with that of luxury and haute couture. The seamstresses carry out traditional cutting and making, using cotton Pima, whose spinning is only done in Greece. The "Marcel" transmission is ensured as the younger ones are trained by the older ones. Knitting and dyeing are done in Roanne and its surroundings. The same goes for the labels and packaging "the Box for Marcel." Visit the following link to learn more about our 100% local production. Thus, by localizing all the links in the production chain, we guarantee total traceability and contribute to a more virtuous exchange model, respectful of man and his environment. In short, the past has its merits. Looking towards the future, it takes on a stylish turn. That’s good, we want you to have style in your Marcel tank top. If you are not yet convinced, see what the press says about Tricots Marcel (M6, France 2, Radio France...).
Our store, French brand clothing - Les Tricots Marcel
Discover our wide collection, Made in France, Roannaise confection. For adults, we offer a wide selection of clothes made in France for men and women. Our brand naturally proposes a wide range of tank tops, more than 30 models to choose from. Then there's its little brother Lucien with short or long sleeves. Do you like T-shirts? Come and discover our beautiful selection in organic cotton. And when the sun hides and the cold arrives, Marcel becomes a second layer or underwear, ready to keep you warm. Then we bring out the