Sailiz: Solène Saclier wins award for dungarees designed by and for women sailors

Committed to designing sustainable technical clothing, the Lorient-based founder of the Sailiz brand has just been awarded the "Jury's Favourite" prize in Bpifrance's 101 Femmes competition.

Only two years old, the Sailiz brand, founded in Lorient by Solène Saclier, has already established itself as a benchmark in women's technical yachting equipment. Its approach, rooted in listening to users and the principles of the circular economy, has just been recognized with a special mention in the 101 Femmes competition, initiated by Bpifrance to reward committed female entrepreneurs.

Dungarees born of a real need in the field

Trained as a textile professional and an experienced sailor, Solène Saclier had found no overalls that were really adapted to women's morphologies. So, in 2023, she decided to design a technical garment herself, in close collaboration with women sailors, both recreational and professional.

The result is an innovative waxed overall, incorporating several details designed for use at sea. The zipper is lowered for easier handling when sailing, the Y-crossed straps can be unclipped with just one hand, and the fabrics chosen are guaranteed to be free of PFCs, chemical substances controversial for their impact on health and the environment.

An approach focused on use and sustainability

Sailiz's strength lies in its approach to co-design and its concern for the environment. By avoiding chemical treatments to ensure waterproofing, the brand is part of an underlying trend in favor of sustainable nautical equipment. This positioning, praised by the jury of the 101 Femmes competition, also corresponds to the growing expectations of women sailors, long ignored by equipment brands.

Recognition that goes beyond boating

By receiving the "Coup de c?ur du jury" award, Solène Saclier joins a network of women entrepreneurs supported by BPIFrance, with enhanced visibility and easier access to support. This is an important step for this growing company, whose ambition is to expand its range and production capacity without compromising its values.

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