VÉTRA FAQ – Authentic French Workwear Since 1927

VÉTRA is a French workwear brand founded in Paris in 1927 by Édouard Beerens. Still owned and managed by the Beerens family, the company specialises in authentic French workwear, including chore jackets, trousers, overalls and other garments inspired by its historical designs. VÉTRA manufactures its clothing in its own factory in France. Discover the history of the VÉTRA brand.

VÉTRA clothing is made in the company's own factory in Le Lude, in the Sarthe department of western France. The family business relocated to Le Lude in 1940 and resumed production there in 1941. Manufacturing in France remains central to the brand's identity and expertise. Explore our manufacturing expertise.

Yes. VÉTRA has remained a family-owned business since its foundation in 1927. Four generations of the Beerens family have contributed to developing the brand and preserving its French workwear manufacturing expertise.

VÉTRA was founded in Paris in 1927 by Édouard Beerens. The name comes from the French expression "VÊTements de TRAvail", meaning "work clothes". The brand was originally created to supply practical, durable garments for workers and craftspeople. Read the Beerens family story.

VÉTRA combines an uninterrupted family history dating back to 1927, production in its own French factory, and a collection rooted in original workwear designs. Its garments reflect traditional workwear construction, functional details and fabrics such as French moleskin, cotton twill and herringbone.

Traditional French workwear was designed for practical professional use, with functional pockets, durable fabrics and construction suited to everyday work. Workwear-inspired fashion borrows this aesthetic for contemporary clothing. VÉTRA belongs to the original French workwear tradition while adapting heritage garments for modern everyday wear.

A French chore jacket is a practical garment traditionally worn by workers and craftspeople. Blue work jackets are commonly associated with the term "bleu de travail", which can also describe a complete workwear outfit. It is recognised for its straightforward construction, front button closure, patch pockets and durable fabric. Originally designed as everyday work clothing, it has become an enduring part of contemporary wardrobes. Explore our men’s work jackets.

"Bleu de travail" literally means "work blue" in French. It refers to the iconic blue work clothing traditionally associated with French industrial workers and craftspeople. The term can describe a work jacket or a broader workwear outfit. VÉTRA has produced this type of clothing since its founding in 1927.

French moleskin is a tightly woven cotton fabric traditionally used for durable workwear. Unlike the brushed finish often associated with British moleskin, traditional French moleskin has a smooth, dense, satin-like surface. It is particularly associated with classic French work jackets. Learn more about traditional fabrics and our manufacturing know-how.

French moleskin is known for its dense weave and smooth, satin-like surface. Cotton twill is identified by its diagonal weave structure and is widely used for durable garments. Both fabrics have an important place in French workwear history, but their appearance, feel and drape are different.

Blue became closely associated with French working clothes through the widespread use of blue-dyed fabrics in industrial and craft trades. The famous "bleu de travail" became a recognisable symbol of French workwear. However, traditional workwear also existed in black, brown, ecru and other colours, depending on the occupation and fabric.

Yes. Although VÉTRA jackets are rooted in traditional professional workwear, today's collections are also designed for contemporary everyday wardrobes. Their practical pockets, straightforward shapes and durable fabrics make them suitable for casual and heritage-inspired styling.

Traditional French workwear relies on robust fabrics, functional design and carefully executed construction. Features such as reinforced seams, bar tacks and sturdy pocket construction help garments withstand repeated use. VÉTRA maintains these workwear principles as part of its manufacturing heritage. Find out more about our manufacturing expertise.

VÉTRA jackets follow traditional French workwear sizing, which may differ from standard international sizing. The fit also depends on the individual style. We recommend checking the size guide on the relevant product page and comparing your body measurements before ordering.

Start by measuring your chest and, when relevant, your waist. Compare your measurements with the size chart provided on the product page rather than relying only on your usual S, M, L or XL size. If you need assistance, contact VÉTRA customer service with your measurements and the garment you are considering.

Always follow the care label inside your VÉTRA garment, as washing and ironing requirements depend on its fabric and finish. Different materials, including cotton moleskin, twill and corduroy, may require different care. Following the garment-specific instructions helps preserve its appearance and longevity.

Orders generally require one to two working days for preparation before dispatch. Delivery times depend on the selected carrier and destination. Once your parcel has been shipped, you can follow its progress using the tracking information available in your customer account.

Sign in to your VÉTRA customer account, open the relevant order and select the item you wish to return. Submit your request using the return option. Once customer service has approved it, you can download or print the return form and follow the instructions provided.

Return shipping costs for a change-of-mind return are normally paid by the customer, in accordance with VÉTRA's terms of sale. For an approved exchange, the customer pays to send the original item back, while VÉTRA covers the shipping cost of sending the replacement item. Different statutory rules apply to defective or non-conforming products.

Refunds are processed in accordance with VÉTRA's terms of sale and applicable consumer law. For an eligible withdrawal, reimbursement must normally be made within 14 days of being informed of your decision to withdraw; it may be withheld until the goods are received or evidence of their return is provided. Please consult the terms of sale for the full procedure.

Authentic VÉTRA clothing is available from our official website and selected specialist retailers worldwide. In Paris, A L'O – 1905 (À L'Ouvrier), a historic French workwear shop founded in 1905, is VÉTRA's oldest physical retailer. Located at 92 Rue de Turenne in the Marais district of Paris, the shop offers the widest selection of VÉTRA styles in a physical store. Discover our network of specialist stockists.

Yes. VÉTRA is distributed internationally through a network of selected retailers. Its international presence developed particularly from the 1990s, notably through specialist stores in Japan and other markets. Contact VÉTRA or consult the official stockists page for information about retailers. Discover our network of selected retailers.