Adrienne's story is the story of two sisters and a friend who run, but not after medals. What they are looking for is a solution for this famous problem of “small end-of-race accidents and groin friction burns”. Between Émilie, apartment manager, and Florie, general practitioner, and a running friend, discussions at aperitif revolve around sports bras, sneakers, and soon… panties. “ We already had everything: technical clothing, strong bras, compressive socks or even light sneakers but not the panties of our dreamsremembers Émilie. A supportive, comfortable, seamless panty that doesn't retain moisture and stays in place without causing discomfort is exactly what we've been missing. »
They scour the stores and the Internet, but still nothing. “ We only found menstrual panties, they weren't exactly ideal for running without thinking about it », jokes Émilie. The idea remained in the back of their minds, until Émilie decided to relaunch the project during the 2020 confinement period. “ Ah, thank you COVID! During confinement, I finally had the time to get serious about it », admits Émilie, between bursts of laughter. A survey on social networks reveals a strong interest in panties suitable for sports, thus encouraging the two sisters to move from idea to realization.
Adrienne, the panties that don't run faster, but don't slow you down anymore
And there you have it, Adrienne was born! They created the company Balapie (a name formed from the first letters of the names of the three friends), joining forces to design these sports pants that they had hoped for so much. An underwear designed as the best ally for sportswomen: a quality French technical fabric which dries faster than a Burgundian kiss and offers optimal support, a fine, hypoallergenic and anti-odor absorbent mattress to guarantee comfort and serenity, even during intense efforts, and seamless to avoid friction. “ We wanted panties that didn't move and were comfortable for all types of sports, remaining invisible under clothing. We wanted these panties to stay in place, so that they wouldn't make your leg look like a ball of fabric under the leggings. », specifies Émilie. The idea? “ That athletes only have to concentrate on their stride and not on what is happening below. »
To produce Adrienne, Émilie and Florie did not skimp on quality with local production near Lyon: Bourgoin-Jallieu for the supplier and Villeurbanne for the manufacturing. Only the cutting is carried out in Tunisia to benefit from thermomodeling technology. This approach ensures the quality and durability of each piece, while supporting responsible production.
Result ? Panties that don't move, that stay dry, and that are ready for all sporting events…
Why “Adrienne”? Because Rocky, of course!
And the name? Easy ! Adrienne is Rocky Balboa's companion, a silent but indispensable symbol of support. “ Adrienne is the one who supports him in the shadows, without whom he would never have entered the ring. We said to ourselves that our Adrienne panties would be a bit like her: discreet, reliable, and always there for us », Explains Émilie, laughing. “ It won't make you run faster, but it will allow you to do it with peace of mind. »
Small business, from Meursault to half-marathons
Adrienne's activity remains secondary for the moment for the two creators, who wish to produce in small quantities. Financed with their own funds, their project is evolving thanks to online sales and during local sporting events. The Adrienne panties are sold online at the price of €29 with shipping costs and €25 during regional competitions, such as La Foulée des Vendanges in Savigny, or the half-marathon of the Vente des Vins de Beaune next Saturday or on the Côte Chalonnaise Wine Marathon in Givry. “ These events are ideal opportunities to allow customers to test the product and see the quality in a real situation. », specifies Émilie.
Their panties, available in black and in sizes 36 to 42, have already won over many sportswomen. The development of new cuts or colors is not yet planned, the sisters preferring to maintain this activity as a modest-sized adventure, parallel to their respective careers. everything in its time, for now, Adrienne must remain our passion on a human scale! ».
So it's the story of two sisters, a passion, and a pair of pants that have much more to offer than you might think. Adrienne is comfort and discretion for those who run without asking questions… well, except knowing what time the aperitif starts after the race!
Jeannette Monarchi
