SAILIZ – The Story Behind Creating a Brand 100% for Female Sailors

When someone decides to embark on entrepreneurship, it often starts with an observation, an idea… but above all, a tenacious vision. For us, that’s the SAILIZ brand.

For Solène Saclier, the founder of SAILIZ, her vision is clear: women must be able to sail at the same level as men, without it becoming an obstacle course.

Her observation? Female sailors still struggle to find gear as high-performing as men’s. And the worst part is that no brand offers gear tailored to women’s specific needs. It seems that nautical gear designed for women is still far from being a priority for all equipment manufacturers, but SAILIZ aims to fill this gap.

1- From the Pontoons of La Rochelle to Lorient La Base

As Solène walks the pontoons of La Rochelle and enjoys regular sailing with her friends, she slowly gets closer to the Mini class thanks to her partner, who is embarking on the Mini-Transat adventure. And as everyone knows, the Mini class, very young and dynamic, is the starting point for many innovations and initiatives.

It was by discussing with female sailors involved in the circuit that she realized her observation was shared and that the lack of technical gear for women is a real problem (unsuitable cut, lack of adjustment, lack of functionality…).

The call of her native Brittany was felt, and the brand then took root in the heart of the Lorient ecosystem, favorable to its development. Meetings and exchanges multiplied, rich in synergies.

2 – Giving a Voice to Female Sailors

With her well-honed method, Solène began collecting testimonials from all around her and assessing the needs of female sailors to see if she could truly meet the challenge. At the time, Facebook groups for female sailors were highly active, and women weren’t just liking boat photos; they were organizing, exchanging, and seeking opportunities to get on board and sail as much as possible. It was by integrating into these ecosystems that Solène connected with a large number of female sailors and gathered maximum feedback.

3 – A New Stage: The Creation of the SAILIZ Brand and its Breton Roots

Carried by the enthusiasm sweeping across social media, Solène decided to say goodbye to her job in textiles to dedicate herself 100% to SAILIZ, the brand she had just launched. Her goal? To create a nautical gear brand 100% for female sailors, and especially co-designed by female sailors.

Company creation, structuring, logo design, brand social media creation, discussions with initial suppliers, implementation of the first gear creation processes… The machine is officially launched, and it’s off to a good start, especially with Noémie, who joined the adventure by taking the reins of communication, a strategic position that plays an essential role in the success of this project!

4 – Co-creation: The DNA of SAILIZ

The first prototypes and products of the SAILIZ brand were quickly released, allowing Solène to have them tested by a large number of female sailors to optimize them. Initial feedback and adjustments began, and the products quickly evolved, leading to the completion of the first SAILIZ offshore dungarees. Dungarees co-developed with you that ensure comfort and protection while sailing, with the best technical specifications and a tailored fit, all while limiting our environmental impact and being comfortable and practical for sailing.

5 – The Start of Commercialization: The First Sailing Dungarees 100% Created by Female Sailors Are Born!

A year later, the first SAILIZ dungarees arrived directly from the factory, and Solène launched her first pre-order. Bingo! She successfully completed her ULULE campaign to finance production. Users received their first dungarees, communication was launched with the first articles in newspapers, and a social media community that kept growing. That’s it, the adventure has begun and is only just starting!

6 – The First Distributors Trust the SAILIZ Brand!

Solène quickly realized that 100% online sales made things difficult for such a technical product (waterproofing and breathability, 3-layer laminated fabric, ergonomic and adjustable cut, thermal insulation…). She therefore approached distributors who agreed to sell the brand in their stores to reach as many people as possible.

7 – The SAILIZ Ambassadors Team!

SAILIZ aims to operate within a logic of sisterhood. She therefore decided to recruit a team of female sailors with very diverse profiles. From leisure sailing to Figaro, and Mini, several skippers, like Chloé Le Bars, joined the SAILIZ adventure and continue to provide feedback on the products and promote the brand to ensure every product is perfect.

8 – What’s Next?!

Even though more and more male sailors are knocking on SAILIZ’s door to ask when men’s products will finally be available, now is not the time to create a men’s range.

SAILIZ remains focused on expanding the women’s range, with a foul-weather jacket in preparation and the launch of thermal base layers on the horizon.

Want to be part of this Sailiz adventure? Support us? Follow us on social media or contact us directly at solene@sailiz.com