A look back at the discussion between our team and Thomas Huriez, founder of 1083.
What if the jeans we wear told a different story than that of globalized fast fashion? That’s the challenge taken on by Thomas Huriez, founder of the French brand 1083, who has chosen to produce jeans made within 1,083 kilometers of where they’re sold.
Met by our team during the “Summer Universities of Tomorrow’s Economy” organized by the Impact France movement, this entrepreneur and computer scientist by training launched an adventure nearly 15 years ago, guided by a simple yet demanding idea: to reconcile consumption, local sourcing, and responsibility.
1,083 kilometers – a number that makes sense
The brand name is no coincidence. The number 1083 represents the maximum distance between two cities in France: Menton in the far southeast, and Porspoder north of Brest. Thus, no matter where you are in France, a pair of 1083 jeans is, by definition, a locally sourced pair.
For Thomas Huriez, distance is a key factor in understanding our consumer choices. “There is a huge gap between what we produce collectively and who we are as individuals. The greater the distance, the less we feel concerned about the consequences of our choices” he explains. This logic applies just as much to cigarettes as it does to global warming.
The philosophy of 1083 is thus based on four pillars of local production:
- reducing the number of miles traveled,
- disintermediation,
- immediate and visible consequences,
- and simplicity in production chains.
Why jeans ?
This idea is part of a longer entrepreneurial journey. As early as 2007, Thomas Huriez was already selling organic, fair-trade clothing at a time when such initiatives were still niche and rarely practiced. The identity-defining aspect of clothing —“present since the dawn of time”— was already at the heart of his thinking.
Jeans emerged as the obvious choice. A universal garment, worn by all generations and across all social classes, they nonetheless stand as a striking symbol of the deindustrialization of the French textile sector. In fact, in 2013 (the year the first 1083 jeans were launched), 0 % of the jeans sold in France were made in France. This paradox is all the more striking when comparing a pair of fast-fashion jeans to a model from historic major brands like Levi’s: despite (very) significant price differences, the production locations and components often appear very similar.
Thus, for 1083, the challenge was not to spin a new marketing story, but rather to rebalance the value chain— specifically to benefit employment and quality.
From crowdfunding to a leader in french-made jeans
The turning point came in 2013 with a crowdfunding campaign. The initial goal was modest: to sell 100 circular jeans. By the end of the campaign, more than 1,000 pairs had found buyers, radically changing the project’s momentum.
Today, 1083 has become the leading brand of Made-in-France jeans, producing approximately 50,000 pairs annually. While this is still a tiny fraction of the French market (estimated at nearly 67 million pairs per year), it is sufficient to demonstrate the viability of this circular model.
The brand now works with two French weavers as well as an external design partner, and relies on a customer base that was initially committed and has grown significantly over time.
Transparency and cultural connection
At the heart of the 1083 project lies a strong commitment to transparency. Thomas Huriez likes to compare clothing to wine: “If you taste a wine after visiting the producer’s vineyards, you’ll find it tastes better”. Through this common-sense approach, the brand seeks to rekindle a connection to the industry, one that has largely been lost over the past few decades.
This effort also involves a cultural and emotional dimension. For example, on Music Day, 1083 released a video drawing a parallel between the repetitive motions of factory work — often associated with boredom — and the highly valued movements of pianists or fashion designers. It’s a way to restore the excellence and craftsmanship of industrial labor.
A demanding and regulated textile industry
The textile industry is one of the most polluting sectors when left unregulated. Yet a century ago, France was the world’s leading textile manufacturer, with iconic regions like Roubaix. An “industrial Proustian madeleine” that 1083 seeks to revive — not out of nostalgia, but with a commitment to excellence.
The production of a pair of 1083 jeans follows 8 major steps:
- the raw material (organic cotton from Tanzania, recycled French cotton, linen, or recycled Spanish polyester),
- spinning,
- yarn production and dyeing (blue for the outside, ecru for the inside),
- weaving in France,
- fabric treatment,
- cutting,
- sewing,
- washing or fading.
Once the yarns are produced in France or Italy, all subsequent steps are carried out in France. A minimum of five steps are required to obtain the “Origine France Garantie” certification, which the circular 1083 jeans naturally meet — and to which Thomas Huriez is deeply committed!
Build a “french national jeans team”
1083 isn’t alone. Other brands such as Le Gaulois Jean, 1083, Ateliers Tuffery, and Dao Davy are helping to rebuild the French textile industry. Far from a mindset of direct competition, Thomas Huriez speaks of a true “French National Jeans Team”.
“No ‘Made in France’ brand is taking market share from another; the playing field is vast” he asserts. For him, the diversity of players is a true asset, but only if high standards and transparency are maintained to ensure that this label does not become merely a marketing gimmick.
Conclusion
Through 1083, Thomas Huriez demonstrates that another industrial model is possible: one that is more local, more circular and more demanding. A pair of jeans that, beyond style, tells a story of place, craftsmanship, and conscious choices.
To listen to the full conversation between Justine and Thomas, check out Radio Circulab’s podcast, available on all streaming platforms!
