Creating a product locally (or almost): behind the scenes of LICA creation

Starting a local business isn't always as simple as "doing everything locally." At LICA, we deeply believe in the value of Quebec know-how, transparency, and respect for the creative process, even when it involves compromise.

In this article, we share with you the behind-the-scenes look at our products: what's designed here, what's made elsewhere, and most importantly, why . Because we believe that understanding what you wear is also a way to connect with yourself... and the people behind the brand.

A brand born here, with deeply rooted values

“LICA is a deeply Quebecois project, even when some pieces come from elsewhere.”

LICA was founded in Montreal with a simple mission: to create underwear so comfortable you forget you're wearing it.

Behind each model lies a mixture of:

textile research,
attentive listening to our community,
and careful design.

Ideas take shape here in Quebec. I'm Catherine, the founder, and every cut, every adjustment is carefully designed to fit your body, your daily life, and your movements.

I am accompanied in this work by a designer based in Montreal, who helps me in particular with the creation of “tech packs” (technical files used in production to guarantee the accuracy of the models). Together, we ensure that each product is faithful to LICA’s vision: softness, comfort, invisibility.

Why our underwear isn't made here

A question that often comes up: “If LICA is a local company, why aren’t your panties made locally?” It’s a legitimate question and the answer is technical.

➤ The reality of seamless lingerie manufacturing

Our underwear is made using seamless technology, meaning there are no side seams, using highly specialized circular machines. This method results in an extremely soft, invisible finish under clothing, with no chafing.

Issue ?
These machines are not available in Quebec, or even elsewhere in Canada, for this specific type of production. These are complex industrial technologies, primarily located in Asia, Eastern Europe, or certain Latin American countries.

We have therefore chosen, after much research, to collaborate with a specialized workshop abroad, which respects our quality standards and with whom we maintain transparent and continuous communication.

What this means in concrete terms: ethical, thoughtful, and responsible production

Even though manufacturing is done overseas, nothing is left to chance:

We carefully select our partners.
We limit small-scale production to avoid textile waste.
We invest in quality over quantity, so that each pair of panties lasts, breathes, and truly accompanies your life.

This is not an easy choice, nor a simple “offshoring.” It is the result of a balance between innovation, comfort, and integrity.

What we make here, with heart

Some of our creations are entirely designed and manufactured in Quebec. This is the case for:

The travel underwear kit

Designed as a practical and stylish accessory, this pouch was designed for active women, impromptu getaways, overstuffed gym bags, or weekend suitcases. It's hand-sewn here in Quebec by local artisans we know personally.

LICA Wear Underwear Travel Kit

Oversized satin scrunchies

These accessories are also entirely handmade in-house. The satin is carefully selected for its quality and durability. It won't damage or lose its shine. Each scrunchie is a small, functional piece of elegance, available in eight vibrant colors (including champagne, cabernet, midnight, and fuzzy peach).

Oversized scrunchies in 100% satin

Creating locally is also a philosophy

Even when physical manufacturing takes place elsewhere, the brand, identity, vision and relationship with our customers are deeply rooted here.

➤ For us, being a Quebec company means:

Support local partners whenever possible (printing, photo, design, customer service).
Designing our products for the reality of women here : climate, lifestyle, body diversity.
Giving back to our community , such as with our commitment to the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation , to whom we donate 5% of our sales during promotional periods.

We believe in transparency, but also in nuance. It's not all or nothing. Sometimes, creating locally also means knowing where our expertise ends... and that of others begins.

A personal word from Catherine

“I spent a long time trying to produce my panties here in Quebec. But after months of research, I realized that to offer the quality of seamless underwear I wanted—one that fits the body without marking, that breathes, and that lasts—I had to go where the technology already existed.
But I want every decision to remain aligned with my values: transparency, sustainability, listening to the needs of women.
And everything I can do here, I do with pride, collaborating with people from here.”

Why it's important to you too

As a customer, you have the right to know where the products you wear come from. At LICA, we don't claim to be perfect, but we are committed to being honest. And above all, to continuing to evolve, learn, and do things with purpose.

Your trust is what allows us to continue creating for you, with you.

To go further:

“How to recognize an ethical, sustainable, and responsible brand” on Choisis-Moi : this clear and up-to-date guide explains the 6 essential criteria for identifying a truly transparent brand — origin, labels, small-batch production, materials, price, etc.
Lingerie manufacturing in Quebec: challenges and realities
Our seamless panty collection – Designed here, made for you.

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