The lingerie missives are coming from owners of small clothing shops across France, who were required by the government to stay closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The lockdown has exceptions for essential businesses, and the underwear sellers say they definitely should be on the list.
Those taking part belong to the group Action Culottée (Cheeky Action), which has a Facebook page where business owners have posted their letters and photos of underwear before sending them off to the mailroom at Matignon.
One shop owner sent two separate pairs of underwear, writing a message on both: “I am essential.”