C&A
C&A in short
Founded in Sneek in 1841 by brothers Clemens and August Brenninkmeijer, C&A is now one of Europe's largest fashion retailers. The brand offers affordable fashion for women, men, and children, with an increasing focus on certified cotton.
Facts and background
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1841, Sneek (Netherlands) |
| Known for | Affordable family fashion |
| Segments | Women, men, children, baby |
| Price tier | Entry-level |
| Signature | Inclusive sizing and accessible pricing |
The letters C and A represent the first names of the founders. The company remains family-owned to this day.
What to choose from
- Basics — T-shirts, underwear, and socks for everyday wear.
- Childrenswear — Practical and durable, available across continuous sizing.
- Workwear and formalwear — Shirts, blazers, and dresses.
- More sustainable ranges — Recognisable by specific certification labels.
Cotton and fit
With affordable cotton, the initial wash largely determines the longevity and appearance of a garment.
- Wash new dark garments separately; colours may transfer.
- Wash at 30 degrees and avoid tumble drying to minimise shrinkage.
- Check the garment label for cotton certifications if sustainability is your focus.
- Consider sizing up for children's clothing, but keep sleeve length in mind.
Buying in the Netherlands
C&A operates stores throughout the Netherlands alongside its online shop. Sizing follows standard European conventions; returns can generally be processed both online and in-store.
Further on Brands.nl
- Bonprix — Affordable fashion with an extensive size range.
- Alle merken — The complete directory of brands on Brands.nl.
- Merkgidsen — In-depth guides covering brands, materials, and collections.
Bekijk alle merken of ga naar de merkgidsen.
Frequently asked questions about C&A
- What does C&A stand for?
- It stands for Clemens and August Brenninkmeijer, the brothers who established the company in Sneek in 1841.
- Is C&A a Dutch company?
- It originated in the Netherlands and remains owned by the founding family, with stores across many European countries.
- Does C&A offer more sustainable cotton?
- The retailer incorporates certified and organic cotton ranges, which are highlighted on individual garment labels.
- How can I prevent cotton from shrinking?
- Wash at 30 degrees and allow garments to air-dry rather than using a tumble dryer.
Geschreven door
Brands.nl editorial team
Brand editors — interior, fashion & lifestyle
Brands.nl is an independent Dutch brand guide that sells nothing itself. Our editors follow brands, materials and collections and describe them independently, so you know what you are buying and can find similar brands.
Onafhankelijk samengesteld: Brands.nl verkoopt zelf niets en baseert zich op merkdocumentatie, andere openbare bronnen en waar mogelijk eigen ervaring.
Laatst inhoudelijk gecontroleerd: 5 september 2026