By Sarah Hamill, CEO
We all remember going into Victoria’s Secret for the first time. I was with my older sisters, who actually had gone through puberty enough to wear bras, and was in a word, confused. Now, as a 25 year old woman shopping at big name intimate retailers, I can’t say much has changed.
After buying the complicated and uncomfortable bombshell bras that make your boobs grow three cup sizes and lift up to your earlobes, only to feel like shit after taking it off, OR having a guy look at it for all of two seconds before struggling with the clasp for three minutes, I’ve decided to shift my lingerie buying habits (just in time for valentines season!).
I’ve been searching high and low for sustainably sourced lingerie brands that meet the following criteria:
- Comfortable fabrics- it takes some convincing to get me into anything with a clasp or underwire these days, so when I’m looking for lingerie the number one thing I want is comfort
- Classic and Pretty Designs- when I look for bras and underwear I want them to be pretty. I’m talking pointelle, silks and satins, and lace. Bought in Black for the sexy french lady vibe.
- Versatile Fabrics and Colors- I hate having to think too much about how my underwear is going to combine with my top or bottoms. I’ve moved past the pressure to avoid pantylines, but I prefer to go with colors that can go under most of my tops, in solid fabrics (for the most part).
Going through the process of trying on the bralettes, bras, camis, and underwear, I also decided on a very important rule for the future when I’m looking for intimate apparel.
Try on new underwear when you’re ovulating. A refresher, that’s halfway into your cycle and generally when your boobs look huge but you’re not yet starting to bloat. You also are already feeling your sexiest, which is a great time to get new things that make you look good.
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Pointelle
RatBoi: Organic Scoop Back Bra in Baby Blue | Organic High Rise Undies in Morning Glory
RAT BOI is a female-owned small business specializing in ethically made apparel and accessories. Our people and planet prioritized business model supports the slow fashion movement and contributes to a more sustainable future in the apparel industry so you can keep your individual style with a clean conscience. We offer inclusive sizing and our direct to consumer pricing model keeps our prices competitive and pieces as accessible as possible. Waste less, wear more
Advent Intimates: Hyacinth Bralette & Thong in Dusk ; Smoke
ADVENT is a woman owned and sustainability conscious collection of soft, comfy, and breathable intimates designed for everyday use. These pieces are designed to be a sweet crossover between functionality and sensuality with an added retro touch. We were Inspired by the romantic and nostalgic cottage core aesthetic, which embraces a simpler, sustainable existence that is harmonious with nature.
ARAKS: Antonia in White
Araks: Everything we make is an expression of a desire to feel beautiful for yourself, a luxurious secret. We don’t make a distinction between “everyday lingerie” and “occasion lingerie”—to us, it’s all special.
We start with the woman and everything follows—sleepwear, swimwear, and resortwear. Each addition is a natural progression that reflects her life and needs. We design collections meant to work interchangeably with pieces from the past or those yet to come. There is a flow and timelessness to everything we do.
Silk & Satin
Love Stories: Lila Bralette in Lilac | Love Lace Set in Soft Pink
Love Stories is a lingerie brand by women, for women. Unrestricted by rules and expectations (nor underwires, while we’re at it), we freely combine untraditional materials into a perfect mismatch extravaganza of colours, patterns and prints. Always putting comfort first, Love Stories is much-loved for its iconic bralettes — a holiday for your boobs. Rooted in lingerie, the collection has now expanded into swimwear, PJ’s and cover-ups.
ARAKS: Gita Underwire in Black ; Cornflower
Araks: Everything we make is an expression of a desire to feel beautiful for yourself, a luxurious secret. We don’t make a distinction between “everyday lingerie” and “occasion lingerie”—to us, it’s all special.
We start with the woman and everything follows—sleepwear, swimwear, and resortwear. Each addition is a natural progression that reflects her life and needs. We design collections meant to work interchangeably with pieces from the past or those yet to come. There is a flow and timelessness to everything we do.
CUUP: The Satin Balconette in Vine; The Satin Plunge in Garnet
CUUP intimates sit at the intersection of style and function. They’re equal parts modern and timeless, minimal and supportive, soft and strong – breaking the compromise between comfort and true support. Each elegantly engineered silhouette has defining details (sheerness, shape, coverage) that make it iconic in its own right, with the ability to become an eternal style statement that’s free to make your own.
We believe that sexiness and sensuality are self-defined, and recognize the power that comes from dressing for yourself and feeling supported in your first layer. We want every person who finds their CUUP fit to feel like their most natural selves, empowered in their personal identity and self-defined style.
Lace
Parade: Silky Lace Triangle in Seashell | Savage x Fenty: Scalloped Lace Unlined Bra in Black
Parade: We believe that the materials that touch our skin should be as comfortable as possible, wherever life takes you. That’s why our styles come in a range of fabrics—from seamless Universal that disappears under clothes to Cozy Waffle’s plush comfort—that keep you comfy on every occasion.
Everybody deserves to express themselves however they choose—we’re all unique. Bringing as many people to the Parade as we can is core to our mission, and we celebrate our community’s diversity. We’re also always open to feedback from you to expand our size-inclusive, gender-inclusive options.
Savage x Fenty: Savage X Fenty embodies fearlessness, confidence and inclusivity. With a team assembled from the industry’s elite, the label has disrupted and redefined the marketplace with its accessible price points, extensive assortment of styles made for everyBODY, and unique approach that celebrates individuality.
Babydolls & Chemises
Target: Women's V-Neck Babydoll in Black | Parade: Luxe Lace Slip in Pink Peony
Target is being included because this is the most cost-effective babydoll we've found, that you can try on in person! I assume we need not include a company description for this retailer...
Parade: We believe that the materials that touch our skin should be as comfortable as possible, wherever life takes you. That’s why our styles come in a range of fabrics—from seamless Universal that disappears under clothes to Cozy Waffle’s plush comfort—that keep you comfy on every occasion.
Everybody deserves to express themselves however they choose—we’re all unique. Bringing as many people to the Parade as we can is core to our mission, and we celebrate our community’s diversity. We’re also always open to feedback from you to expand our size-inclusive, gender-inclusive options.
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Finding lingerie that's pretty, sexy, and makes you feel good can be difficult. I'd say it's up there with the intimidation of trying on swimsuits - better in the comfort of your own home (but who wants to deal with return shipping if you hate it) and must be done on the right day, and in the right mindset.
These brands are all trusted by our team, and loved for the comfort and versatility. There's no greater feeling than going out in a pretty set that makes you feel just a bit more confident, and nobody knows but you.
So this valentines season (and in all others!) remember that you don't need a partner to have an excuse to buy pretty underwear and lingerie. You deserve to see yourself look like a full goddamn meal, every day of the year.