Let's Get Intimate!
This week, we’re going to strip down and get intimate.
With intimate apparel that is. ;)
I don’t think it’s any secret that Victoria’s Secret, the multi-billion dollar intimate apparel company and largest lingerie retailer in the US, profiting off your insecurities, is the toxic stuff White Supremacist, patriarchal and capitalist dreams are made of.
L Brands, the parent company of Victoria’s Secret (before the VS/Bath and Body works split and re-brand (laughable in my opinion)) makes it their mission to prey on the most vulnerable, tender parts of one’s inner self. And it doesn’t matter if you are the model or the customer.
Over the past several weeks, I’ve been listening to the podcast series “Fallen Angel” that documents the history and toxic culture of the Victoria’s Secret brand.
I admit, I’ve been swayed by VS branding in the past. Maybe I can look like a bombshell too? And, I’m no stranger to the $25 panty party VS offers. It has served me well over the years, especially when financially strapped.
But now…I’m thinking about a different shopping choice, because fast fashion and exploitation are not on my list of Style Values. Quality and Inclusion are. (I will not be fooled by the “re-brand.” Victoria’s Secret is still Victoria’s Secret.)
I want undergarments that support self-love, not erode it. Maybe you have been thinking the same?
Thankfully, underwear is having a moment, and here are a list of brands that offer something different than Victoria’s dirty little secret.
Chromat - Founded in 2010 (if I remember correctly as a swimwear brand), Chromat produces luxury swim, lingerie and athletic-wear, and is “committed to empowering #ChromatBABES of all shapes and sizes through perfectly fit garments for every body.” Their swimwear is also made with “sustainable, regenerated nylon spun from fishing nets and post-consumer plastic bottles that have been recovered from the world’s oceans.” If you want to fill your drawers with brightly colored intimates that also help out Mother Earth, Chromat is your bff.
Cosabella - Eastablished in 1983, Cosabella is an Italian luxury lingerie brand that specializes in bras free from the often uncomfortable underwire. They also produce bras that have smaller bands with I-L cups. Though colors, patterns and laces are softer in style, they do not lack sensuality.
Curvy Couture Intimates - Classy, sexy and made for curves, the mission of this brand is to “Uplift curvy women, both in body and mind, through artful innovation that celebrates her best self.” If you are looking for a bra and panty that offers full coverage and support, this brand is for you. There’s not going to be any nipple spillage here.
Cuup - I’ve had my eye on Cuup (thanks Instagram) for quite some time now and I’m really loving their recent mesh designs with the contrast piping. Their products are simple, classic and fresh. Cuup says of themselves, “We swapped frills and excess for clean silhouettes. We sourced fabrics with luxury feel and performance strength.” In my opinion, mission accomplished.
Dora Larsen - I smell sex and candy, here. This magical, colorful and cheeky brand is committed to making intimates that inspire and a low-impact approach on mama earth. “83% of the raw materials used to create our collections are recycled or natural and organic, and we’re committed to increasing this percentage each season. As members of 1% for the Planet, we also pledge at least 1% of our annual turnover to environmental charities.”
Knix - Redifining Intimates, this brand offers maternity, loungewear, sleepwear, intimates AND Leakproof period underwear. Most styles are body hugging and forming (but not pinching!) and simple in design with a palette of neutrals and earthy minerals.
Giving back is also part of their company mission. In the “Life After Birth Project, we’ve continually committed to fostering community and building support for people navigating their postpartum journeys. Knix and the Black Women’s Health Imperative have created NOURISH— a Postpartum Doula training program designed to meet the needs of Black birthing families. We have provided $75,000 to launch this scholarship program that will fund the year long training for 20 Postpartum Doulas and free postpartum care to 80 families.”
Lonely Lingerie - Lonely was a lone alternative brand to the toxicity of VS culture before body positivity was a mainstream thing. They are one of the first brands I saw use unretouched models in their 50’s and 60’s in the early 2010’s. Though not as size inclusive as other brands on this list, I wanted to include Lonely for their designs and fabric choices which are romantic, quiet and give a nod to style from the first half of the 20th Century.
Moons and Junes - M&J is another brand that specializes in the underwire-free. Their designs are sporty and the colors strong and earthy. This company doesn’t have a variety of styles to choose from, but they give you just what you need.
Skims - If fashionable intimates in cozy and sexy fabrics is your thing…Skims might be your new go-to. This brand is like the Uniqlo of athleisure and underwear. Find all your trendy (but well made) basics here. (And, if you don’t want to support a billion dollar brand, shop places like Poshmark for unworn garments being sold by individuals. Put your money back into the pockets of the working class.)
Thistle and Spire - In the mood for something spicy? Step into the chamber of T&S and learn to embrace every inch of your body. Their serpentine bodysuits are a social media hit and their cage-style bras are sure to excite. If you are ever planning to have a boudoir session, put this spot on your digital shopping trip list.
