I’ve written a bit about underwear before. And yes, I’m still blushing. In that post I revealed my interest in everything cotton and comfortable and neutrally colored, along with my penchant for matching my undies and bra with the rest of my outfit. Doesn’t matter if I’m the only one who knows it, there’s something about sporting a matching ensemble that just gets the confidence juices flowing right from the start of the day.
In my own life, I’m still relying on a combination of affordable cotton underwear with a few more special ones mixed in. For bras, I’m still eshewing too many clasps or clips in favor of things that can be yanked aside for easy access and popped back into place discreetly. (I am still holding out hope that someone might soon make a bralette that *also* has a thin layer of cushion for days when I’d rather my nipples not take center stage underneath a cotton tee.) I am slowly weaning myself off of these, because it’s time.
After I wrote my first intimates post, I was introduced to Brook There (who sponsored this post back in December), and ever since I’ve been pinning a whole slew of other indie and eco companies. I’ve found myself especially drawn toward folks working to elevate the humble cotton bra and underwear to a place that feels a little bit special, even if the overall look is still simple.
In the interest of service, I’ve gathered a list of companies that I’ve been long admiring and a few that are new-to-me, for you guys to reference here. Lots of them are doing the cotton bralette and plain jane underwear that I like the best. Since I realize that glorified training bras and granny panties might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I’ve also tried to include a few companies that also make options that might work better for women who come in a shape different than my own, or who might simply prefer a little lace and wire alongside their organic cotton and elastic. Goodness knows that barring some kind of benefactress coming forward to keep me in beautiful underwear for the rest of my life, some of these finds might stay in the aspirational pile for me, but aspiring is my favorite pastime. As always, please, please add to the list if there’s anything you’ve been loving that I missed.
American Apparel: I’ve mentioned before my ambivalence about the company based on its former CEO, but extreme creepiness of former management aside, these guys do make affordable basics in sweatshop-free factories. Their Cotton Spandex Jersey Bra is a summer staple around here (pictured). And their Shirred Back Underwear make simple briefs just a little more fun (also pictured). They’re sturdy enough, but not works of art like some of the others on this list.
Base Range: These beautifully simple undergarments border on boring, which is honestly what I love most about them. Base Range produces their clothes in small factories, using natural materials and high standards. I like their Soft Bra and Lady Bra best. And if I saved my pennies their Classic Bell Pants could make for daily undies. More about their process here.
Storq: My very favorite maternity line (and RMTL sponsor) is coming out with an intimates bundle in 5, 4, 3, 2, soon! The bundle includes a bra (made with the same super-soft modal as their basics bundle and designed with a flexible cup for prengant and nursing mamas!), full-coverage underwear in the same modal fabric, and…socks! (Sign-up right here to get notified as soon as the collection launches.) (Made in the USA.)
49 Comments
Erin, great post and thanks so much for pointing out the Made-in-USA options. Right now, my current fave from Hanky Panky are their new organic cotton boyshorts. Lace trimmed, but very simple and comfy.
You've introduced me to some great new brands! This comes at the perfect time, as I'm in the midst of replacing a panty drawer full of hole-y, worn to bits basics. I recently found On The Inside – it's a one-woman studio based in Asheville, NC, stocked with underthings that are stunning but still comfy enough for everyday. I've ordered a set in grey plus a saucier bralette/panty set in burgundy and black.
ontheinsidelingerie.com
Erin, thank you! I'd intended to email you about this very item; ever a fan of the bralette and a naysayer to underwire, I've been looking for the perfect fit and feel (soft, please!) in an undergarment. I had a feeling you'd know just the thing, and this post doesn't disappoint. Infinite thanks for reading my tealeaves — er, my mind. 😉
Yes, yes, yes- a bralette with just a smidgen of cushion. Why is this so hard (i.e. impossible) to find? Soon after my daughter weaned, my already quite petite bosom wilted to nearly concave. I dream of a bralette that allows me to feel a bit feminine, but through which I don't advertise sudden changes in temperature. If you find this, please share the news! I almost emailed you about this last week, but restrained, because…an email about a bralette recommendation? It seemed a bit silly.
A bra, a bra, my kingdom for a bra! These all look lovely. I can't wait til one of these companies is successful enough to expand their size ranges a bit 🙂
Here's hoping! Third Love definitely has the largest size range in this group!
Here's hoping! Third Love definitely has the largest size range in this group!
Naja is another great brand — it's not a US company, but they seem to treat their employees very well. It's a small brand that employs and educated single mothers so they can support their families. Beautiful designs, things made of cotton, and right now they're having a sale to fund scholarships for their employees' children!
http://www.naja.co/pages/our-story
Plus, they have a bralette with a little bit of cup…!
Those American Apparel bras were my staple until I saw a photo of myself wearing one…. Not rated for DD :/
Ah, I can imagine.
Ah, I can imagine.
I met this women who uses scraps of fine silk, takes it to her tailor, and get strings put in. And wears them as her everyday underwear. No panty lines and quite luxurious.
What a gorgeous idea.
A bralette with adjustable straps and a bit of cushion. As has already been said, why is this so hard? Someone, please make some!
Not a small company, but Cosabella makes a bra with a bit of padding that doesn't have hook/clasps (just adjustable straps).
http://www.zappos.com/cosabella-never-say-never-padded-sweetie-soft-padded-bra-never1372-black (there is also a lace version with no padding- so be sure to double check ebay etc listings)
Do any of these brands carry larger cup sizes… Even just a DD? Sigh…
Yes! Third Love has an E cup!
Yes! Third Love has an E cup!
Thunderpants is NZ based, but make 98% organic cotton undies that cover my WHOLE behind. Wow. No panty lines, no riding up, etc! I splurged and bought five of them on sale =)
I clicked through all of these and nearly shed a tear when I saw Najla Lingerie! I am an odd size (30 D…so I usually have to get my bands taken in) and finding a gorgeous full coverage bra in a 32 D from an ethical company just made my day. Thank you for your research and subscriber collaboration on this post. It made my heart happy!
Brenna, I, too, am a 30D! I've not known any others! I tend to have a lot of luck with Chantelle and Calvin Klein, though I have no idea how ethical either company is…
SAME! For me, at 30 D/DD, there are not a ton of good options. I've never had mine taken in before though – have you had good experiences with that?
So glad to hear that, Brenna! xoxo.
So glad to hear that, Brenna! xoxo.
Vanessa, I definitely recommend getting them taken in so your band doesn't get loose so quickly. It really helps!
These are definitely not the *most* ethical option, but I have to say the Gap modal pullover bra is my absolute favorite for its silky soft fabric and just enough double-lined coverage for small busts (A/B cups):
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1026469&vid=1&pid=134733022
The design comes in black or nude and is perfect for travel. They're so comfortable I've even slept in them by accident because I forgot I was wearing a bra!
I really loved this post, thank you! Now I can stock up on panties, at least. Bras on the other hand… I'm a 30F-G usually, but now that I'm nursing… Well, let's just say I have yet to find a nursing bra with enough support. So sad!
I'm in your boat and have had good luck with Anita nursing bras. They don't have an underwire and are kind of sporty but they are comfortable and easy to use. I wore them with all three of my children, and I'm a bigger size than you. I bought them on Bare Necessities.
I went looking for period panties eleven (yes, really) years ago. I can say Lunapanties will forever change the way you think about your period. Dear Kate's are a fun option as well. Highly recommended.
Wow!! I have never heard of period panties but it solves a major ethical dilemma for me. Thank you so much.
My favorite bra tops – er "glorified training bras" (I love your humor erin) are from Blue Canoe http://www.bluecanoe.com/collections/organic-womens-lingerie Organic, super comfy and no nonsense.
I smile because that is your bra!!
I just ordered a bralette from Tatiana's Threads, everything is handmade and so beautiful https://www.etsy.com/shop/TatianasThreads?section_id=12970638&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1
Hi Erin, I love your blog and have been following it for years. I feel compelled to comment on this post though, as I shared it with colleagues who were wondering about sustainable/fair trade underthings. Your casual dismissal of the extremely vile American Apparel was a spot of disappointment for us all. Not only is their CEO gross, their stores across the country have extremely hateful store practices (racial profiling, firing employees who are not "attractive," etc.). They are not welcoming to all body types or people as customers, employees, or models and thus do not make the cut as a fairly made/sold brand in my book. The other wonderful brands you highlight should not be pushed down the page by AA.
I appreciate that you are including more affordable options, I just hope that some exist that are not part of such a negative corporation.
Thank you for the help with our search! Looks like Pact is a clear favorite over here.
Hi Anonymous:
Thanks for writing. I'm sorry that my inclusion of American Apparel was a disappointment to not only you, but also your colleagues. What an awful thing to read on a Thursday evening.
I agree that American Apparel is far from perfect. I'm sorry that my note about my own ambivalence didn't strike the right tone for you. And I am, upon reading your note, even more dismayed by the disciminatory practices within their stores. They sound unquestionably abhorrent. Thanks for sharing that part of the story.
On a personal note, I admit that I find myself repeatedly between a rock and a hard place with these posts. There is truly so little that could be largely defined as "affordable" in the ethical fashion world and I receive notes on a regular basis from readers who wish I would include more of these options. I promise: I am not holding back. Would that I could always recommend companies who upheld perfect standards of ethics, morals, environmental stewardship, and general human decency. I am doing my very best to find them. Clearly I struck out here.
I’ve always been confused as to why anyone would buy period panties. Why not just keep the old ones that have been ruined and only wear them during your period? I’ve been doing this since I was 13.
Did you check out this particular company? The underwear are actually specially designed to negate the need for other related gear. The point is less mess, but also less waste.
So Erin, this might be way too personal to ask, but I’m wondering if you were wearing those Coobie bras before baby, and whether you think you’ll keep wearing them/similar styles (for nursing accessibility). If you didn’t wear them, what did you wear? If this is too personal, don’t feel like you have to respond :).
Anna
I did own them pre-baby (though I can’t remember if also pre-pregnancy.) After a number of the strap clips snapped this spring, I decided not to re-buy. (And I was ready to be in something a little less utilitarian after so long in those guys!)
I personally like Barely Undies. They have really soft thongs. their site is barelyundies.com. and btw they support victims against domestic violence.
I’m pretty late with my reply, but you should check out Cypress Label (if it wasn’t already recommended). Based in Brooklyn. Manufactured in LA. Sustainable practices.
I’m looking for a simple, super comfortable (no underwire, etc.) bralette that can be worn with my go-to V-neck Ts, so hopefully a bit of shape, thin cushion for when there’s a chill, and a slightly lower cut/thinner straps (and a good fit for my 32-C size). I’m checking out Blue Canoe (Adjustable + Cami) , Ibex (Balance Bralette) and Icebreaker (Siren). Will hopefully find something that works and try to check back in here! (Would also love any updates if you have thoughts!)
Any luck with your search?
You should check out Cottoniqe (www.cottonique.com). They make organic cotton underthings for women & men and a few things for kids.
Oh wow, wonderful list! And how did you get Baserange to ship over? Their shipping fees are exorbitant.
Hi Xian! I found Baserange at a local shop, but Need Supply also carries them!
Oh wow! Thanks for the quick reply! I’ve found Baserange, Pansy, Nude Label and Sloane & Tarte all under-one-roof with free international shipping over $250 at Undone. Hallelujah!
Perfect! I just noticed they’ve got Botanica Workshop, too, another recent favorite!
FYI I just tried the Najla Lingerie link and it appears that is no longer their site. Maybe this is the same company, but they certainly have some laudable afforts! Even a zero waste section: https://www.naja.co/
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