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It may no longer be winter, but depending on where you live, warm and sunny days could still be a ways off yet. “Till April’s dead, change not a thread” is a saying my grandma used to tell me often, and this year, I intend to listen. I don’t know about you, but my desire for warmth and comfort is greater than ever at this time of the year. Wool, cashmere and thick cotton fabrics are having a moment in my weekly rotation. While we often think of such fabrics as material for outerwear, there are a growing number of options for lingerie and accessories meant to protect us – and our hearts – from the bite of the cold.
If, like me, you feel the need to pamper yourself expeditiously, here is a selection of cosy little pieces that will add both softness and beauty to your winter wardrobe.
Morgan Lane
If you are partial to pink and sparkles, take a look at Morgan Lane’s Anya and Izzy lingerie set in 15% cashmere and 85% cotton. The lurex detailing around the hems and on the underbust elastic, the ribbed waistline, and the tiny buttons on the Izzy shorts make for a very girly ensemble.
When everything feels blue, pastel colours can really make a difference, in my experience. You can even pair the set with a very pretty matching cardigan! Both the shorts and the cardigan are customisable with an embroidery for an extra cost.
Econica
As a Canadian resident, the first piece of advice I received in regards to my wardrobe was to use Merino wool. Merino wool is an expensive fibre due to its high production cost. However, it also offers non-negligible qualities when it comes to comfort, breathability, moisture-wicking capacity and odour resistance. Interestingly, I have noticed recently that Merino wool lingerie seems to be becoming more and more available.
If you love a French-knickers moment, and appreciate warm underwear, these boyshorts might come in handy. Econica offers this pair in many colours and you may choose between 100% Merino wool jersey or a slightly cheaper cotton knit.
The brand also sells pure cashmere longline bralettes in three colorways: two-tone grey, off-white or black. Econica’s garment are all handmade in Canada and the brand prides itself on using eco-friendly and sustainable practices.
Naked Cashmere
Right: Naked Cashmere Clarissa shorts, $150 (~£116 / ~139€)
Naked Cashmere is a luxury fashion brand primarily offering cashmere and silk loungewear and outerwear. According to the brand, the goats involved in their manufacturing process are raised in organic farms and treated ethically.
The company has a few lingerie pieces. For instance, the Clarissa ribbed shorts are made of a luxurious and thick cashmere knit, meant to offer a comfortable and fitted garment. These shorts are knitted in 5-gauge knit, which is visually thicker and airier than most cashmere sweaters. It would be closer to the appearance of a scarf. In comparison, the Belen knickers are knitted in 14-gauge which is similar to the appearance of the average sweater. This means the result is less chunky than the Clarissa shorts might be. Both have a very neat and cosy look, and would certainly be pleasant under a long sweater dress, or to lay around one’s home.
Belinda Robertson
Now, cosy and daring do not have to be mutually exclusive. These Belinda Robertson pure cashmere knickers are a lovely way to prove it. The Sienna cashmere briefs are a colourful gift to oneself and would add a bit of fun to a lingerie rotation. The touch of satin and cashmere combined in one joyful garment is sure to soften the heart of anyone who would put it on.
Vera & William
Right: Vera & William Lea pure silk camisole, 1,550 NOK (~£114 / ~$148 / ~137€) and midi panty, 1,000 NOK (~£74 / ~$95 / ~88€)
Vera & William is an independent and sustainable Norwegian brand offering garments meant to be the solid foundation of a wardrobe. The brand uses cotton, silk and Merino wool to create timeless and durable pieces.
The Vintage Lace Merino for example can be worn as a night slip, a dress, or a slip dress to add a layer under other garments. It is made of 85% Merino wool and 15% silk, in Italy, and in small batches.
Vera & William pride themselves on offering garments that are beautiful, efficient and sustainable, using only the best quality material and techniques. Note that the brand doesn’t ship outside of Europe.
Hanro
Hanro’s Woolen Silk seamless brief is a solid winter basic. This brief’s thermal properties come from the use of a lightweight Merino wool (70%) and silk (30%) blend. Moreover, its full coverage provides a secure layer under your winter garments. The brief is available in two colorways: black and cygne (“swan” in French).
The Woolen Silk lingerie collection features many other types of undergarments to help regulate the body temperature, such as camisole, leggings, and long johns. Hanro claims that Woolen Silk is part of their sustainable initiative.
Medima
Right: Medima 100% Angora boxer brief, 65.50€ (~£55 / ~$71)
Medima is a German brand that specialises in Angora and wool garments. The brand offers plethora of undergarments intended to help you fight the cold. The boyshorts above (available in navy blue, black and white) are made of 20% Angora, 45% wool and 35% polyacrylic , but they also offer pure Angora wool garments.
Angora wool is different from mohair, although they both come from animals called Angora. Angora wool comes from Angora rabbits while mohair comes from Angora goats. Angora wool is known to be very soft. The fiber itself is fluffier than other wool, and garments made out of Angora are very lightweight. Despite their weight, Angora garments are known to be warmer than similar garments made of cotton or sheep’s wool due to the hollow structure of the Angora fibre, which enhances heat retention. They act as great thermal insulators and are very durable.
Simply Merino
Simply Merino is a Canadian brand offering Merino wool lingerie, swimsuits and clothing designed and manufactured in Canada. The Simply Merino thongs are made of a medium weight, 92% Merino wool fabric. They’re designed for comfort and do not feature hip elastics.
Merino fibre can be a good alternative to cotton because it is easy to wash, antibacterial, breathable and hypoallergenic. However, keep in mind that it is not as soft as cotton. It is a better at keeping moisture away from the body, though.
Engel
Engel’s Merino wool sports bra is composed of 70% superfine virgin organic Merino wool, 28% silk and 2% elastane in order to provide a breathable, odor resistant, and sweat-repellent sports garment. The matching sports boxers deliver comfort during sports activities while offering the possibility to coordinate your underwear. While it is not a necessity per se, isn’t it nice to have a dedicated matching set of sports lingerie? The set is also available in a grey colourway.
Sulis
Right: Sulis silk jersey D-E cup bra, £65 (~$84 / ~78€) and high leg brief, £26 (~$34 / ~31€)
Sulis’ silk jersey camisole is a versatile option that is easy to wear all year round. It is made of pure silk in a lightweight jersey knit, and is manufactured in the UK in 6 different colourways. This camisole can easily be an item of nightwear, an extra layer to wear under your winter sweaters, or a summer top once the temperature allows it. Silk jersey is relatively easy to care for, so long as you hand wash it and don’t twist it to remove the excess water.
Sulis offers a wide range of other pure silk jersey underwear such as slips, knickers, and bras, all at an advantageous price.
Huldra Lingerie
Right: Huldra Lingerie green Merino wool bra set, £95 (~$123 / ~114€)*
I have to admit, Merino wool lingerie isn’t something I typically associate with lace. Huldra Lingerie’s lingerie sets prove just how beautiful that combination can be. The brand is based in the UK and creates beautiful colour pairings with lace appliqués. As with many small independent lingerie brands, they offer custom sizing at no extra cost—an incredible perk, especially considering the set’s reasonable price of £95.
Natori
Right: Natori ‘Cashmere Rib Sweater’ tights, $68 (~£53 / ~63€)*
Lingerie brand Natori offers beautiful 20% cashmere tights in medium grey and dark grey, and a ribbed version in black. Wool and cashmere tights provide an efficient layering basis for winter and early spring outfits. While they are not cheap, they tend to last much longer than summer tights and can sometimes be repaired. Click here for many more cashmere hosiery options by other brands.
Cocoon by Randi Kristoffersen
Last but not least, Cocoon by Randi Kristoffersen’s Elisabeth Cashmere Robe is a highly luxurious garment both due to its price and its manufacturing process. The robe is made of a fine weight combination of regular cashmere and pashmina (a specific, extra-soft type of cashmere from the undercoat of Himalayan mountain goats), and lined with high-quality pure silk satin. In fact, Cocoon offers bespoke, made to measure production and allows you to customise your robe with a large choice of cashmere colours as well as different colours for the silk lining and contrasting piping.
This is the type of garment that should last a lifetime and be passed on. I regret that garment pictures online do not always give them justice. But if you are curious to see it closer, you can also find it on sale in size L here in both Cobalt blue and Periwinkle blue, without the option of customisation.
With all this being said, it is with sadness that I admit, the snow on my Canadian balcony is certainly not going to fully disappear until the end of April, early May. How I wish I could say otherwise and get my bikini ready.
Do you invest in cashmere and wool lingerie for the colder seasons? If so, what type of garment is more likely to bring your comfort until the winter ends?
1 comment
Some nice pieces but very little low waist classic briefs. I hate highwaist panties as well as thongs, but I feel like it’s getting harder and harder to find what I like, that’s why when shopping for high end lingerie I reach for the same few brands all over again.