When it comes to sustainable lingerie, there’s a lot of talk about fibres and fabrics. Something that I haven’t seen discussed quite so often is the dyes used to colour those materials, and yet you can hardly call a natural fibre-based fabric sustainable if it has been coloured using toxic, environmentally-polluting dyes.

If France is the lingerie capital of the world, then Poland is the full-bust lingerie captial of the world. Seriously, if you wear above a D cup size (especially if you’re well beyond that letter) and you don’t know about Polish bras yet, you’re missing out.

If you want to get dressed up this Halloween, then the most sustainable costume idea is to put something together with things you already own. But if you’re lost for ideas and still really want to wear a costume, how about basing it around a key piece which you can continue to enjoy long after the festivities are over?

As someone who works day-in, day-out in the lingerie industry, I see a lot of underwear that looks very much the same. But part of the reason I stay so interested is that about once a year or so, I’ll stumble across an independent brand that’s just so utterly and refreshingly different. This year, it’s Elyse On Mars.

Remember when I reviewed a Marina V bra back in March and said I’d try to do a round-up of similar pieces, because it was definitely becoming a small but noticeable lingerie trend? Yeah, I forgot. But lately I’m seeing this bra style pop up more and more, so I’ve finally put that list together!

There are many misconceptions about the fabrics and materials used in the making of lingerie. One is that lace is itchy and meant only for the bedroom. Another is the confusion between embroidery and lace. Let’s clarify some of these concepts.

Adaptive underwear provides ease and independence for people who find traditional underwear difficult to use. These designs commonly feature fastenings such as velcro, zippers or magnetic clasps in the front, so that the bra or brief can be put on or taken off without significant movement, bending, or standing.

I want natural, biodegradable fabrics. I also want lace – so much lace! And unfortunately the two don’t really seem to be compatible. That’s why I was very intrigued when a newsletter landed in my inbox about a new, biodegradable lace lingerie range by Fleur of England.

It is now possible to find relatively breathable-feeling synthetic fabrics. These are frequently more hydrophobic than actually breathable, but they can sometimes be comfortable and suitable for the hot weather. However, I’d argue that natural fibres are often the best initiative.

Period underwear is great because it’s so versatile. The brands in this article offer underwear that can replace up to 12 tampons, or lighter options that you can use as a backup for when your tampon or menstrual cup overflows. Plus, a growing number of brands now offer period swimwear and activewear.