bralettes

In an industry where brand after brand are claiming to ‘reinvent’ the bra simply by removing the underwires, it’s refreshing to come across a lingerie company actually doing something different. Tensengral has merged antique and modern technology to create a whole new type of lingerie fabric: “performance lace”.

As always, I am blown away by the level of detail in this Love & Swans lingerie set. What may from a distance appear to be a print is actually an embroidery, which gives it a wonderful depth of texture when seen up close. On top of all this is that other signature design element of this brand: lavish hand-beading.

As the global lingerie market continues to increase in value, new and potentially-major players are entering the industry, from SavageX to Zara to Amazon. So I got curious – could Amazon truly become a leading lingerie destination?

German brand AIKYOU creates timeless, minimalist lingerie for small cup sizes using regionally-sourced fabrics and ethical production standards. Their brand mission is in two parts: to create beautiful lingerie for small busts, and to do so with the highest caliber of sustainability.

I wanted to highlight the bras I consistently reach for in the mornings, because what better endorsement for a garment or a brand than to say I actually wear it a ton? So here, in no particular order, are 10 bras whose combination of fit, comfort and practicality have made them become my everyday staples.

I first discovered Australian brand Stonemen several years ago whilst looking for comfortable, stylish men’s underwear as a gift for my partner. I was so impressed by the quality of the briefs that came for him that I knew I had to get my own pair of Stonemen one day.

LoveSuze is a newly-launched brand founded by Suzanne Macbale, who was previously Associate Vice President of Design at Victoria’s Secret. In case you’re wondering how similar this fledgling label is it to the lingerie giant: it’s not. There’s not a push-up bra in sight at LoveSuze.

I’ve been following Primrose & Pixie for years now, ever since I first discovered this “lingerie and sleepwear for modern daydreamers”. The designer behind the brand, Sarah Richards, creates beautiful, unapologetically-girly lingerie inspired by nature, fairy tales, magic and Gothic styling.

HARA — which means green in Hindi — is one of the most eco-conscious brands I’ve seen. They don’t just try to be sustainable; they’re willing to go above and beyond what other companies are doing to help the planet.

Cake Maternity have been on my radar since my pregnancy over 5 years ago, so I was overjoyed when they offered to send me one of their new, non-maternity bralettes to try out. These designs are part of their new sub-brand Sugar Candy, which claims to be “the only seamless, wireless range of bralettes for busty women”.