The ethical lingerie edit

We totally don’t talk about this enough! There are plenty of conversations about wispy linen tunics and clogs, but finding ethical undergarments can be a bit of a black hole until you really spend some time digging.

I’ll start by confessing something: I’ve never owned a bra that actually fit. For real. I always wore a size too big in the band, and too small in the cups. The worst part is that I knew it!

There were just no conventional stores that carried my size. So I compromised. For years, I felt self-conscious. There was this strange level of shame I felt with my shape. I kept thinking—there’s something wrong with me.

Weirdly, it took shopping ethically to shake me out of that silly mindset. I remember walking along Queen Street West in Toronto with my mom. She had finally let me take her shopping for some ethical clothing pieces!

We were strolling down the road when I spotted a new store: Fortnight. I knew from social media that they were a Toronto-made lingerie brand. They had just opened up their first physical store! My mom said, “I actually need a new bra!” So naturally, we popped up the steps and inside.

I’ll be real with you, I was hesitant to go into a tiny ethical boutique because I didn’t know if they’d stock her size (or mine). She’s a 34G, and I’m a 30DD. But to my surprise, they carried both.

Well, wasn’t that just a match made in heaven. That day, I walked away with TWO lace bras, and my mom found one for herself. I’d never felt so damn confident. I invested in more than just bras that day—I’d invested in myself.

That experience made me want to share the places I’d finally found confidence. So, without further ado, I present:

My top ethical undergarment brands

Fortnight Lingerie

consciously made // lace & satin // bras // undies // nighties // bodysuits

Made in Toronto, Fortnight places value on timelessness, natural curves, simplicity and lasting quality. They’re comfortable, beautiful, and subtly femme. Using both lace and satin, their pieces feel luxurious without being impractical. And boy, do they stay in place. I’ve never worn a bra that I didn’t have to adjust every 5 seconds. But these ones? Perfection.

P.S. did I mention they also have swimwear? 😉

Shop Fortnight here.

Organic Basics

GOTS certified organic // consciously made // undergarment basics // socks // tees & tanks

Made in Europe from fabrics expertly milled in Izmir, Turkey, Organic Basics started when four Danish guys were fed up with the disappointing quality and environmental impact of regular underwear brands. What started as a simple set of men’s underwear turned into a streamlined collection of basics made from GOTS certified organic cotton and dyed naturally. They even have a new line of activewear that’s made with silver woven into the fabric. Silver is known for its antimicrobial qualities, meaning you can wear the same shirt for days and that thing won’t stink! It only takes the amount of silver equivalent to 2 rings to produce 5,000 shirts.

Tip: Buying enough underwear can get pricey, so the best option is to check out their packs with multiples! It’ll save you a bunch. Plus, you can use my promo code PETRA15 for special perks!

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Shop Organic Basics here.

The Nude Label

GOTS certified organic // nontoxic dyes // inclusive nude tones // basic bralettes, undies & bodysuits

Made and based out of Valencia, Spain, The Nude Label is a family-run business committed to producing undergarments that are inclusive of all skin tones. They’re relaxed, easygoing, and of course, comfortable. They’re passionate about sustainability and producing products in a way that’s also kind to the planet.

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Images courtesy of The Nude Label

Shop The Nude Label here.

Sokoloff Lingerie

consciously made // femme lingerie // some lines GOTS certified organic

Another great made-in-Canada lingerie brand. If you’re looking for something a little extra-sultry (in a way that celebrates our natural curves), this is a great go-to. Unlined bralettes, cutout bodysuits and beautifully mesh undies are what you can find here. “delicacy, confidence & comfort” are the words they live by. I have one of their bralettes, and can confirm it’s super soft. Unfortunately they don’t carry my size, so it’s a little too big – but if they carry your size, then they’re a great choice!

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Images courtesy of Sokoloff Lingerie

Shop Sokoloff here.

Azura Bay

online lingerie stockist // carries organic & consciously made lingerie & undies

Azura Bay curates products from a whole bunch of conscious lingerie brands under one site so you can easily compare and buy from one place if you love items from a bunch of the brands above. They’re also a great source for swimwear.

Image courtesy of Azura Bay, shot by @camryn.elizabeth.photo

Shop Azura Bay here.

Those are my top 5!

It was important to me that I found both fun and practical brands, because sometimes you just want to celebrate yourself and not just be sensible 😉

Looking for more?

I did think about what options are out there for more support and everyday comfort if you’re a larger cup size. Fortnight is very inclusive in their sizing, but of course it is more lingerie than basics. If you’re on the search for more of a t-shirt bra style, Knixwear is an option. They’re manufactured in China, just outside of Shanghai and Seoul, South Korea. In their product FAQs, they have stated that their factories are WRAP, SA 8000, and Oeko-tex approved. For another nude-inclusive label, check out Wear Proclaim and their cute cutout bralette!

I hope you found a new favourite here! If you’re still on the search for something, let me know! I’d be happy to answer in the comments section below.

xo
PetraAlexandra