Functional Lingerie
5 ethically and sustainably made panties to swap for your sad underwear
Recently a friend asked our group chat, “do any of you wear lingerie?” Almost everyone responded with a resounding “no,” a couple declaring allegiance to their trust ol’ granny panties.
Now this is fine and all—I’m a firm believer in wearing whatever makes you feel comfortable—but, you *can* have comfort and aesthetics. Something to wear everyday, that still feels sexy. What I call functional lingerie.
I’ve rounded up my faves, all ethically and sustainably made, and organized them from least to most coverage. Enjoy!
Your basic, no frills thong, but Pact’s version is way, way better than the usual suspects (I’m looking at you, Victoria’s Secret, Gap, Aerie, etc.) because it’s ethically made with organic cotton. Meaning the people who make your underwear work in safe labor conditions and the fabric doesn’t contain a bunch of weird chemicals. And that’s just good juju for you vajajay, ya dig?
Remember how you used to love low-rise jeans, and then you saw the light and realized that high-rise jeans are more flattering? Same with your underwear. High-rise is the.way.to.go because it elongates your legs and provides tummy coverage. The We are HAH (hot-as-hell, lol) High End Thong is super sexy, *and* ethically and sustainably made. So you can seduce in your values! Win.
The Cosabella Never Say Never Comfie Thong is the holy grail of functional lingerie. It’s made of beautiful Italian lace, features a flattering mid-rise and wide waistband, and stays put. Honestly, I forget I’m wearing it, until I catch a glimpse of myself and am like “damn, that’s some nice looking lingerie.” This family-owned company has been working with the same Italian artisans for over three decades.
For my gals who like a brief—I’m looking at a particular doctor friend of mine—swap your go-to pair for the Organic Basics Invisible Cheeky 80s Brief. It’s got a higher leg and cheeky cut, which adds a bit a sex appeal because everyone looks better with less fabric on their butt. The key is finding a brief with a high v-shape. Organic Basics are ethically made with recycled materials, and completely seamless. So no VPL.
Okay, so maybe the Cheeky 80s Brief is still a bit much for you. Then you’ll love the Only Hearts So Fine Hi-Cut Brief. We are talking high-rise here. So you’re still getting granny panty comfort, *but* with a high leg and cheeky cut to balance everything out. Only Hearts is ethically made in NYC using sustainable materials (local textiles, excess, organic, and recycled fabric).
You’ll notice that my picks are prob more expensive than your usual go-tos. And you might be like, “Robyn, on what planet are you from?”
I hear you.
Allow me to make the case that more expensive lingerie is worth the investment because it fits better, is made better, and lasts longer (meaning you buy something you actually like, and buy it less times).
And these brands are truly worth their price tag because they actually pay their workers a living wage. So not only is your purchase making you feel fab, your money is empowering other women. Yes, please.
To make investing in some of my pricier picks more accessible, I’ve teamed up with Reel, a company that helps you save up to shop debt-free. Simply select one of my recs (or create your own custom Reel), and then start saving until it’s yours.
Got a fave that I didn’t include? Share it below! I love discovering ethically and sustainably made brands.
Xx,
Robyn