4 Australian fashion people on the lingerie they swear by
IMAGE VIA @Lebuns_/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY GENEVIEVE PHELAN
And there seem to be a few crowd favourites.
Finding the right underwear and bra duo for everyday wear can be a tumultuous journey. Like good taste in many things, it comes with age. It’s usually a process of trial and error and potentially involves a few bouts of thrush along the long way.
I recently donned a hyper-sexy matching set of lingerie to road test how it would make me feel (you can read more about that here), and I sort of loved it. But mostly, comfort is key. I’m also a devoted wearer of organic, antibacterial and moisture-wicking undies (like the Vee Underwear ones) to avoid the aforementioned thrush.
Keep up to date with ethical designers over at our Fashion section.
When it comes to cut, I’m a g-string girl every day of the calendar year, but that shift probably only happened about two years ago. Now, the thought of a bikini cut or boyleg seems sinister. I just vibe the fit, the feel and the freedom (sans VPL) of a g-banger, as do some of the fashion people I’ve spoken to below.
I wanted to investigate what some local sartorial experts wear beneath their well-curated outer clothes. And it seems – like the personalised ‘outerwear’ style we all naturally differ in – underthings have various prerequisites depending on the person you ask.
For me, prioritising underwear that ventilates and facilitates a healthy vagina is paramount (blame my frequent UTIs), so synthetic fabrics get the boot. And then there’s the top half, with bras being an entirely different ballgame. Are you allergic to underwire? Do you wince at the thought of donning a strapless style? Do bralettes bring you pure, unadulterated joy?
I’m all about a non-padded, comfy, semi-cute, run-of-the-mill bra most days, and maybe the odd bralette from Maeva or sports bra from Nimble on others. I also thoroughly enjoyed the mesh feel of a sultry Saturday the Label cobalt bra. But that’s enough about me. Here are what four authorities on fashion slip on to cradle their bits and deliver them utmost comfort on a daily basis. Take note, especially if your knickers drawer is in a state, or your favourite bra is looking a little worse for wear.
Jasmine Wallis, writer and co-host of Culture Club Podcast
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What are your go-to intimates/lingerie?
My absolute favourites are the Australian brands Lé Buns and Vee Underwear. My go-tos are the high-cut briefs from Lé Buns. They’re made with organic cotton and just slipping them on makes me feel like I’m going to have a good day. I haven’t worn lingerie in ages, probably because of living almost exclusively in activewear the last few years. I’d love to treat myself to a luxe set one day.
How do they complement your clothing style/way of ‘outerwear’ dressing?
High-cut briefs are super flattering and help to accentuate my waist when I wear tight-fitting trousers. Sometimes they can act as shapewear in the right dress as well.
What do you prioritise when it comes to shopping for bras and undies?
At the moment, I prioritise breathable materials, not just in intimates but in all of my clothes. Natural fibres like cotton, wool and linen are better for the planet and your body. I’m also bigger-busted so when it comes to bra shopping I make a point to get re-fitted at Bras N Things to ensure I’m wearing the correct size. Wearing ill-fitting bras can make or break an outfit.
What’s a no-go for you when buying intimates?
Synthetic materials or buying too small of a size! There’s nothing worse than being aware of your underwear all day. Whether they’re riding up, irritating or cutting into your skin. Underwear can make the basis of a comfy and stylish outfit so choosing good quality brands is super important.
Cait Burke, Digital Editor of Fashion Journal
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What are your go-to intimates/lingerie?
I’m a g-string girlie for a lot of the week because I have a hatred for visible panty lines (not on other people, I just find my clothing sits better if my underwear is more streamlined). In saying this, it’s been a struggle to find a g-string that’s comfy, cute and ethical. My go-to holy grail pair is by local label Le Buns – I’m obsessed with its high-waisted, organic cotton Robbie g-string. It’s honestly the most comfortable pair of underwear I own, and as someone who loves high-waisted underwear it’s very rare to find a high waisted g-string like this.
How do they complement your overarching style/way of ‘outerwear’ dressing?
They’re breathable, organic cotton, and I increasingly try to prioritise natural fibres when purchasing new clothing so it’s great to be able to do this with my under layers too. They’re a comfort-focused twist on a classic style, which I think ties in nicely to my overall aesthetic fashion-wise.
What do you prioritise when it comes to shopping for bras and undies?
Comfort, the brand’s ethics, natural fibres, a cotton gusset (very important to keep it breathable down there) and whether it will or won’t give me a VPL. Any undies that give me a VPL are strictly home or comfort undies for days I don’t care as much (like when I have my period).
What’s a no-go for you when buying intimates?
A no go for me is a synthetic gusset, or those g-strings that are flimsily cut and make it feel like you have a piece of dental floss between your butt cheeks (apologies for that graphic image). G-strings don’t have to be hideously uncomfy and I avoid any brands/styles that are poorly cut.
Katia Kelso, co-founder of Ilio Nema
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What are your go-to intimates/lingerie?
My go-to brands are Araks, Stella McCartney and Lé Buns for basics. I like a simple lace or mesh underwire bra with no padding. I’m also a big fan of a bralette. I always have at least one black and white piece but I also love colour! I have a great yellow bra that is the perfect piece [for] slightly showing under our Citrus Rhea Dress.
I love buying a set even though most days my underwear is mismatched. I like to mix and match pieces across seasons. I think it’s fun to mix colours and textures. When it comes to bottoms, I love a comfy cotton brief as much as a cute lace one. Araks has some great organic cotton briefs in fun bright colours. I like both their bikini and high-waisted bottoms. Lé Buns also uses plush organic cotton.
How do they complement your clothing style/way of ‘outerwear’ dressing?
I love colour, print, texture, craftsmanship and attention to detail. This applies to both my underwear and outerwear. I am drawn to a bra because I love the lace, colour or the attention to detail like the strap they have used or interesting cup panels. I don’t like anything too fussy when it comes to lingerie.
I think simple works best under clothes. I mostly wear Ilio Nema’s billowing dresses and soft cotton pieces which feel nice against my skin. I like my underwear to feel soft and comfortable as well. Comfort is just as important to me as aesthetics.
What do you prioritise when it comes to shopping for bras and undies?
Quality over quantity. Investing in good underwear that fits well, looks good and will last. I know my style and buy pieces I love and that I feel good in. I look at the materials used and mostly buy organic cotton briefs.
What’s a no-go for you when buying intimates?
Cheap lace and padded bras!
Jacqui Hoang, founder of Sleeping with Jacques
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What are your go-to intimates/lingerie?
I love Sleeping with Jacques of course! They are my everyday intimates. There is a style perfect for all occasions. The bodysuits are great for layering which is so important in Melbourne weather.
How do they complement your overarching style/way of ‘outerwear’ dressing?
The Freya bodysuits I wear daily. They go underneath practically everything – a total game changer! I feel super sexy having silk so close to my skin, and I almost feel naked in it as the cut is so comfortable. I forget it’s on. It’s like a superpower having something so sexy under your everyday pieces that you can feel confident in getting undressed, but perfectly okay because it’s a bodysuit and not super risqué (but still packs on the wow factor). I have a few colours on rotation.
What do you prioritise when it comes to shopping for bras and undies?
Absolutely [my] number one priority is comfort when I am getting intimates. Or else it’s another thing that gets relegated to the corner of the wardrobe for me to wear one day for some occasion. Personally, how I shop these days is the intent that every day is the occasion so I want to look good and feel comfortable always.
What’s a no-go for you when buying intimates?
Underwire. Can they please just go away into a black hole never to return? There is such incredible fabric technology available now that can be developed for underwire not to be imposed on women anymore. It is my next challenge to develop a range that supports women of all sizes, so counting down the seconds to the end of your day for you to rip off that bra is no longer your favourite bit about [wearing it].
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