Ask Homeroom: Where Can I Buy Comfy But Cute Underwear From Local Brands?

Sophie Barker and Annie Carroll know what it takes to make a good outfit feel great. The founders of Homeroom – an online resource for styling tips and a designer directory – offer sense-checks for the latest trends and advice on how to find the perfect fit for a dinner date or special occasion.

In the pair’s fifth column for Broadsheet , Barker and Carroll share where they like to shop for attractive, practical and locally designed underwear , including one brand that rivals Skims and another that colours its cotton briefs with plant-based dyes.

Hey Homeroom, I’ve been living in the same style of bra and undies for years now. What are some of the best new local underwear labels that are comfortable but also cute? – Creature Comforts

Dear Creature Comforts,

We’ve never been the type of people to wear elaborate matching lingerie. In fact, we have a sneaking suspicion that those people are mythical – fantasies dreamt up by some Don Draper type. We’re pretty sure the vast majority of us are getting around in undies that are a combination of affordable, comfortable, and (of course) clean.

There does come a time, however, when your trusty, well-worn knickers need to be put out to pasture so you can bring in some new ones. This is a great time to make sure you’re wearing the right size, so you can feel your best – but it’s also a good time to explore some of the newer local labels who’ve made it their mission to create cute, comfortable underwear in fabrics that make sense for the job. Even if you think you can still eke out some mileage from your existing undies, never underestimate the power of a new bra and briefs to make you feel like you have your life together.

Australia has turned out a healthy batch of great independent and boutique underwear labels in recent years, including several that focus on breathable, comfortable, supportive pieces. Here are some of our favourites.

Nico

Launched in 2012 by Lis Harvey, the local underwear label’s high-quality basics are crafted from plant-dyed organic cotton and tencel, giving every piece a luxurious softness. Nico’s iconic high-waisted undies and triangle bras come in dreamy colours like hazy mauve, buttery lemon, zesty sage and pure white. Carrie Bradshaw would approve. Test the waters with this pair of high-waisted, strawberry-hued briefs or commit with a five pack of plant-dyed cotton briefs. Its padding-free underwire bra in crimson is a classic, and its wire-free, double-layered organic bra in lilac is perfect for people who need a bra but don’t like wearing one. The label caters to sizes 6 to 16.

Peach Underwear

Peach launched in 2018 with just one style: a mid-rise cheeky brief. Its quest was to create the perfect no-show undies with no elasticated seams, frills, bows or lace. Now the local label offers a range of briefs and bralettes in ultra-stretchy, ultra-soft nylon, cotton and bamboo – many of which we’ve found to be almost perfect substitutes for the more exxy brand Skims. The seven-pack of high-rise black briefs are perfect under high-waisted wool trousers or column skirts. The scoop bralette is a staple, and comfortably supportive under tees, shirts, tanks and sweaters. It’s one of the most inclusive local labels for sizing, catering to sizes 4 to 26.

First Thing

Sexy, comfortable and practical: First Thing really smashes it out of the park. The indie local label was founded by Georgia Gazal, who was fed up with not being able to find underwear she was excited to wear every day. The brand offers fit-focused basics in ultra-soft modal and classic shades of black, taupe, blush and umber. It offers sizes 8 to 16 in styles that tread a fine line between coverage, and sexy and revealing. It’s a confident collection, and our favourites include the V-shaped G-string in lavender and the mid-rise brief in umber. But it’s First Thing’s bras and bralettes that really stand out: there’s a strapless bra that won’t give you uni-boob; a perfectly cut T-shirt bra and an actually sexy bralette.

Rose and Bare

Rose and Bare was established by Australian model Natalie Roser. Her idea for a “nude specialist” lingerie line came to her after she grew frustrated at not being able to find a set of underwear that matched her skin tone. She set about developing supportive yet sexy bras and barely-there knickers in shades to suit a diversity of skin tones. The result is a holy grail underwear label for those who like a more traditional feminine look and feel, but with big ticks for value, comfort and versatility. Some of our favourites include the Everyday #4 bra for gentle lift and support, the perfect nude lace bralette , and a strapless nude bra that will work a treat under virtually anything. It caters to sizes 8 to 14.

Juem

Established in 2018 by Juliette Harkness and Emma Nelson (who are also behind Deiji Studios), the Byron Bay-born label is known for creating maternity underwear that’s desirable and luxurious. But Juem offers more than just beautiful breastfeeding-friendly bras. High-waisted knickers and ribbed cotton bralettes, in sizes 8 to 16, mould to the body and feel like a hug when you need one most. They come in muted shades of taupe, mauve and stone. The Esme G-string is a special option for when a basic G-string just won’t quite do. The cross-front Bernie bra is a truly versatile option to wear before, during and post pregnancy, while the Devon bra makes a clear point that “breastfeeding friendly” does not have to equal ugly.

For more style inspiration, visit homeroom.com.au or follow @homeroomau.

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