Now that the world has moved on from uncomfortable push-up bras and cis size-zero angels, it’s past time for underwear that’s inclusive and fun. Internationally, brands such as Thirdlove and Savage x Fenty are repping non-binary bodies, bodies of colour, and size-inclusive sexiness. Now new Aussie label Nala is following suit, with a flagship range of comfortable and brightly coloured bras and briefs made from innovative eco-friendly fabrics, and designed for every body.
Co-founder Chloe de Winter, a qualified physio and pilates instructor, acknowledges her background is a far cry from the fashion industry. But after a stint living in New York with husband and co-founder Phillip de Winter, she found Australia’s lingerie options to be too “girl-next-door” by comparison. So, de Winter decided to make her own.
“As a millennial growing up in the Victoria’s Secret age, I wanted to do it differently,” she tells Broadsheet. “I can feel a shift in what millennials and Gen Z want. We want to be bold and fierce and sexy and all those things, but also sustainable.”
Nala pieces boast ethical and sustainable production techniques with innovative material use, too. The Bio Butter range is made from a predominantly bio-based nylon material that uses industrial starches, like corn, in place of traditional petroleum. The see-through Flossy Mesh range is made with 82 per cent recycled nylon, using offcuts otherwise destined for landfill. Both fabrics are certified toxin-free.
Sizes run from XXS to 5XL and can be purchased online at affordable price points. “We didn’t feel the need to mark up, especially serving a community of women who have bigger busts or bigger bodies,” de Winter says. The priciest item – a supportive, wire-free bralette in sizes 10D to 20DD – will only set you back $59.
In an industry that caters heavily to the gender binary, Nala sets itself apart with gender-neutral “Everybody” styles. The tuck brief and scoop crop designs were developed in consultation with the Equality Project, a national LGBTQI+ charity, and are made for anyone looking to serve a femme look, including trans and cis women and non-binary, queer and gender-diverse undie-wearers.
Nala’s site features a body-neutral fit guide, where you can choose from images of 30 real bare chests to help find appropriate products. The photos come from volunteer models – choose the one that most resembles you and see which items fit best.
The fit guide is also an expression of Nala’s approach to inclusivity, de Winter says. “We want people to feel like they are represented in what they see.”
