10 Black & People of Color Owned Lingerie Brands You Need to Know About
I love lingerie. I love the way the fabrics caress me, how powerful it makes me feel, & how they hug my curves in just the right places. I LOVE how the right piece makes my clients feel like a million bucks & the sassy attitude they bring out.
BUT – there is one thing about lingerie that’s always bothered me. For decades, big box brands like Victoria’s Secret (ugh, shudder) dominated the scene with exorbitant photos of a narrow idea of beauty, perpetuating the idea that women have got to be thin, white, & able-bodied to be beautiful.
I recognize that lingerie is just one corner of the world (and in the world of fashion) that historically hasn’t served Black people & people of color, & I want to address it. Never before has there been more lingerie brands owned by Black people & people of color (thanks to the bold designs & founders!) It’s high time we give SOME of these brands a well-deserved shout-out.
Why Intentionally Buy & Support Black & People of color-owned lingerie Businesses?
Let’s explore the many reasons to buy & support Black & people of color-owned lingerie companies:
Black business owners face disproportionate challenges
While the growth and expansion of Black-owned companies are growing which is wildly hopeful, this doesn’t cancel out the disproportionate challenges faced in getting there. Namely, the issues Black people & people of color face accessing capital, bank loans, & investments. This is doubled for women.
It’s a chance to put our money where it matters
If you are an advocate for Black & people of color rights’ in America, it’s important that we recognize the power we hold as consumers. If we can divert our spending and funnel them into Black people & People of Color’s hands’ directly, this will strengthen their businesses, expand job growth & therefore demand, which will work to close the gaps within equity & equal opportunity.
Intentionally reject Euro-centrism
We are conditioned to accept Euro-centric marketing & ideals due to society’s obsession with “what” is beautiful. Boring! Not only is beauty defined in a hugely broad scope & means a million different things, but it’s also important that we support the people & companies who are shaking up the media & advertisements to demonstrate that.
Lingerie is for every body
Lingerie is for every body!!! & who knows their bodies better than Black people & People of color themselves? NOBODY. Beige is not the standard skin tone & these brands are making it possible to enjoy various hues & shades that accurately match different tones.
10 Black & People of Color Owned Lingerie Brands You Need to Know About
I’ve been soo excited to share these brands. Let me know if any of these of your faves or if I forget any that you love!
Founded in 2015 by Krystle Kotora, Anya Lust is an online store all about celebrating your femininity & finding something that feels sexy & that fits properly. Expect extremely sexy pieces from passionate designers from Europe & beyond. This Juliette Lace Bondage Lingerie Set is just insanely hot, & I am obsessed with this Jeana Plus Size Bodysuit. As a photographer, my creativity was totally sparked by this one-of-a-kind piece, the Dreamer Chiffon Robe Baby Blue. Does anyone want to wear it & be my model?! 😉
This very exciting lingerie line’s owner knows a little something about being behind the camera, too. Founded by plus-size model Asia Monet, the brand features bodysuits, fuller-bust bras, cover-ups & robes. The Envy Lacy Bodysuit in those nice shades of blue & black really spoke to me. What do you think?
Love, Vera brings tons of creativity! I love their 3-piece seats, body suits & bras. They are all super playful yet sexy & available up to size 4XL. It’s important to share their motto too which is, “Black women make things cool, but remain outsiders to leadership and business opportunities in fashion. Love, Vera is going to change that.” I was drawn to sooo many pieces but wanted to share the Nude Allover Floral Lace Teddy Dark Cocoa Curvy & the Ava Chemise Red & the Glittering Embroidered Bra & Panty Set Orange Crush
IHUOMA is a luxury lingerie brand that is here to celebrate & uplift the modern Black woman. The collections focus on self-love, empowerment, femininity & sensuality. The pieces are out of this world & include made-to-order pieces with bespoke embroidery through a sustainable, thoughtful processes. Add to cart!
This iconic brand was founded in 2010 by Destiney Bleu, with a focus on custom crystallized hosiery, lingerie, & super cool performance wear. Expect be-dazzled, stylish & statement pieces that you will want to wear again & again. Does anyone remember the Toxic by Britney Spears moment? You can now recreate it with this bad boy, the “Toxic” Micro-Mesh Catsuit in varied skin shades! Did I mention Beyonce & Cardi B reps this brand!?
If you are looking for stunning luxury pieces that also focus on bridal & honeymoon lingerie, look no further! This Brooklyn-based brand run by LaTimberly Johnson features really incredible pieces that use dainty, unique fabrics I’ve never seen anywhere else. I mean, the Beckett Bra speaks for itself.
One word: stunning. Founded by Chiedza Dawn Ziyambe, Miss Chii is all about creating lingerie for the bold & beautiful, which I love! You can expect gorgeous pieces like the tuxedo bra. They also offer lower-priced items with a sister brand called Chii by Miss Chii.
Nude Barre stepped in to fill the very real gap by creating body wear that actually matches your skin tone! Their pieces cover all the basics for beautifully mad undies & bralettes & their site has a match tone quiz so you can find your perfect color.
Privacy Intimate, based in Atlanta, is on a mission to help women celebrate themselves & their sensuality, without shame. Their pieces are hot, fiery, strappy, & plain sexy—and would be a TON of fun for a boudoir photoshoot! Just imagine the Lillie 3 Piece Garter Set, Delilah Teddy, Adrianna Catsuit or the Sheer Vixen Bodysuit! Oww owww.
Lingerie Love
The next time you’re shopping for statement pieces, lounge lingerie or basics, I hope you’ll consider some of the incredible brands above & push change through your choices. This list is just scratching the surface of all the innovatie Black & people of color owned lingerie brands. Isn’t it pretty special how many talented people there are out there?
What are some of your favorite Black & People of Color Owned Lingerie Brands?
If you are curious about other lingerie companies that are doing good for the world, check out my Ethical Lingerie Guide.
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