There’s been an increasing demand for diversity and inclusivity in fashion, including lingerie and intimate wear. Nothing boosts your confidence quite like your partner’s reaction when you surprise them in some sexy lingerie. So why not get all sexy while supporting a Black-owned business? Whatever the reason for your next lingerie purchase, make sure your new chiffon nightgown or a lace-trimmed set is from one of these seven Black-owned lingerie brands.
Nubian Skin
Frustrated by the lack of skin-tone choices to go with her ever-expanding wardrobe, Nubian Skin founder, Ade Hassan, decided it was time for ‘a different kind of nude’. Nubian Skin launched in 2014 with a collection of bras, panties, and other essentials in four tones: Berry, Cinnamon, Caramel and Café au Lait. “My nude isn’t the nude I see in shops. Despite the reality that women of colour have the same needs as all women when it comes to lingerie and hosiery, the industry simply doesn’t cater to us,” said Hassan on her website. Nubian Skin delivers worldwide and has since expanded to shapewear, swim, and menswear. In 2017, Ade was awarded an MBE at Buckingham Palace for services to fashion. The award was made in recognition of Ade’s commitment to her mission to redefine nude, and the impact she has consequently made on the fashion industry.
d.bleu.dazzled
When it comes to bling, d.bleu.dazzled has been a go-to for celebrities like Beyonce, Cardi B, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion and more. Known for her crystallized hosiery, lingerie, and flesh-tone bodysuits. Designer Destiney Bleu, a former NBA and NFL dancer, founded the brand when she realized there was a market for women who wanted to dazzle without the catalog prices.
Love, Vera
This Los Angeles-based lingerie brand is one to keep your eye on. Grounded in removing industry-imposed limits, the company focuses heavily on body positivity and size inclusivity. Real-life couple Vera Moore and Nate Johnson created Love, Vera in 2018 to foster opportunity for Black women in fashion. “When women see our campaigns, they see themselves instead of the ‘ideal’ beauty standards that we’ve all seen in fashion for so long,” said Moore. The brand is also known to highlight women of color and women of varying sizes, offering an array of lacy lingerie in various nude shades, but also a ton of vibrant designs in shades. Love, Vera customers are encouraged to channel their conservative side alongside their fantasies.
Azaira Intimates
London-based entrepreneur Evangeline Poku founded Azaira Intimates out of her quest for lingerie that was both beautiful and tailored to the fuller-busted woman. “I’ve always had bigger boobs, since I was quite young and my size just wasn’t there,” she said in an interview. “I wanted something that was delicate but impactful.” Relaunched in 2020, the brand brings quality intimate-wear to a widely forgotten market, exploring the intricate world of lingerie with delicate fabrics and 24-karat gold-plated accents.
Savage x Fenty
Initially launched in 2019, Rihanna’s lingerie range has carried sizes 32A to 44DD, and XS to 3XL, a true celebration of inclusivity. The prices are accessible and there’s something for everyone. In 2019, with the launch of her Savage X Fenty Fashion Show, Rihanna gave Black models a runway that would fill the crater of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. With celebrity ambassadors like Megan The Stallion, Normani, Reginae and more, Savage X Fenty is your go-to for everything sexy-related.
Anya Lust
If you’re looking for an insane array of luxe and globally sourced lingerie, look no further than Anya Lust, which was founded in 2015 by Krystle Kotara. The idea is truly one-of-a-kind pieces alongside its own in-house brand, making lingerie special and bespoke, not chintzy and disposable. The brand selects from passionate designers who work with expert seamstresses throughout England, France, and beyond. It was voted Best Boutique 2016 by thelingerieaddict.com.
Liberté
Founded in 2019 by veteran model Amber Tolliver, Liberté is a premium lingerie brand centered around thoughtfully constructed garments and undergarments. This luxury lingerie line includes bra sizes 32C to 38H. Designed in New York from the finest Italian fabrics, and produced by highly skilled lingerie artisans internationally. “Women are as diverse as they are multifaceted, this is a fact that can’t be ignored. Having a wide range of sizes that fit a multitude of body types ensures women can be who they are without needing to conform to industry standards,” said the founder in an interview.
Source
Boitumelo Masihleho is a South African digital content creator. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Rhodes University in Journalism and Media Studies and Politics and International Studies. She’s an experienced multimedia journalist who is committed to writing balanced, informative and interesting stories on a number of topics. Boitumelo has her own YouTube channel where she shares her love for affordable beauty and lifestyle content.
