Where to Buy Comfy-Slutty Underwear Post–American Apparel

$ 30.50 · 5 (549) · In stock

Cut and stitched in NYC, Land of Women’s minimalist-sexy bodysuits are like American Apparel went to grad school and married an art collector. More than $100 a pop and made from viscose (Italian for rayon), they don’t scream utility. But the brand gets major bonus points for making a nursing bra that’s chic.
More faultlessly produced, ’40s-style, soft-cup basics at a price point that prohibits “spotting,” Botanica Workshop’s delicate proportions pleasingly mimic serious lingerie, but are designed for human movement. Is this the future of lingerie? I might need to block out more time for hand-washing.
This 30-year-old Miami-based line’s take on comfy-slutty is “irresistible every day.” It doesn’t brag about its manufacturing, and the price suggests it’s nothing to write home about — but On Gossamer’s prices do make it feasible to actually wear every day, and it’s designed to include those who balk at cupless bras. I’m stocking up on their new mesh-cotton line. Get back to me to find out how it holds up in the laundry.
The boy briefs of early American Apparel live on in Sloane & Tate’s high-cut briefs and triangle bras, made from cotton and jock-strappy elastics. They’re also made in women-run factories in Los Angeles and reasonably priced. It’s more a direct substitution for American Apparel than an evolution, except for their Old Navy–style boxers, billed as women’s loungewear. Perhaps we’ve come full circle?
With empowerment marketing, a slick website, and vague claims to owning their own factory, Lively feels like the slick start-up of the comfy-slutty lingerie space. But offerings like the bralette and thong in geo-lace — a cross between mesh and lace — appear to fit the bill, and the price is right.
As a mostly lace lingerie emporium, Lonely throws a wrench in the comfy-slutty lingerie works. Less comfy and practical than their cotton competitors, Lonely’s restrained, BDSM-influenced styles (to say nothing of their inclusive sizes and reasonable prices) make the case for redrawing the line between comfy and slutty — but shopping smarter for both. I forgot to look whether their manufacturing was ethical on my way to check out.