Today's National Underwear Day, and it's got me reminiscing on one of my favorite jobs ever - a bra specialist at Victoria's Secret. When I started working there at 18, it was a dream job. I adored the brand, worked with some amazing girls, and the company took great care of us in terms of competitive pay and all the free things. At this point in my life, I didn’t really know anything about sustainability or fast fashion, but I remember the first time I was asked to cut a garbage can full of “damages” (merchandise with small holes, minor stains or other imperfections) to shreds before tossing them in the dumpster, like it was yesterday. I asked my manager why we couldn’t just bring them home or donate them and she said “because the company doesn’t want anyone wearing an imperfect version of their product.” Excuse me?! I was shook by this statement, and it inspired me to start asking questions and doing my research on things like what other companies were doing with their damaged goods, who was making them, why we were getting so many imperfect items we could afford to just throw away. And so began my pursuit into sustainable fashion, supporting brands who do good for people and the environment, and educating others on how to be conscious of the brands they’re buying from. Does Victoria’s Secret still make some dang cute clothes + lingerie? Heck yeah they do, but at what cost? Good On You (my favorite app for learning about brands ethics) rates them “not good enough” in both labor and environmental impact. Thankfully, there are so many INCREDIBLE alternative brands available now that are doing good for both people and the planet. And nothing makes you feel good like looking good AND doing good. Here are a few of my favorites: Third Love Third Love was founded by women, for women, with the goal of celebrating every body type, every dimple, scar, and blemish. If they are unable to sell a product for any reason, it's donated to charities or to other causes where it can be repurposed. The founders believe in giving back to the community, and are actively donating to women’s charities across the nation. You can use the code " TL-UNDIES " to get 10% off 3 for $30 or 10% off any undie packs on your first purchase! 2. Azura Bay Azura Bay is the first sustainable undie brand I ever shopped, and I absolutely adore them. They're a small, female-owned business dedicated to providing a variety of cute and comfortable options for loungewear, bras, undies and more! You can use the code " ANA10 " for 10% off your purchase! 3. Organic Basics "Basically Better Made” is Organic Basics motto, and they live up to it with their super comfy everyday underwear from high-quality organic materials, They even weave silver into the organic cotton for their SilverTeach pieces which makes them antibacterial and heat regulating! 4. Boody Wear The most comfortable bras and bodysuits I've ever worn, and they make everything from activewear to loungewear and more, all crafted from organically-grown bamboo viscose for comfortable, sustainability, and health. Use code " ANA15 " for 15% off your first purchase! 5. Cuup Cuup is a great option for sustainably-made underwire bras. They offer forty sizes ranging from AA to H, and they partner with a vertically integrated production facility to ensure that every bra is of the highest quality. 6. Wama Underwear Wama Underwear is on a mission to "pioneer the hemp underwear industry by making the best hemp undies in the world and constantly improving the fit, function and design." Hemp fabric has many benefits like being naturally anti-bacterial , super soft and breathable, and of course it's environmentally-friendly - and unbelievably comfy! 7. Pact Their cotton basics are perfect for building a sustainable stable wardrobe. They go to great lengths to make sure their entire supply chain, from the growing and harvesting of the organic cotton to the final sewing and all the processes in between, is as clean and responsible as possible. I hope you love these brands as much I do! xx, Ana