WHY I DECIDED TO LAUNCH A SUSTAINABLE INTIMATE WEAR BRAND

For years, I've been deeply connected to fashion - not just as a model, but as a conscious consumer. I've always loved the artistry of clothing, the way fabrics feel on the skin, and the confidence the right piece can give you.

But the more I learned about the industry, the harder it became to ignore a huge problem: the intimate wear industry is far from sustainable.

That realization became the spark that led me to launch my own sustainable intimate wear brand in 2022, Gal Intimates. And this isn't just about creating something pretty. It is about building something that respects our skin, our bodies, and our planet.

The Truth About Intimate Wear and Sustainability

Lingerie and intimate apparel are often overlooked in the sustainability conversation. The truth is, they're some of the most unsustainable pieces we buy:

Synthetic Fabrics Dominate: Most bras, panties and shape wear are made from polyester, nylon, and elastane - petroleum-based fabrics that don't biodegrade and shed microplastics every time they're washed.

Fast Fashion Cycles: Many lingerie brands release dozens of collections per year, pushing overproduction and encouraging consumers to buy, wear, and toss at alarming rates.

Chemical Use in Dyeing: Brightly dyed lace and satin often go through toxic dyeing processes, releasing harmful chemicals into water systems.

Short Lifespan: Because intimate wear is often cheaply made, pieces stretch out, fray, or lose elasticity quickly, leading to more waste.

What We Need to Do Better as an Industry

Slow Down Production: Fewer drops, better quality.

Invest in Fabric Innovation: More natural and recycled materials that maintain stretch and comfort without harming the planet.

Improve Recycling Systems: Create ways to break down and repurpose intimate wear at the end of its life.

Educate Consumers: Transparency on where and how lingerie is made so we can make informed choices.

Launching this brand is my way of being part of the solution, not just talking about the problem.

My hope is that more lingerie and intimate wear brands start to prioritize the planet as much as the aesthetics.

Xo

Nikki

Author: NIKKI GAL