We’re Building A Slower Closet, Starting With These Organic Undergarments
Thoughtful Undergarments Are The Foundation Of
A Slow Fashion Wardrobe
Choosing what we wear with intention is essential to curating a more minimalist closet. And what better way to start than with the very first things we slip into each day? Opting for simple, sturdy undergarments gives our entire wardrobe greater longevity and wearability—plus, it’s a powerful reminder that self-care can be as easy as getting dressed in clothing we love.
When we find an undergarment we love, it becomes a cherished part of our routine. (Especially if it replaces the after-work unclasping of an uncomfortable underwire bra.) Our team has long been supported by the cotton essentials from Brook There, and we’re excited about the brand’s lasting dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and beauty.
“Slow fashion exists on a different time-scale than is possible in a major city.”
“It took a long time to develop our core styles, and we incorporated lots of customer feedback into the shapes which have evolved to become staples, working hard to standardize fit, sizes, and details,” says Brook DeLorme, the founder of Brook There. Since 2009, the brand has been designing organic cotton undergarments in Maine—taking inspiration from the slower-paced lifestyle outside of big cities.
“Slow fashion exists on a different time-scale than is possible in a major city,” explains Brook. “Design and art projects can’t help but incorporate the energy of the place and time from which they come, and Maine has a specific vibration that comes through in the brand choices—on some level, things are practical and utilitarian, while still being beautiful and soft. They are like the light on the coast.”
“On some level, [our pieces] are practical and utilitarian, while still being beautiful and soft. They are like the light on the coast.”
The inspiration from the natural world shows up in the brand’s newest arrivals, which feature fresh oasis greens, playful amber yellows, and rich azure blues among other minimalist nature-inspired colors. Small pops of silk, and romantic details like peekaboo keyholes on the undies add notes of everyday luxury to the already super-soft organic cotton pieces.
For every ounce of inspiration, though, comes a real dedication to making enduring garments that wearers love. Transparency is important, from fabric to stitching: Brook There’s organic cotton is milled and dyed in California, and then each piece is cut and sewn by a small, dedicated team in Massachusetts.
“It is part of the brand ethos that production stays tangible and close to home [and] the focus on building lasting partnerships is most important.”
“It is part of the brand ethos that production stays tangible and close to home,” says Brook, who established the company with her husband, Daniel Pepice, and takes pride in the foundation they’ve built on commitment. “The focus on building lasting partnerships is most important—this starts from our working relationship as married partners, and extends to partners like our cut-sew-and-distribution facility, who we view as friends and essential to Brook There. The big advantage to US-based production is that we can visit and develop consistent relationships—which leads to better products.”
Beyond its commitment to natural fabrics and local US manufacturing, we love that Brook There is a brand that’s here to stay. (Because once you find a brand you love, you want to be able to purchase from them again and again!)
To get a little up-close-and-personal, two of our team members tried out some of the new arrivals from Brook There. Read on for details about fit, feel, and flair. ✨
—What Danielle Says—
“Blessed with B-sized breasts, I’ve always wished for the opportunity to have even the slightest sliver of cleavage. But as someone who despises both underwire (ouch) and plush padding (it just makes me feel like a phony), I’ve struggled to ever achieve it on my own terms.
So, with its elastic trim and lightweight cotton construction, I expected I’d have a similar experience with Brook There’s Curve Convertible Bra. Instead, I was giddy to discover that I got a little push-up without the pain. I suspect it’s the U-shaped neckline and stretchiness of the straps that came together (quite literally) to pull this off. There’s also an arched line of stitching across the breast that I think contributed to me feeling more supported than every teeny triangle bra I’ve tried in the past.
Equally as important as the look is the feel: these bras are super soft, as are the matching, full-coverage Curve Bikini bottoms. Lined in the same elastic, they still managed to not dig cruelly into my thighs. Also, I’ve been a thong-wearing girl for years, but now that I’ve been inside for months practicing social distancing, wearing one feels like, What are you trying to prove? You can’t see a panty line in sweats! So I’ve happily been rocking these around the house.”
—What Alyssa Says—
“Back in March, I declared undies my “official safer-at-home uniform” (except on Zoom, you’re welcome for that one, team!) I am QUEEN of comfy undies—safer-at-home or otherwise—and most often opt for a classic bikini style, though I’m also partial to a boyshort. Seriously, miss me with thongs, lace detailing, or anything that seems more hassle than it’s worth, especially in this time. Comfort is key! Same rules apply to bras—if it’s not cotton, I’m not wearing it (and tbh, even if it is cotton…I’ll still consider not wearing it). So you can imagine I was thrilled to see that Brook There offered organic cotton basics in bikini styles, boy shorts, and nearly hardware-free bras. They really checked off all my boxes before even putting them on.
Much to everyone in my social circle’s surprise, I sprung for the Oasis color—a vibrant, citron-adjacent green. One would typically describe my style as 50 shades of beige, but I’ve been really open to exploring color lately, and what better way to explore than with garments that nobody will see? I’m imagining how fun it’d be to wear this color under a white ribbed tank with some bike shorts for outdoor time or grocery store runs. The bra feels supportive, which, in a time where very little feels that way, is comforting, like a squeeze from a friend you haven’t seen in months.
I’d say these items err on the smaller side—I’m a 32B, M bottom, and feel like I could have sized up in both the bra and undies. Like mentioned before, I’m a full coverage undies gal, so I’d have liked for these to fit a little larger to avoid seam lines on my butt (big 🍑 problems!). I’m not typically one to shy away from a VPL, everyone wears undies (shocking, I know), but I’d probably keep to wearing these around the house or under dresses and skirts. They’re sturdy, and they don’t feel like they’d sag at the bum or anything of the sort, so I can imagine they’re a pair I’ll have for as long as my obsession with this near-neon green exists.”
