4 inclusive SA lingerie brands to opt for in light of Victoria's Secret fat and transphobic comments

Victoria’s Secret's woes following the chief marketing officer’s comments about trans and plus size models persist. Since the Victoria’s Secret show was filmed on 8 November 2018, the lingerie brand has been accused of countless mishaps. 

READ MORE: PICS: Winnie Harlow, Duckie Thot and the other Victoria's Secret models that set the catwalk alight

First off, Victoria’s Secret is accused of being transphobic, fatphobic and perpetuating a negative body image.

This after Ed Razek, the chief marketing officer of Victoria’s secret parent company, L Brands, and executive vice president of public relations at Victoria’s Secret, made the following comment in an interview with Vogue: “Shouldn’t you have transsexuals in the show? No. No, I don’t think we should. Well, why not? Because the show is a fantasy” – in addition to other controversial comments.

READ MORE: As Victoria’s Secret CEO resigns, will the lingerie company finally realise "fat" and trans women are sexy too?

Forbes reported that L Brands has lost more than two-fifths of its value this year, with a decline of more than 4%. Even after reports that Victoria’s Secret was resurrecting their swimwear line, tension around the brand continues.

Amid this controversy, many have thrown in Rihanna's lingerie brand as an alternative to Victoria’s Secret. 

READ MORE: ICYMI: Breast pumps, natural hair plus deaf, disabled, trans, "fat" and pregnant models on the runway - fashion shows are changing

If you are looking for lingerie or swimwear in South Africa, that is more inclusive lingerie, here are a few options.

Gugu Intimates

Founded by Gugu Nkabinde, this underwear line is skin-coloured underwear for black women in five shades, ranging from a tan looking “elewa” colour, to a deep brown in the colour “runako”. Here's what City Press had to say about her business - Finally! Gugu Intimates offers underwear for brown skinned girls.

READ MORE: Ballet shoes that now come in shades of tan and brown for Black and Asian dancers have been released in the UK for the first time

This “pro-brown skin” underwear line was founded to address the gap in a nude underwear market that didn’t always include darker skin tones. Gugu Intimates is available in select stores in Gauteng, Harare, New York and online.

Thabooty’s Underwear & Shapewear

Thabooty's Underwear & Shapewear, by none other than media personality Thando Thabethe, has taken it upon itself to change the way women perceive and feel about underwear and shapewear.

Bra size's range from an A cup to a D cup and lingerie bottoms from a small to a XL size. Shop Thabooty’s collection here.

Distraction by Bonang

This August, Bonang released the lingerie line she modelled on her Instagram account.

Bra sizes range from 32A up to 36DD and bottoms from XS up to XL. Yes, Bonang! This collection is available exclusively at Woolworths.

Nude Wear

This swimwear brand dedicates itself to diversity and body positivity. According to Nude Wear, its swimwear line is exclusively produced in Cape Town, and the brand has committed itself to ethical production and sustainable development. 

READ MORE: Beyoncé buys Ivy Park from Top Shop as allegations of racism and sexual harassment surface against owner, Philip Green

Nude Wear offers reversible swimwear designs for a “seamless fit for every body type”. Shop here.

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