Affordable Line to Love: Naja Lingerie

Maybe it’s my age, or my desire to spend my money on things that truly make me happy, but lingerie and intimates have been showing up on my wish lists more often since I hit my late 20s.

It could also be attributed to the horror and torture that is the experience of buying undergarments as a curvaceous young woman. Anyone who doesn’t fit into sample sizes understands my pain – and that’s pretty much everyone. Even then, if you achieve perfect fit, there is a 99% chance that whatever fits you perfectly is utterly boring to look at. About as empowering and enchanting as a stick of glue.

Talavera Red Olivia Bra, $56; Clementina Cheeky Panty, $20

The most beautiful patterns and fabrics are clearly going to be found on the pieces with the highest prices. This tends to be true when it comes to famous brands – but independent lingerie brands are a different story.

Naja was inspired by world travels, and created in honor of the women that founder Catalina Girald met along the way.

The inspiration is clear to see from each collection – Talavera glows with the colors and patterns of traditional Mexican folklore, Noir de Noirs is the perfect encapsulation of French elegance, and Andalusia is a lace collection inspired by traditional ladies mantillas. 

Andalusia Bianca Lace Bra, $62; Marlena Lace Short, $26

When I say that this brand honors women, I really mean it. Not only is it woman-owned, but it’s essentially powered by the strength of women, as well.

Naja works directly with the Golondrinas Foundation in Columbia for their program, Underwear for Hope, which employs displaced women after first teaching them to sew. That’s right, this company teaches women a marketable skill… then employs them for it.

Many of the women are mothers, and most of those mothers are single mothers, so this job means caring for their families by bringing money in, and Naja allows many of the women to work from their homes, which makes parenting solo a lot easier.

There’s even a nylon fabric made from recycled fishing nets, so if you’ve got an ethical soapbox to stand on, Naja has pretty much got you covered.

As far as the construction of the actual bras and panties, Naja professes that each piece is “meticulously crafted.”

Talavera Valentina Bustier, $72; Carmen Hi-Waisted Panty, $28

The cups are made from memory foam to ensure that they mold perfectly to your shape, and the fabrics are moisture-wicking, stretchable, and luxurious. They’re the same fabrics that designer brands use, the only difference is Naja doesn’t believe you should have to pay huge prices for a bra.

The panties are made with the softest Peruvian Pima Cotton, and the lace is nylon instead of polyester so it’s softer on skin. Thought has been put into nearly every little details of each bra and panty, and it shows. The stunning patterns and designs on the fabrics are a lovely bonus on top of high-quality crafting.

Naja panties: Tropical Jungle, $16; Noir Audrey, $22; Talavera Martina, $20; Talavera Carmen, $24; Amelie Thong, $18.

I should mention that Naja has many other styles that are not in the aforementioned collections, including some really cute offbeat basic panties that I think I must have.

The prices are pretty spectacular when you take into account the extreme care and thoughtfulness that has gone into each facet of Naja’s lingerie creation process. Luxurious designer panties for under $25, and bras for less than $60?

Also imagine my surprise as I found my size – 34DDD – available for purchase, immediately. What? Really? Their size range is a little bit atypical: 32B – 34DDD. They encourage you to tell them when your size isn’t available, though, so it’s safe to say they have aspirations of widening that range!

My favorite collection is the Talavera Blue collection. (Also available in red.) The fabric reminds me of Spanish tile, and the floral motif over the top of the intricate patterns is absolutely gorgeous. The high-waist panty is my favorite bottom, but each panty in the collection is gorgeous when paired with the bras. The longline Valentina bra is on my wish list already.

Talavera Blue Olivia Bra, $56; Martina Panty, $20

Just to recap the greatness of Naja:

• Affordable lingerie made from luxury materials
• Use nylons made from recycled fish nets
• Educates single mothers/women giving them marketable skills
• Employs single mothers/women for said marketable skills
• Size chart is crazy wide, and if your size isn’t there, they want to know about it!

Find your favorite Naja lingerie collection on their website.

PS – Foodies, particularly sushi-lovers, there is a Jiro-themed panty that I think we all need…