Today’s small brand spotlight is on ColieCo, producer of ethically handmade, eco-friendly lingerie & swimwear. Trading on Etsy, shop owner Nicole also allows for custom orders made to your measurements made in her studio in Portugal.

One of the reasons I was so drawn to ColieCo was their sustainability credentials, using recycled materials (such as printed RPET polyester, made from plastic bottles – one of the only green lights I’ll give on “new” polyester), low carbon organic materials (eg: bamboo cotton jersey), fast fashion line ends (i.e. industrial off-cuts which would otherwise be rubbished), upcycled old garments, with everything sourced locally.

Even their mailers are eco-friendly with cardboard packaging and tissue paper where sealed plastic bags are often used.

They also champion minimising waste, so when I suggested I order two sizes (of course I was between sizes – when am I not?!) and return the one that didn’t fit, I was asked to not do this: every item is handmade to order, and doing this could create unnecessary waste. Instead, we agreed that I would order the larger size, and if it didn’t fit perfectly I would get in touch to arrange an alteration to size down. In the end that wasn’t necessary, because the set is fully adjustable and with a tiny bit of sliding the fasteners both the top and bottom fit beautifully.

This post features the Cherry soft cup bralette and Cherry lowrise briefs, both in Spanish Bluebell print. The lingerie set in total was €62 (approx. £53) including shipping, and arrived within 14 days of ordering.

What sustainability or ethical production standards are ‘gold’ in your book? What do you like to look out for?

Much love, Katie xo