Edition 55: Colorful Cotton Underwear
And, some important news!
Greetings, friends! And welcome to Caroline Finds It: my weekly newsletter where I reply to submissions from YOU for objects and products you need recommendations for.
Well, friends, my time with this wacky newsletter is coming to an end. Next month, I’m launching a brand new business and will be folding Caroline Finds It into its editorial component. I’ll be dealing only with submissions for things I can find IRL in NYC, so if you’re elsewhere, your chance to request something is now! I’ll be writing here for four more weeks, so be sure to follow the link at the bottom of the page for the submissions form.
Today, we’re on the hunt for a particularly difficult to find type of undergarment. Susan in Fayetteville, AR is seeking “All cotton bra. Ugh, the spandex. Even a small percentage of spandex irritates my skin. The darling and expensive Hanro even adds it. Finding all cotton underwater in general is a challenge. Hanro, Jockey and Hanes does come through on panties, but colors are limited. Where can I find pink all cotton underwater? Does it exist? It seems a pretty simple request, but I’ve had no luck.”
Dear Susan,
I’ve written here before about my habit of sleeping in a particular type of cotton underwear— it’s better for your body and just feels good! Recently, in an attempt to revamp my own cotton underwear collection, I tried a very popular brand that has a cotton range, only to find out that what they call “cotton” actually contains 0%. How is that even allowed? The moral of the story: always read the specs!
The fabric used for undergarments is knit instead of woven, so it can stretch. Often, they are cotton/synthetic blends, or somewhere from 80%-95% cotton and the rest elastane for extra stretch. For people with ultra-sensitive skin, these synthetic fibers are a problem, which is especially problematic with underwear because it has to stretch. When looking for 100% cotton options, this also means that the edge seams can’t be exposed elastic — that the elastic must be sewn into the edge.
Colorful Cotton Bras and Panties
Araks makes thoughtfully designed, comfortable lingerie and has a whole collection of organic cotton items that come in non-neutrals, modern shapes and are 100% cotton, except for the straps. They’re pricey, but worth the cost because they’re made to last, and made right here in NYC. Bras come in bands 32-36, up to DD. In my opinion, Araks ticks all the boxes.
Only Hearts is another NYC brand that feels like Arak’s more bohemian sister. All of their 100% cotton bras come in great colors, but are bralette style and don’t have underwires. Most cost around $50 and come in S-XL.
Great Panties
The next panties I’m going to try are from oddobody and come in actually sexy shapes despite being made of a generally unsexy fabric. They don’t make bras, but do have tank tops and variety of panty styles and colors.
Hardcore Bras
This probably isn’t what you’re looking for, but for proper bras with serious support, Cottonique makes a variety of options that ensure ONLY cotton touches your skin. They all come in neutrals, and the nice blue pictured below.
Cotton in cute colors is surprisingly hard to find, but something that many folks seem to be passionate about as well. Readers, if you have a brand suggestion for Susan, please drop it in the comments!
QUICK ANSWER
Jenna in Falls Church, VA is looking for “A typewriter for a soon-to-be-11-year-old budding author”.
Jenna, what a cool gift! Get them an Olivetti Lettera 32 — they’re on the less expensive end of the spectrum, have a light touch and aren’t as heavy as many other types. You won’t find a more classic starter model! Unless you know a typewriter technician, be sure to buy one that’s fully refurbished so it’s ready to go right out of the case. Find one online for anywhere form $200-$300.
FAVORITE PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
I spent last weekend in the blistering sun of the Mojave desert, and one of the activities I enjoyed the most was making sun prints from things found on the property we stayed on. Sunprint Paper ($12) is photographic paper the you can use to make prints of flora a fauna by sandwiching it between the paper and a piece of blue acrylic. It really works and requires nothing by the tiny kit, the sun and some water. A fun and compact vacation activity for all ages!
Is there a product you’re looking for? Submit your request here. See you next week for a fresh recommendations. xo Caroline
Pansy makes great colorful cotton bras and undies!
On the subject of finding a typewriter, as Caroline noted, it pays to purchase a typewriter from someone who has already fully rehabilitated the typewriter. Check the following accounts on instagram for people who do that and who sell typewriters on the web: @unplugtypewriterco @nashvilletypewriter @tampatypewriter @typewriter_chicago_
There are good and well-known brick and mortar stores in Cambridge, MA; Berkeley, CA; and Philadelphia, all named after the cities they are in. There is also Gramercy Typewriter in NYC. None of those places ship typewriters, so you have to go in person.