HOW A DESIGNER IS PUTTING HER COMPANY’S PANTIES TO USE

By Genevieve Kyle

Cherri’s sweet launch towards body positivity.

Lingerie, more than any other article of clothing, offers a direct link to our ideas of sexuality. But led by companies like Victoria’s Secret, lingerie has often been used to reinforce exclusive ideals and body images. Many underwear items have been deemed only acceptable for those whose proportions are so unrealistic as to seem impossible.

Those whose bodies exist outside those proportions, on the other hand, are pushed to the outskirts. The lack of support for diverse body types has resulted in many turning to dismembered, out-of-style, and unflattering pieces. However, more consumers are demanding clothing that embraces their bodies and sexualities.

Enter Cherri, a lingerie brand on a mission “to create comfort by opening up a conversation about our bodies to feel comfortable with the things that make us uncomfortable.” Focusing on the power that lingerie holds for all women, Cherri embraces women of every shape, size, and ethnicity.

“Cherri aims to make a mark on the body positivity movement by focusing on designs that fit a part of the body that isn’t usually discussed–the vulva! We strive to promote acceptance of your vulva by creating a product that fits all bits, instead of trying to squeeze into something that doesn’t serve you,” states Cherri’s founder, Gabriella Scaringe.

Cherri’s products feature delicate and traditional lingerie stylings—ruffle, mesh, and satin—albeit in a contemporary and more inclusive manner, with sizes that range from XS to 3X. “The purpose of lingerie is to feel good, and to me, feeling good is feeling comfortable!” adds Scaringe. Cherri’s website also features what it calls “Cherri Picks”: products ranging from vibrators, lubricants and menstrual cups to razors.

The rise of Cherri’s inclusive approach to intimates not only serves as a change from the mundane lingerie brands, but offers us a connection to our bodies and serves a greater purpose; with every purchase of a Cherri product, the brand donates underwear and hygiene products to women in homeless shelters around the United States.

“As a brand that focuses on empowerment through everyday comfort, we wanted to extend this sentiment beyond our consumers. The company was formed after I went through some common vaginal issues. Thankfully I had access to all the things I needed, however, the experience made me think about the individuals who don’t have access to the same things I do,” Scaringe says.

Cherri’s philanthropic efforts display the brand’s true heart. According to some estimates, within the U.S. alone there are 567,715 homeless individuals, with women comprising 40 percent of that population. The lack of societal support for homeless women is something that comes full circle with Cherri’s mission.

Cherri’s efforts are not alone. Brands such as Tomboy and Naja also look to empower women through lingerie, while brands such as Savage X Fenty have been the pack leader for advocating for body inclusivity through lingerie at a large-scale level.

The lingerie industry is just starting to scratch the surface of the importance of body positivity. Cherri and other brands are helping the industry take those first steps.

Image credit: Cherri