A new kind of sexy: NICO Underwear

If any brand embodies slowing down, transparency and investing in the essentials, it’s Brisbane-based label NICO.

With a background in fashion photography, Lis Harvey launched her underwear and basics brand NICO in 2011 as purely an alternative to super-lacy-over-the-top-sexy and just plain, boring underwear.

"NICO was started to fill that gap and offer something that was style-driven and well cut while still being beautiful and comfortable to wear. I suppose it's like a different kind of sexy!" NICO founder Lis says.

NICO at Home with my pup, Apple! Images by Lis.

But now Lis says she wouldn't consider operating a business that wasn't based on ethical practices.

“Despite the fact that I didn’t start NICO with that objective in mind it’s become a really big part of the brand,” Lis says.

"I really just wanted a brand with beautiful fashion pieces but doing things ethically and sustainably is really the only way I’m comfortable doing business.

NICO make the comfiest basics, made to be mixed and matched with anything. NICO at Home images by Lis.

“I think when you’re working on any business you need to have really clear ideas about how you’re going to operate and that becomes the guiding principles in all your decision making.

“We’ve resolved that ethics and environmental sustainability will be factors in all our decision making.

"While that can limit our options sometimes which can be challenging, if we did it any other way we just wouldn’t be NICO!”

All NICO pieces are made locally in Brisbane, and their latest The Basics range uses the beautifully soft, sustainable fabric Modal. Other pieces use organic cotton and bamboo.

So what’s next for NICO?

“Lots more beautiful underwear and also branching out further into everyday basics too!”

Try this lovely label next time you need comfy, natural underwear and wardrobe essentials - you won’t look back!

NICO at Home image by Lis.