(Product provided in compensation for a review)
I have embraced wool for base layers but not for below-the-base layers. Well, I definitely waited too long to try wool underwear for women. BRANWYN kindly sent a set of their products to test and review and I am so glad that they did.
BRANWYN wool underwear for women is designed for comfort and performance. The signature GLDNspun blend contains 81% extra fine Merino wool, 12% nylon, and 7% spandex. That is more spandex than most wool goods, so both the tops and bottoms have comfortable stretch and a snug fit. The wool component makes this underwear noticeably breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor-free.
BRANWYN sells just the essentials: a bralette and hipster, bikini, and thong bottoms. The colors include light, warm, dark and nude shades plus basic black. They also stand by their product with a First Pair Guarantee that offers a risk-free return within 14 days of getting your order.
If you are wary of wool underwear because of care instructions, BRANWYN products do not need to be hand-washed. Of course, you can wash these in the sink, but they can also go in the washing machine with warm or cold water and a gentle detergent. Like all wool clothing, prevent shrinkage with air-drying.
As for my experience with BRANWYN, these are the wedgie-free panties I have been looking for. Many brands boast that claim but fall short. I could feel a bit of tightness at the leg openings but if that is what is preventing wedgies, it is a small price to pay.
I also find that nylon and spandex combinations fit perfectly in the morning but get looser and baggier as the day goes on. That is annoying enough at work but gets in the way of enjoying activities like hiking. The BRANYWN tops and bottoms kept the comfortable snug fit all day and night.
When I tried out BRANWYN, I no longer experienced the extra sweat and discomfort that I do with cotton underwear.
– Hiking Daily writer + reviewer Ellie Stanton
On top, the bralette is comfortable with low-to-medium support, depending on cup size. For me, it is not enough support to wear on a hike but I do wear it in public and definitely around the house. It is even comfortable enough to sleep in. The two-ply cup minimizes nipple exposure without relying on removable padding. The bralette band also doesn’t ride up, an issue I have with many sports bras.
I happened to buy a similar True and Co. bra from Target at the same time as I got the BRANWYN bralette. Even with the optional padding, the True and Co. bra has less support and has stretched out over a couple of months to the point that I don’t even wear it anymore. The Branwyn bralette still looks and feels like new.
BRANWYN doesn’t just make great wool underwear for women. They are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and Reach Compliance certified and working toward an even higher level of sustainable production. They also donate 2% of profits to non-profits that focus on female empowerment.
And one last thing, the words STAY GLDN is woven into every BRANWYN piece. As someone who read The Outsiders multiple times, the message has an impact. The words reference a line of a Robert Frost poem: “Nothing gold can stay.” In the book and movie, Johnny says, “Stay gold, Ponyboy, stay gold,” advising his friend not to change who he is, among other interpretations.
Whatever STAY GLDN means to you, I enjoy the reminder to think of the bigger picture in the small moments of the day.