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We tried Savage X Fenty. Here’s what it’s really like.

Rihanna wants us all to feel like bad bitches.

May 17, 2018

I was 13 years old the first time I ever bought underwear for myself. It was the summer of 2005, and all of my siblings were staying with our father for the summer in Queens. My sister Bianca and I were riding around with our uncles, and we asked if we could stop at classic neighborhood-chic fashion store Rainbow. Our mission? Buy thongs.

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Bianca, who was 15 at the time and infinitely more knowledgeable about cute underwear, guided me through my purchases. Her mother was a little more free-spirited than mine, who was totally dedicated to Hanes 5-packs (no shade, I love a good 5-pack). In the end, we were successful — I’d secured two flimsy, flowery thongs which, for about a year, were worn on special occasions until I’d saved up to buy more. I always felt extra powerful when I wore pretty things that only I could see.

As I’ve gotten older, my relationship with lingerie has become super casual. I probably wear a bra two times a year, and I couldn’t tell you the last time I bought one. The most exciting lingerie I own were gifted by my boyfriend. So when I first heard about Rihanna’s lingerie line, Savage X Fenty, I didn’t think much of it. I thought it was a great idea, but I’ve never really had the budget for lingerie, and as a black woman, I’ve never really felt seen in that space. It hasn’t been so much that I feel neglected or invisible, I’ve just never really cared that much for only seeing white women in push-up bras.

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My interest in the line started to peak, however, as more marketing images from Savage X Fenty were released. The women featured in this campaign reflected women as a whole. There’s something special about a company that embeds diversity and inclusion into its mission from its inception, where women of color, curvy women, are not afterthoughts.

When the line dropped on May 11th, many fans took to the internet with their thoughts. Some criticized the quality of products, while others praised the accessible price points. Seasoned lingerie shoppers might be less impressed by Savage X Fenty, but, speaking as a very casual one with a tight budget — if Rihanna had made high-end, expensive lingerie, I probably would have continued to feel indifferent about intimates. But what this line does well, is offer a variety of intimates, for a variety of occasions, at a comparatively affordable price.

On the day the line launched, I went to the Savage X Fenty pop-up shop in Brooklyn to purchase items for this product review. The space was decorated with projections of ethereal women from all walks of life. I was seeing myself in these women, and felt like I was back in Queens with my big sister, buying thongs for the first time. In an interview with Vogue, Rihanna explained the purpose of the line, saying “Women should be wearing lingerie for their damn selves. I want people to wear Savage X Fenty and think, I’m a bad bitch.” When I tried on pieces from the collection for the first time, that’s exactly how I felt. Below, read my thoughts on our favorite pieces from each collection.

Everything in “Candy Apple Red” from the Damn collection

Every single item from Savage X that comes “Candy Apple Red” is stunning. Most are on pre-sale, but if you can get your hands on them, the Candy Apple Red Lace Teddy, Candy Apple Red Unlined Lace Bra, and Candy Apple Red High-Waist Cheeky have a gorgeous texture from what I could see in-person at the Brooklyn pop-up. So, uh, my next paycheck has already been accounted for.

Sheer Marabou Short Robe from the Black Widow collection

This fluffy robe is the funnest item in the Savage X line. Sheer and lush, it pairs well with most other items in the line, but, full disclosure, those feathers get everywhere. If you want to stunt on everyone in existence, top your fit off with it on a night out.

Plunge Lace Bra and Lace Bikini from the U Cute collection

This matching set is soft, flowery and flattering, without compromising on comfort. Added bonus: the bra is adjustable and comes with multiple straps, so you can fluctuate between being modest and being extra as hell.

Lace Bralette, Lace Cheeky and Microfiber T-Shirt Bra from the On The Reg collection

The lace set is especially comfortable without compromising on style. The bralette could be paired with jeans and worn to the club, TBH. Or like, to the grocery store if you really bad. I’m not an everyday bra-wearer, but if I was, I’d probably cop a Microfiber T-Shirt Bra in every shade.

Posted: May 17, 2018