In my opinion, nothing is more irritating than looking for some nude lingerie and seeing nothing in your shade. Bras, panties, hosiery, you name it. I know I'm not the only one who's looked at the selections at some of the most popular department stores, and have quietly asked under my breath, "Nude to WHO?"
Beautiful brown skin deserves to have lingerie, too.
With the growing number of Black-owned and women-owned businesses, there are more opportunities than ever working to redefine and reshape the narrative of what "nude" is in the fashion and beauty industry. We as Black girls want flesh-toned undergarments too, and if you need some help with where to shop, I've got five brands you should check out ASAP.
1.Nubian Skin
Nubian Skin
We all remember when Nubian Skin made their viral debut, but one of my favorite things about this brand is that they make offerings for up to G-cup bra sizes, and briefs up to size 2XL. They've got four skin tones that you can choose from, plus a nice guide that'll help you get started with choosing your perfect tone.
Related: How Ade Hassan of Nubian Skin Turned Her Love of Lingerie Into A Booming Business
2.Nude Barre
Nude Barre
Take it personally from me, this brand's tights are the bomb! Truly made to be "nude," they also have seamless thongs that come in 12 different shades. The backstory is also encouraging — the founder of Nude Barre spent years and years doing ballet and not finding tights that matched her skin tone. So, she made them. I mean, Black girl magic is alive and well.
3.beingU
beingU
beingU is known and focused on providing high-quality lingerie for women of all skin tones with a strong focus on black women. Also, they've got products that come in five skin tones, and the range of sizes is pretty impressive (though it only goes up to a size 14). The inspiration behind this beautiful brand? "My daughter is my main inspiration for the beingU brand," says the founder, Sadia, on the site. "I am determined to ensure she grows up in a world that celebrates women of all shapes, shades and sizes."
4.Naja
Naja is an eco-conscious underwear company (literally, it says 'do-good underwear') that comes with a variety of seven different skin tone shades. You've got everything you can imagine from their selection: briefs, high-waisted briefs, bikinis, thongs, and cheekies in sizes XS–2XL. Nude t-shirt bras are available in A–E cups with band sizes from 32 to 40. Plus, who doesn't love to give back to good causes?
Featured image via beingU
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Kayla Nicole says she wore a dress that was once worn by Braxton herself for the Halloween costume. “It’s not a secret Toni is more on the petite side. I’m obsessed with all 5’2” of her,” she tells xoNecole via email. “But I’m 5’10'' and not missing any meals, honey, so to my surprise, when I got the dress and it actually fit, I knew it was destiny.”
The episode was the perfect way for the multihyphenate to take control of her own narrative. By addressing the viral moment on her own platform, she was able to stir the conversation and keep the focus on her adoration for Braxton, an artist she says she grew up listening to and who still makes her most-played playlist every year. Elsewhere, she likely would’ve received questions about whether or not the costume was a subliminal aimed at her ex-boyfriend and his pop star fiancée. “I think that people will try to project their own narratives, right?” she said, hinting at this in the episode. “But, for me personally – I think it’s very important to say this in this moment – I’m not in the business of tearing other women down. I’m in the business of celebrating them.”
Kayla Nicole is among xoNecole’s It Girl 100 Class of 2025, powered by SheaMoisture, recognized in the Viral Voices category for her work in media and the trends she sets on our timelines, all while prioritizing her own mental and physical health. As she puts it: “Yes, I’m curating conversations on my podcast The Pre-Game, and cultivating community with my wellness brand Tribe Therepē.”
Despite being the frequent topic of conversation online, Kayla Nicole says she’s learning to take advantage of her growing social media platform without becoming consumed by it. “I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out,” she says.
On The Pre-Game, which launched earlier this year, she has positioned herself as listeners “homegirl.” “There’s definitely a delicate dance between being genuine and oversharing, and I’ve had to learn that the hard way. Now I share from a place of reflection, not reaction,” she says. “If it can help someone feel seen or less alone, I’ll talk about it within reason. But I’ve certainly learned to protect parts of my life that I cherish most. I share what serves connection but doesn’t cost me peace.
"I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out."
Credit: Malcolm Roberson
Throughout each episode, she sips a cocktail and addresses trending topics (even when they involve herself). It’s a platform the Pepperdine University alumnus has been preparing to have since she graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism, with a concentration in political science.
“I just knew I was going to end up on a local news network at the head anchor table, breaking high speed chases, and tossing it to the weather girl,” she says. Instead, she ended up working as an assistant at TMZ before covering sports as a freelance reporter. (She’s said she didn’t work for ESPN, despite previous reports saying otherwise.) The Pre-Game combines her love for pop culture and sports in a way that once felt inaccessible to her in traditional media.
She’s not just a podcaster, though. When she’s not behind the mic, taking acting classes or making her New York Fashion Week debut, Kayla Nicole is also busy elevating her wellness brand Tribe Therepē, where she shares her workouts and the workout equipment that helps her look chic while staying fit. She says the brand will add apparel to its line up in early 2026.
“Tribe Therepē has evolved into exactly what I have always envisioned. A community of women who care about being fit not just for the aesthetic, but for their mental and emotional well-being too. It’s grounded. It’s feminine. It’s strong,” she says. “And honestly, it's a reflection of where I am in my life right now. I feel so damn good - mentally, emotionally, and physically. And I am grateful to be in a space where I can pour that love and light back into the community that continues to pour into me.”
Tap into the full It Girl 100 Class of 2025 and meet all the women changing game this year and beyond. See the full list here.
Featured image by Malcolm Roberson
