Ophelia Lingerie

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• Belgium

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES

Ophelia Lingerie produces primarily in Belgium and works with a small number of carefully selected suppliers within Europe. The brand is based in Antwerp, where most pieces are handmade by Ophelia herself and her colleague Paulien in their own atelier. Some production also takes place in a small sewing workshop in Roeselare, which specialises in lingerie and swimwear. Producing locally ensures higher labour standards, transparent supply chains, and reduced transport emissions.

Materials are sourced exclusively from Europe. The main fabrics come from an Italian supplier certified with OEKO-TEX®, ensuring they are free from harmful substances. Lace is sourced from Germany, and elastic bands come from France – all countries known for high-quality textile production under strict EU regulations. 

The brand maintains transparent and direct relationships with a limited number of suppliers. COSH! was granted insight into the supply chain, indicating a commitment to openness. Although regular supplier visits or formal audits are not mentioned, the short and localised production chain enables consistent oversight and reduces ethical risks.

The brand places strong emphasis on female empowerment, comfort, and the natural expression of femininity. Designs cater to different body types with adaptable fits and soft materials, though the size range appears somewhat limited.

MATERIALS 

• Polyamide
• Elastane
• Bamboo
• Cotton

Polyamide and elastane are synthetic fibres chosen for their stretch, softness, and durability – key properties for lingerie that is designed to feel like a second skin and provide support without underwires. From an ecological perspective, these materials have clear drawbacks: they are derived from fossil fuels, are not biodegradable, and can shed microplastics during washing. Ophelia Lingerie acknowledges these concerns and offers a no-rinse hand wash detergent, which helps consumers extend the life of their lingerie and reduce environmental impact.

The fabrics are sourced from an Italian supplier certified by OEKO-TEX®, ensuring that they are free from harmful chemicals. While this certification addresses chemical safety, it does not cover the full lifecycle or environmental footprint of the materials. The lace is sourced from Germany. The elastics come from France and are essential for fit and comfort. 

What impact does cotton have on humankind and the environment?

Bamboo is used in a separate collection that was designed in collaboration with Bamboo Belgium. Bamboo is praised for being fast-growing and requiring little water. If you want further information, explore Bamboo Belgium’s brand page. 

The brand is notable for avoiding traditional bra clasps. Instead, Ophelia uses a ribbon-shifting system, similar to adjustable shoulder straps, which allows for better size flexibility and contributes to garment longevity – aligning with the brand’s slow fashion ethos.

PACKAGING 

Ophelia Lingerie does not disclose what packaging materials are used, either for e‑commerce orders or within the supply chain. 

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS

Regarding chemical safety, the brand sources its main fabrics from an OEKO-TEX® certified supplier in Italy. This certification ensures that no harmful substances are present in the finished textiles and reflects compliance with European chemical regulations. 

Synthetic materials are associated with the release of microplastics during washing. The brand acknowledges this issue and encourages customers to reduce their environmental impact by using a no-rinse hand wash detergent. This approach not only prolongs the lifespan of the garments but also helps minimise microplastic shedding during cleaning.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN

The lingerie consists primarily of material blends, especially polyamide and elastane, and often includes lace and elastics – all of which are synthetic. These blended constructions are necessary for fit, comfort, and stretch in lingerie, but they also make recycling more difficult.

The brand does not use recycled, upcycled, or deadstock materials in its main collections. All fabrics and trims are new, sourced from specialised suppliers in Europe. However, to reduce waste, cutting remnants from production are reused in custom-made pieces. This helps limit textile waste but does not address the recyclability of the garments themselves.

Ophelia Lingerie does not offer a take-back programme for worn or discarded lingerie. 

In terms of repairability, the brand’s designs are relatively durable and feature an adjustable ribbon closure system rather than traditional bra clasps. This unique feature allows for size adaptability over time and can potentially extend the life of the product. However, the lingerie is not designed for disassembly or easy repair by the consumer, and the brand does not publicly promote a repair service or guide.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

Ophelia Lingerie does not offer a repair service. 

The brand does not operate a take-back service. This means Ophelia Lingerie does not accept used or worn garments for recycling, second-hand resale, or material recovery. 

Instead, the brand produces in small batches, includes made-to-order options, and reuses production offcuts in custom designs. While this helps minimise waste during production, it does not address product end-of-life.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

• Antwerp, Belgium
• Roeselare, Belgium 
• Italy Fabric supplier (OEKO-TEX® certified)
• Germany (Lace supplier)
• France (Elastic supplier)
• HQ location: Antwerp, Belgium

Ophelia Lingerie has a simple supply chain, with all production and sourcing taking place within Europe. This setup allows for greater transparency, reduced transport distances, and better oversight of labour conditions.

TRANSPORTATION 

• Transportation in the supply chain at Ophelia Lingerie is relatively limited due to its European-based, short supply chain. All suppliers are located within Europe, and the final production takes place in Belgium (Antwerp and Roeselare). This means transport distances are relatively short, which helps reduce the brand’s overall carbon footprint. 
• Transportation in e‑commerce is not detailed by the brand. 

Ophelia Lingerie does not use any animal-based materials in its products.

PRODUCT DESIGN

Ophelia Lingerie offers products for women, focusing on lingerie. The core collection includes bras, briefs, and lingerie sets designed for comfort, softness, and a natural fit. All designs are wire-free, featuring delicate lines and minimal detailing that follow the body’s shape.

Regarding inclusivity, the brand aims to serve both smaller and larger bust sizes by incorporating supportive linings and elastic finishes in place of rigid structures. However, the size range is limited, and there is no specific information on plus sizes, adaptive features, or gender-inclusive styles. The aesthetic is feminine and subtle, with a focus on individual comfort rather than trend-driven fashion, but the overall collection styles and sizing remain tailored to a relatively narrow female consumer base.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

Ophelia Lingerie does not follow a traditional seasonal fashion calendar. Instead, the brand maintains a steady, timeless collection to which new designs are gradually added. This approach aligns with its slow fashion philosophy, avoiding the pressure of overproduction and short-lived trends.

The brand also offers made-to-order and custom-made lingerie, particularly for items that are out of stock or require individual adjustments. These pieces are handcrafted in the Antwerp atelier, ensuring a personal and precise fit.

Ophelia Lingerie does not actively participate in regular sales periods. This is consistent with its focus on quality, longevity, and fair pricing throughout the year, rather than relying on discount-driven sales cycles.

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

Ophelia Lingerie offers a high level of transparency on its product pages, providing customers with clear and relevant details. Each product listing includes a description of the design and fit, along with styling suggestions. There is also sizing advice and reference to the model’s size for context.

A key section outlines that all items are handmade in Belgium. The page also specifies the origin of each material. In addition, the exact fibre composition is listed. The product page also includes shipping information.

In terms of traceability, Ophelia Lingerie provides good product-level insights. Customers can see where the product is made and where the individual materials are sourced. Although it is not always clear whether a piece was produced in the Antwerp atelier or the workshop in Roeselare, the overall level of transparency is notable for a small-scale brand.

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES 

Ophelia Lingerie offers a solid level of transparency regarding its production processes and suppliers, particularly for a small, independent brand. The company shares information both on general pages and directly on individual product pages, giving consumers insight into where products are made and where materials come from. It is clearly stated that all items are handmade in Belgium, either in the brand’s own atelier in Antwerp or in a small lingerie workshop in Roeselare. Additionally, the brand lists the countries of origin for its materials. One of the fabric suppliers holds an OEKO-TEX® certification, confirming the absence of harmful substances.

Each product page includes traceability details, such as the production country and material sources, along with full fibre compositions. However, it is not always specified whether a particular piece was made in Antwerp or Roeselare.