Why I Started Making Lingerie for Sex Workers (And Why It Matters)

When I first began designing lingerie, I imagined it as a way for people to feel empowered in their bodies - sexy, confident, and unapologetically themselves. But it wasn’t until I spoke with Phoebe*, a sex worker in my city, that I realized just how much the industry had completely overlooked a whole community: sex workers. The lingerie they use isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about comfort, durability, practicality, and above all, safety. And yet, so many brands simply ignore these needs.

This blog isn’t just about me. It’s about why I care, what I learned, and why it’s so important to design lingerie that serves everyone - ethically, inclusively, and without judgment.

My Journey: An Awakening to a Real Need

Like many lingerie designers, I started with a focus on beauty and self-expression. I loved lingerie, the empowerment of a well-fitted bra, the confidence that comes with a beautifully made piece. But it wasn’t until I attended a community event where sex workers shared their experiences that I understood the gap in the market.

One of the recurring themes in those conversations was that sex workers often had to make compromises:

• Fabrics that were uncomfortable for long shifts

• Pieces that wore out quickly

• Limited sizing options for diverse bodies

• Styles that were impractical or unsafe

I realised that creating lingerie for sex workers wasn’t just a niche - it was a responsibility. It was an opportunity to provide functional, beautiful, inclusive, and ethically made pieces that respected their bodies, their work, and their agency.

Designing with Professional Use in Mind

Sex worker-friendly lingerie has unique requirements that many mainstream brands don’t consider. When I began designing, I focused on several key areas:

1. Durability and Practicality

Lingerie for professional use needs to withstand long hours, frequent washing, and movement. Stretch lace, reinforced stitching, and robust closures are essential. A bra or bodysuit may need to last not just weeks, but months of repeated wear.

2. Comfort and Support

Comfort isn’t optional - it’s critical. Pieces must support various body shapes, especially for those moving a lot during work. Bands, straps, and cups are carefully engineered to reduce dig, chafe, or discomfort without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

3. Size Inclusivity

Every body deserves lingerie that fits. Our range - XS–4XL, 8A–22E this ensures that no matter your shape or size, there’s a piece that works for you. Sex workers, like all bodies, are diverse. Our designs respect that.

4. Confidence and Empowerment

Lingerie is more than fabric - it’s an extension of how someone feels about themselves. Many sex workers told me that when a piece fits properly and feels beautiful, it makes a tangible difference in their confidence and sense of professionalism.

5. Safety Considerations

Practicality also means safety. No sharp wires or embellishments that can injure the wearer, and designs that allow for quick removal if necessary. Thoughtful design goes a long way in creating lingerie that works for life and work.

Challenging Stigma Through Inclusive Language

When designing for sex workers, language is just as important as the product. Too often, lingerie marketing alienates or shames this community. Dream & Drive is intentional about using inclusive, respectful language in all communications:

• Terms like “sex worker friendly” instead of euphemisms

• Normalizing sex work as legitimate labor

• Emphasizing empowerment, safety, and self-expression

• Celebrating diverse bodies and identities

This approach isn’t just marketing - it’s part of creating a safe space where sex workers feel valued and seen.

Stories from the Community

With permission, I want to share a few testimonials that illustrate why this work matters:

“I’ve never had a lingerie brand make pieces that fit me comfortably for work. The Dream & Drive pieces are supportive, sexy, and durable — they finally feel made for someone like me.” — Luna

“It’s rare to see lingerie designed with practical use in mind without being frumpy or unattractive. These designs are functional, inclusive, and made with respect for sex workers.” — Jay

Hearing feedback like this reminds me why we continue this work: it’s about dignity, comfort, and choice.

Resources and Support

Supporting sex workers goes beyond lingerie. Dream & Drive actively shares resources, partnerships, and educational materials for the community:

• Support networks: Organizations that provide mental health, financial, and legal assistance

• Safety resources: Guidance on safe work practices

• Advocacy groups: Promoting sex worker rights and fighting stigma

By connecting customers to these resources, we hope to create a holistic sense of care and community. My personal favourites are Scarlett Alliance, Bigger Sister Channel, SIN, and Tryst.

Why Ethical Lingerie Matters

Sex worker-friendly lingerie must also be ethical. Dream & Drive is committed to producing in small batches, sourcing sustainable fabrics, and maintaining transparent supply chains. Ethical production ensures:

• Workers are treated fairly

• Materials are responsibly sourced

• Customers receive quality, sustainable pieces

When you support ethical lingerie brands in Australia, you support both workers behind the scenes and the communities who wear the products. For sex workers, it’s a way to access quality lingerie that respects their bodies and their labor — something mainstream brands often overlook.

Breaking Barriers, One Piece at a Time

Designing lingerie for sex workers is about more than fit - it’s about inclusion, empowerment, and trust. It’s about saying: your work matters, your body matters, your experience matters.

It’s also about creating visibility for a community that has long been marginalized. Every piece we make is a step toward normalizing the conversation around sex work and acknowledging that lingerie is for everyone - not just the bodies the industry historically celebrated.

How You Can Help

Whether you’re a customer, an advocate, or a curious ally, there are ways to support sex worker-inclusive lingerie:

• Buy ethically and inclusively: Support brands like Dream & Drive that create functional, safe, and beautiful lingerie for all bodies.

• Spread awareness: Share articles, blogs, and social media posts that challenge stigma.

• Engage respectfully: Respect privacy, autonomy, and agency when interacting with sex workers or their communities.

• Learn and advocate: Educate yourself on the rights, needs, and challenges of sex workers in Australia.

Final Thoughts

When I started making lingerie for sex workers, I didn’t just see a gap in the market - I saw a community that had been ignored, misunderstood, and underserved. Designing for this community has taught me more about inclusivity, empathy, and human-centered design than anything else in my career.

Every piece we make is an invitation: to feel beautiful, supported, and empowered - no matter your job, shape, or size. By creating lingerie that respects and celebrates sex workers, we take one more step toward an industry that values all bodies, all identities, all experiences.

Because your lingerie should work for your life - whatever that looks like.