Cosabella
Rated: Good
Price: $$$
Location: Italy
Quick verdict
Cosabella is best for shoppers who value Italian artisan craftsmanship, inclusive sizing, and luxurious lace intimates. The Made-in-Italy heritage, natural dyes, and family-owned ethos offer genuine appeal, while the brand's made-to-order approach reduces waste. However, Cosabella falls significantly short on certifications, supply chain transparency, and material sustainability. Core fabrics remain petroleum-derived synthetics, and there is no published sustainability report or third-party verification.
Key info
- Headquarters
- Miami, FL, USA (design); production in Italy
- Founded
- 1983
- Product categories
- Underwear
- Price range
- $$$
- Key certifications
- None brand-wide. OEKO-TEX certified trims on select collaborations only.
Cosabella sustainability rating
Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (We Avoid) to 5 (Excellent). How we rate
Rating breakdown
Primary fabrics are conventional synthetics (polyamide, elastane, viscose), which are petroleum-derived. Uses natural/low-impact dyes and alpine water for dyeing, but no organic cotton, recycled fibres, or certified eco-materials at scale.
Production in family-run Italian workshops benefits from Italy's labour protections. But no published Code of Conduct, supplier audits, or living wage guarantees. Some customer reviews report items tagged "Made in Serbia."
Natural dyes and made-to-order cutting are positives. But no textile waste programmes, no carbon tracking, no circularity initiatives. A planned biodegradable collection (announced 2020) has no confirmation of launching.
Weakest area. No sustainability report, no supply chain disclosure, no public Code of Conduct, no third-party certifications. Makes sustainability claims in press interviews but provides no verifiable data.
Bralettes $62–$100, thongs $20–$30, pyjamas $80–$200+. Premium but competitive with Hanky Panky and comparable luxury lingerie. Made-in-Italy craftsmanship and longevity justify cost-per-wear.
What they do well
- Artisan Italian craftsmanship. All core products handcrafted in family-run Italian workshops, with a single thong taking up to 10 hours to produce, reflecting genuine slow-fashion quality
- Natural/low-impact dyes processed with alpine water from northern Italy, producing 100+ vibrant colourways without harsh chemicals, with OEKO-TEX certified elastics on select lines
- Exceptional size inclusivity spanning 28A to 36L, plus extended sizes (1X–3X), petite fits, maternity/nursing, the "Renew" pre/post-surgery line, and gender-neutral collections, offering rare breadth in luxury intimates
- Made-to-order approach. Cuts products on demand rather than producing speculative runs, reducing excess inventory waste
Room for improvement
- No formal certifications or transparency. No B Corp, no GOTS, no Fair Trade, no bluesign, no published sustainability report.
- Reliance on synthetic materials. Core fabrics remain petroleum-derived polyamide and elastane that contribute to microplastic pollution. No recycled, organic, or regenerative fibres in the mainline collection despite years of public statements about future plans.
About Cosabella
Cosabella ("beautiful thing" in Italian) was founded in 1983 in Miami by Italian immigrants Valeria and Ugo Campello. The couple pivoted from importing Italian lingerie to designing their own line, gaining fame for iconic bodysuits in the mid-1980s. Production centres in family-run workshops throughout Italy, with design headquarters in Miami and a New York flagship store. The brand is a CFDA member.
In May 2022, Cosabella was acquired by Swiss holding company CALIDA Group for approximately $80 million, with revenue of ~$29M in 2021. CALIDA's H1 2025 results show Cosabella undergoing "restructuring" with sales dropping 23.5%.
Key materials include polyamide, elastane, viscose, and cotton, primarily conventional synthetics. The standout claim is a proprietary natural dyeing process using alpine water from northern Italy. For its 2019 Reformation collaboration, materials were OEKO-TEX certified and 50% recycled, but this hasn't been confirmed for the mainline collection.
Shipping is direct from Italy and Miami. Returns occasionally require international shipping at customer expense. Pricing sits firmly in the luxury segment, competitive with Hanky Panky, Eberjey, and Natori.
Product highlights
Never Say Never Sweetie Bralette
Cult-favourite wireless lace bralette in 75+ colours
~$72–$85
Innovative stretch lace provides support without underwire; Made in Italy
Never Say Never Curvy Sweetie
Size-inclusive version engineered for DD+ cups
~$80
Power mesh lining for enhanced support while maintaining signature lace aesthetic
Never Say Never Cutie Thong
Best-selling stretch lace thong with cotton-lined gusset
~$28–$30
Takes up to 10 hours to handcraft; available in dozens of colours
Renew Collection
Comfort lingerie for pre- and post-surgery (including mastectomy)
~$40–$90+
Serves an underserved market, notable for a luxury brand
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