Parade is all in for Sexiness, Sex Education, and 

Sustainability
In a world where the clothing industry is one of the top contributors to climate change, sexiness
is seen as white and thin, and sexual education is deprioritized, it’s hard to keep your hopes up
for a brighter future. However, there is ​some​ light in the dark, and that light comes in thong,
cheeky, and boy short styles.

Parade is an underwear brand formed by Cami Tellez in 2018, a young woman who began the
company at age 21. Managing to receive $3.4 million in investments from companies like
Snapchat and Uber, Tellez took off running, striving to disrupt the clothing and intimates
industry as it stands and “rewrite the American underwear story”, as said on the brand’s
website.

Parade aims to redefine sexiness as something for everybody while also making it a priority to
hold tight sustainability standards for their products and
work towards a zero-waste future. Parade pieces are made
in their factory in China, which is Oeko-Tex certified as well
as Sedex certified, which means that there are no harmful
chemicals used in production and the factory itself and the
supply chain is held to the highest ethical standards. The
fabric used in Parade pieces, also called ​Re:Play,​ is made of
85% recycled polyamide. Every single material used in
production is Oeko-Tex certified, meaning that they are
free of harmful chemicals that pollute your skin ​and​ the planet. Upon receiving an order, the
packaging the product purchased comes in is also 100% compostable, making the carbon
footprint of each purchase minuscule compared to competitors’.

Sustainable fabric and does not compromise comfort. Parade’s pieces are startlingly smooth to
the touch, soft and breathable. Each design was created with every body
in mind; each piece has a 360-degree stretch built to hug and embrace
any curve possible. As mentioned previously, the underwear comes in a
range of styles, ensuring that there is a fit for everyone. Not to mention,
Parade’s range of colors available for each style is off the charts.
Saturated and vibrant, it is difficult to choose a favorite style and color
combination.
Parade does not fall short of inclusivity in their campaigns. Parade hires and celebrates models
sizes XS to 3XL, all different body types, gender identities, and races. Their imagery across their
website and social media are insanely inspiring in the sense that the people seen in them are
familiar and ​normal.​ Parade chooses to celebrate the range and diversity of human expression
and existence instead of sticking to a traditional and outdated ​idea ​of beauty. How refreshing,
right?

When it comes to sex education, before its launch, Parade donated a generous amount of
$12,000 to Planned Parenthood. Today, Parade continues to donate 1% of profits, actively
choosing to promote a sexually-educated public. Lately, as the reproductive agency of the
public in the United States has been further challenged, Parade has also donated to the
Yellowhammer Fund in Alabama, which is an “abortion fund and reproductive justice
organization”, as said on the Yellowhammer Fund website.

Tellez doesn’t see Parade as a fad that will last for two or three years, but rather as a
culturally-important brand that, she said, “begins and ends with continuously innovating. We
can’t take anything for granted and we to continuously top our attest launch.” It’s apparent
that Parade isn’t going anywhere soon, and thank goodness for that.

For more information and to shop their styles, visit Parade’s website ​yourparade.com​.