Brand Focus: Lulu Funk

First off, let me state that this is not sponsored by anyone. Something I’ve struggled with since moving to New Zealand is finding products and clothing that are good substitutes from the American brands I was used to. As I slowly figure out some winners, I hope to share them with you so that you don’t go through the same struggle, cause it sucks when your three year old is complaining that her “gina hurts” because her underwear is too small and you need a bigger size, but wtf there’s no Amazon here to deliver the next size in Kickeepants to your door in two days. (True story)

After doing a TON of research on super soft, New Zealand undies, I stumbled upon Lulu Funk. Without ever actually seeing or feeling a pair, I took the plunge and ordered a “Lucky Dip” pack of 10 - meaning I would get 10 pairs of whatever underwear they wanted to send me in the size I requested. I finally moved forward with my Lulu Funk order because the material list is awesome: 53% Organic Cotton, 42% Bamboo from Viscose, 5% Elastane. I feel better knowing that the bulk of her undies haven’t been treated with crazy chemicals that we may later learn are bad for lady bits. (Johnson & Johnson *cough*) Plus, I know how soft all of the fabrics made from bamboo can be, and I know how picky my daughter is about how material feels on her body.

When my order showed up a few days later, I learned that I was 100% correct about how soft the fabric was, but I was immediately nervous about how thin and flimsy it felt. My big concern was that it would disintegrate in the washer after a handful of times through. Eight months later, I can report back that this has not been an issue AT ALL. The underwear is still amazingly soft and in good shape. My only complaint is that the colors have faded a touch, and the whites aren’t as white as they were when new. (And let’s be honest, that might just be my lack of laundry skills.)

The fit is a full coverage underpant. They are like boy shorts, and, even better, we’ve never had a problem with them riding up or causing wedgies. Lulu Funk are perfect to wear under skirts and dresses because they cover all the bits and pieces. There is a small amount of bunching around the leg holes when my daughter wears leggings, but I’m the only one who has ever noticed it. She’s never complained about discomfort or tightness. There’s no elastic bands on either the waist or the leg holes to restrict little bodies. There are boy and girl styles, too, so if you’ve got a little dude, I’d definitely recommend checking these out.

Now for the fun stuff! Lulu Funk comes in solid, classic colors, like navy for under school uniforms. However, there is a wide variety of quirky prints that I never would’ve ventured to purchase had I not gone for the “Lucky Dip” bundle. My daughter, being the budding fashionista that she is, will only wear blue underwear to school as that matches her uniform, but on Friday night pizza nights, she is all about thematically appropriate pizza undies.

Now the big question - are they expensive? They can be if you have a specific color or pattern in mind. I think NZ$16 (or US$10.88) is on the high side for underwear that may be lost at preschool or pooped in beyond saving. However, there are often sales where undies are NZ$6 (US$4.08) and the Lucky Dip bundles go for 10 for NZ$80 (US$54.40).

So if you’re in the market for kids underpants, check out this sweet New Zealand company. You won’t be disappointed!