6 reasons to support small businesses

As a small social enterprise, we’re forever grateful to our customers for helping us change the world one pair of pants at a time. We also know how important it is to support our fellow small businesses. That’s why we stock a wide range of sustainable goods from local independents in our Oxford shop and online marketplace. Here’s 6 reasons you should support them, too!

1. There’s a smiling person behind every purchase

Every time you choose to shop small, you’re supporting someone’s dream. It’s not an uncommon sight for small business owners to do a happy dance every time a new order comes in!

2. They make buying sustainably sourced, ethically made items easy

Small businesses are the blueprint for putting people and the planet first. Choosing to buy from Y.O.U Underwear over fast fashion means the world to us, and our comparative pricing means you get your money’s worth. In a side by side comparison to a Victoria’s Secret bralette, we calculated that, by paying £2 more, purchasing one of our bralettes ensures that our garment makers are paid fairly and that vulnerable women and children can access essential underwear. We’re just one of many small businesses constantly working to reduce our environmental footprint while increasing our social footprint, and that’s been our mission since day one! 

3. They prioritise quality over quantity every time

Alarmed by the mass-produced quality of fast fashion, we created underwear that is designed to stand the test of time. All Y.O.U undies are made from Fairtrade and GOTS certified organic cotton that is PETA-Approved vegan. Not only is organic cotton super soft and durable, but it’s better for the planet, too! Our underwear goes through several stages of quality checking, first by our manufacturer and then by us, to ensure orders don’t have any imperfections. Our attention to detail is evident right down to our choice of thoughtful packaging. We first wrap orders in a protective and reusable organic cotton bag and before shipping it in a biodegradable mailing bag which can later be recycled into beautiful earrings! Our customers can buy from us and other small businesses reassured that they’re investing in a high quality item. 

4. Your purchase gives back to the local community

Small businesses are charitable at heart and we’re no exception! In fact, Y.O.U Underwear’s vision is to improve access to underwear to help close the education and employment gap resulting from people missing days of school when menstruating. Through our buy-one-give-two model, we have donated over 20,000 pairs of undies to Smalls to All who distribute them to women and children facing period poverty. We also support a number of causes that are close to our heart, such as donating £1 for every item sold in our light pink range to breast cancer charity Future Dreams. You can see our total donations and a full list of causes we supported in our 2021 Impact Report. 

5. They offer responsive, personalised customer service

We wouldn’t be here without the wonderful support of our customers. You help us make a difference with every purchase, so we’re always on hand to answer your order enquiries, say hello or receive feedback. Our reviews really speak for themselves; we, like so many small businesses, are a brand that thrives on the loyalty and goodwill of our customers. 

6. Your purchase helps boost the local economy 

After another tough financial year, small businesses need your support more than ever! The good news is that your purchase encourages local spending, fosters entrepreneurship and development and helps to create new jobs. At Y.O.U Underwear, we’re proud to be a growing number of accredited Living Wage employers committed to providing new opportunities for the local community. In our Oxford Covered Market shop, we not only support our employees, but local makers too, by stocking a diverse range of eco-friendly products from British small businesses. It's our way of spreading the wealth around and boosting the local economy! Help re-energise the high street once more by shopping small today.