Syrup Underwear began as a passion project. After returning home from modelling overseas, Tegan Dermek began learning about the impact of fast fashion on the environment at university. From there, she struggled to find any underwear she liked and knew was made responsibly, so she decided to try making her own.
“At first, I was simply trying to fill a gap in my own wardrobe,” she says. Though it started as a hobby, Syrup Underwear has now evolved into a fully-fledged label. Every piece is handcrafted by Tegan using her vintage Bernina sewing machine and hand-dyed in her Byron Bay studio.
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Tegan first began bringing her designs to life with vintage deadstock lace, sourced from a Sydney fabric wholesaler. Once her supply is finished, she plans to continue using deadstock and vintage materials as a way of supporting local industries and minimising textile waste.
The label’s bralettes, underwear and lace socks are comfortable, yet delicate, evoking a sense of intimacy. They’re currently available online and stocked at boutiques like Post Sole Studio in Abbotsford and Kind Curations on the Gold Coast. With a new collection released on April 19, Syrup Underwear is gaining momentum, yet committed to keeping things slow.
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Fashion Journal: Hi Tegan! Tell us about your fashion background.
Tegan: I’m based in Byron Bay, NSW, where I work from an industrial-style design space. I’m surrounded by an incredible community of creative people here, which I feel grateful to be a part of.
I’ve been interested in fashion and design since I can remember. As a kid, I would spend my time vintage shopping and going through my mum’s wardrobe from the ’90s, redesigning and altering clothes to fit me. My professional journey in fashion began when I moved to London at 20 to work as a model. During that time, I developed an even deeper interest in the design side of the industry and began taking night classes in pattern making and sewing.
After five years overseas, I returned to Australia and enrolled in university. I found myself focusing all of my studies specifically on the fast fashion industry and its impact, which gave me a much broader understanding of the systemic issues within fashion.
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It’s been a long and layered journey – starting out in fashion as a model, building my own technical skills as a designer and then diving into the environmental side through academic study. All of those experiences came together and ultimately led me to launch Syrup Underwear.
Tell me a little bit about the process and the challenges of creating Syrup Underwear.
The label started when I couldn’t find lingerie that I liked online, so I decided to start making my own. It was just as a personal project, a hobby.
I began sharing what I was making on my personal Instagram, often with friends modelling the pieces. It was all very organic. Then an editor at Russh magazine came across the posts and reached out to feature my designs in an article. That moment gave me the confidence to take the next step and evolve what started as a passion project into a fully-fledged brand and business.
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What is the significance of the label’s name?
It took me about six months of brainstorming in my journal before I landed on the name Syrup. I was drawn to it because the word evoked the same qualities I wanted the brand to embody: sweet, desired and pure. It felt warm and familiar, with a touch of intimacy.
How has Syrup Underwear evolved and what are you trying to achieve now?
At first, I was simply trying to fill a gap in my own wardrobe. What began as a creative outlet and personal hobby naturally evolved into something much bigger. It’s a deeply considered project rooted in supporting local industry, sustainability and inclusivity. It’s been an organic journey but one that’s always been guided by purpose and intention.
Can you tell me a bit about how you source your materials?
I sourced three bolts of soft, deadstock vintage lace from a Sydney-based fabric wholesaler that has been around since the ’60s to create my initial pieces. Once this lace is used up, I’ll continue the search for more deadstock and vintage fabrics. This approach ensures each collection remains unique and limited and reflects my dedication to sustainability and minimising textile waste.
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How would you describe Syrup Underwear to someone who’s never seen it before?
Syrup undies are unique, comfy, timeless pieces.
What are you most proud of in your work on your label?
One of the things I’m most proud of is the messages I receive from people saying they feel amazing in my garments or that they’ve been inspired in some way by the brand. Knowing that something I’ve created can make someone feel more confident, creative or seen – it’s super rewarding and it motivates me to keep going with it.
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How can we buy one of your pieces?
You can find the whole collection online or you can browse Syrup pieces in store at Post Sole Studio in Abbotsford or Kind Curations on the Gold Coast. Plus, you can keep an eye out for the latest Syrup Underwear campaign released on April 19.
Keep up with Syrup Underwear here.
This article This Byron Bay label makes lingerie from deadstock vintage lace appeared first on Fashion Journal.
2025-04-16 05:30:00
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