This has been 2025 and 2026 so far for me (there’s some questions for you at the end).
My new laptop runs on Linux Mint and was assembled in the Netherlands, my mail runs over the Swiss Proton, I search through the French Qwant and German Ecosia. The German Libre Office I use to write.
I moved a few years ago and made it a point to source everything from Europe. My coffee table is Swedish, my dining table Spanish (went bankrupt), my dining chairs are Dutch and my sofa is German (still bankrupt).
Recently I got some new fashion from small labels in Belgium and Latvia and some basics from Denmark and Germany. New undies from Spain (NSFW).
I’ve watched Zelenskyy become president of Ukraine before he became president. Enjoyed the troll hunt in Norway. Became engulfed with Danish politics and am still trying to hunt down the second season of a French assistant in the European Parliament while a Polish dude is trying to adopt his niece.
Breton Punk? Yes, please. How about Czech gibberish? Ukrainian summer vibes and Greenlandic rap. Irish political hip-hop and Austrian electro.
There’s so much more that I’ve found over the past few years.
I was born in the EU and have been fortunate to live and work in several European countries and yet I completely rediscovered Europe. I continue to be amazed by everything we have here. It took a wakeup call and some effort. Europe is in flux and things aren’t easy at the moment but finding the beauty in Europe and the things we create gives me hope.
So, here’s my question: what about your journey?
Has there been a journey or were you already on the way? What have you found? Are there areas where you struggle to find the right stuff? What is your new favourite European item (these Greek (NSFW) trousers for me) or European content you consumed (it’s gotta be this Belgian song).
What is your favourite recommendation or the one thing you just can’t seem to hunt down?
I’ve just joined Lemmy and it seems a little quiet. Let’s change that.
The American mind cannot comprehend those undies. Some cool stuff in here, and I appreciate the spirit of your post. Thanks for posting and I’m looking forward to reading other people’s journies.
I can easily give you a few similar US labels… To be honest, I think it’s less the US vs European mind as it is the straight vs queer mind. ;)
I’m always open to new underwear (or clothing, or anything) brands, although I used to care more when I was single (and it would probably help if my body resembled that of an underwear model - I should do a sit-up or two).
For a while I did 2(x)ist and C-IN2, then switched to Mosmann (Australian), and now I’m really happy with All Citizens (American, ironically). The latter is certainly less flashy, but man, the ball pouch is a game changer, and I really like the fly design.
Sorry to highjack your European pride thread in the name of undergarment appreciation.
I am always happy to talk undies - no need to be sorry.
Back at Reddit’s BuyFromEU community it was a surprisingly recurring topic, more than womenswear I think. I was often left disappointed by the recommendations of others and I do feel for the average heterosexual woman.
About 8 years ago now I became a gym bunny which radically changed both my physical and mental health and as such I joined the undielympics.
Anyway, I included it knowing at least one person would respond to it and I don’t mind being a bit cheeky (pun intended). But it’s something we all need and there are legit great brands in Europe.
Wow. 2(x)ist and C-IN2 are just about legacy labels by now.
I have not bought much except food in the past few weeks, which luckily is easy to get from local sources, unless you buy processed foods
I thought about adding some food stuff as well but most is European for most people anyway. It’s indeed only the heavily processed stuff which I mostly avoid as well.
But food is one of the few constantly recurring things we buy and as such perhaps the biggest thing we can do to support the European economy. If only our bars and restaurants would stop selling US sodas…
