Why does loving our trousers matter?
Over the years, we've met so many inspiring people who've touched us with their stories of what our trousers mean to their lives. Some are friends, some work in our collective, and some are our ambassadors.
In our Five Units Love Letters, we introduce you to these people and their personal stories.
We share to inspire because, to us, sustainability in the outer world begins in the inner—when people feel safe to be authentic, they unfold in the most change-creating, optimistic and persistent way.
Love Letter No. 9
Karen is high-waisted, has wide, long legs, and is opposite my other favourite, Katelyn. I'm making it more difficult for myself when I wear Karen, as they take up more space, and I have to grab my elastic band for my bike ride—but I love her and feel she represents another side of me.
Nothing gets in my way with slim-fit Katelyn, and I can move freely. But with Karen, nothing sits tight—and I feel I'm not wearing anything, which is liberating.
When I'm in that mode, that other side, which Karen represents, Karen's my go-to. They're so elegant—but have an edge, too, with their expressive pleats on the front. I like that they don't blend in but take up space, make noise, and have a statement. They're here to have fun.
I'm the main character when I wear my other favourite, Katelyn, but when I wear Karen, they're the main character. Wearing something basic feels good—but wearing something like Karen and embracing my quirky side feels incredible.
Dianna, 32
Love Letter No. 8
I often wear my Katelyn, and they're my go-to if I don't know what else to wear. They're so easy to use.
Katelyn comes naturally to me—something about them represents who I am. If I could, I'd want them in several colours.
Some of my other trousers do other things for me, but I feel at home with Katelyn. I love how they, being high-waisted, sit on me; how they fit and follow my body seems so natural. They can be annoying, too—being slim fit, they can be tight on my stomach, depending on the day or the time, but that's how it is. I still love them.
Also, they're flexible, neither tight nor loose, don't flutter into the bike, and are never in the way—I don't have to overthink getting dressed.
If they're too long for me on some days, I fold them up and have them float a little bit. I like to customise my clothes, not being limited or having the garment dictate how I should wear them—and then change a tiny thing to make a big difference.
Sometimes, we feel clothes have expectations of us, that we should fit into them—but I say, expect your clothes to fit you!
Dianna, 32
Love Letter No. 1
I'm a mother, I work with technology, and I'm passionate about Scandinavian style and taking street-style photos.
During the day, I bend, stand, sit, and move from one place to another. My trousers from Five Units make me feel comfortable doing all that.
I also like the diversity of styles—baggy, tight, and a little sexy. It helps women express how they feel and adjust throughout the day.
It's about how we treat ourselves and the energy we share.
Susan, 49
Love Letter No. 2
Five Units has become a part of me. The trousers have been with me for ten years, and I have eight pairs of Angelie in different qualities and colours.
The dark blues are my safe trousers—in them, it feels good to be me. They balance practicality and neatness and make me comfortable when I'm home, cycling and working as a Social Educator.
The best thing about Angelie is that my stomach can't be seen, plus the slim fit and cutlines across the thighs highlight my slender legs.
When I was younger, I always covered myself in wide dresses. Today, the trousers give me the desire to show who I am.
Natacha, 32
Love Letter No. 3
Sometimes when I prepare tomorrow's outfit in the evening, I wake up feeling like something else—but I stick to my Five Units trousers.
They've followed me for a long time and feel like the right choice; may the day be good or less good. The trousers are a feeling that complements and reflects how I support myself from within.
They're a core of safety and security—something that just works and gives me the freedom to experiment physically, mentally and spiritually in new areas.
I can literally walk the way that's mine in these trousers, and I wish for everyone to find their path and keep moving—even if it's just jumping and dancing on the spot, which these trousers are perfect for too.
Anne Marie, 54
Love Letter No. 4
I guess most of us have a thing or two that we pull out of the laundry basket and put on again—that's what I do with trousers that make me feel attractive just as I am.
Like my Clara. They sit tight without tightening, and I sense them without thinking about them. It's a feeling of security, comfort, self-confidence, and charisma which carry me throughout the day.
I live in those trousers and want them in all colours—which is why I love Five Units' sustainable concept, where colours may change, but the style remains.
Being able to hold on to my favourites matters a lot. Imagine if Clara weren't in the collection anymore, and I couldn't get this feeling anymore
Louise, 31