25 AWESOME ETHICAL AND SUSTAINABLE UNDERWEAR BRANDS
With the new year’s arrival and the horror show that was 2020 firmly behind us (here’s to hoping it gets better 🤞), I’ve been a little introspective lately and two questions have been on my mind:
What do I want to be known for?
Why am I pursuing a sustainable lifestyle?
While my answers to both of these questions, at first thought have been lofty, ambitious claims:
- I want to be known as someone who lived a life in line with my values;
- I’m pursuing a sustainable lifestyle to do my part to address the environmental and ethical issues plaguing the world right now
I realize these responses have done more harm than good.
Making my answers too general means I feel like I can never accomplish them and I feel their weight every time I slip up.
The thing that I failed to consider here is the messiness of life.
It doesn’t go to plan, it’s not perfect and the choices that we make can’t be neatly categorized into ‘good’ or ‘bad’.
Sustainable fashion, in particular, may seem like one of those things that’s black and white – you buy from sustainable retailers, end of story- but it really isn’t.
You’ll find that to be true even more so after reading this post on sustainable underwear.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution and the options out there currently aren’t 100% perfect.
We just have to do the best we can to try to make choices that align with our values.
Why Shop Sustainable Underwear?
Sustainable underwear is made from natural, organic fabrics like cotton, linen, bamboo, as well as eco-friendly synthetic fabrics like econyl, Tencel, etc.
Like other types of sustainable garments, ‘sustainable’ underwear- by definition (check out this post for a refresher) means that the clothing product will be formulated without the use of toxic chemicals, in an environmentally friendly way, whilst ensuring workers and manufacturers are paid a living wage in safe working conditions.
One popular fabric that is in a lot of sustainable underwear is organic cotton.
Healthwise, it’s a great option as cotton is a breathable and sweat-wicking fabric, which is important as vaginal moisture, accumulated around the vulva region can lead to skin irritation and infections.
But why not just purchase conventional cotton underwear then… is organic cotton really that much better?
Conventional cotton utilizes a large number of pesticides in its production.
In fact, cotton exploits 16% of the global insecticide releases, with 60% going towards clothing according to The World Counts.
A report by the UN, suggests that “chronic exposure to pesticides has been linked to cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, hormone disruption, developmental disorders and sterility”. The individuals most affected by the effects of pesticide exposure would be farmers in developing countries.
Now that we’ve covered the importance of buying sustainable underwear, below are my recommendations for sustainable underwear brands.
For reference, pricing is in USD, and the size range is based on US sizing.
Price Range:
$= typically under $20
$$= typically under $50
$$$= typically under $75
$$$$= typically under $100
Before you start shopping, be sure to check out this sustainable shopping guide which talks about the certifications, packaging and fabric terms mentioned below as well as some helpful shopping tips.
Note: a common fabric you’ll see in this list as well as most underwear retailers (sustainable or not) is elastane.
At the end of this post, I cover elastane in depth, so be sure to read through that section if you’re curious as to what elastane is doing in sustainable underwear 😉.
Boody
They carry women’s bras, underwear, leggings, tops, accessories, men’s boxers, briefs, shirts, accessories, baby’s onesies, tops, bottoms, accessories
Based in Australia, ships worldwide
They use bamboo, nylon, spandex,
Packaging: Uses recycled paper, vegetable ink in packaging materials
Certifications: Ecocert, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, PETA, SGS, ISO 14001, ISO 9001, WRAP
Supply Chain: Most of its supply chain is traced
Size Range: XS-XL
Price Range: $$$
Favourite Item: Full Brief
Image by Boody
CasaGIN
CasaGIN is an Italian brand that manufactures their products from dyeing to packaging in Italy.
They carry women’s and men’s underwear, loungewear, swimwear and sportswear
Based in Italy, ships worldwide
They use eucalyptus fiber, organic cotton, econyl, recycled PET, Tencel, Tencel Modal, Tencel Lyocell, elastane, recycled polyamide
Packaging: package sachets made of cornstarch which is biodegradable as well as recyclable cardboard.
Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100, European Ecolabel, GOTS, GRS
Size Range: S-2X
Price Range: $$
Favourite Item: Bralette Bra in Natural Fabric and Eco Lace
Image by CasaGIN
ColieCo
ColieCo creates ethical handmade lingerie and swimwear products and offers custom sizing options as well as free alterations.
They carry lingerie, bodysuits, swimwear
Based in Portugal, ships worldwide
They use bamboo silk, bamboo jersey, organic cotton jersey, recycled polyester
Packaging: recycled paper and ship orders in recyclable packaging, shipping is carbon neutral
Certifications: OEKO-TEX, RPET
Size Range: XS-XL
Price Range: $$$
Give Back Programs: funds Carbonfund.org’s Reforestation and Forest Preservation Programme
Favourite Item: ZOEY Bamboo Crop Top Set
Image by ColieCo
Etiko
They carry men’s and women’s shirts, bottoms, underwear, shoes, kids’ t-shirts and shoes
Based in Australia, ships worldwide
They use organic cotton, elastane
Packaging: cardboard and paper is FSC certified and biodegradable, compostable plastic packaging
Certifications: Fairtrade, Certified B Corporation, Social Traders Certified, GOTS, Carbon Social, FSC
Supply Chain: All of its supply chain is traced
Size Range: 4-16
Price Range: $$
Favourite Item: Boyleg in pink
Image by Etiko
HARA
They carry bras, underwear, loungewear, sportswear
Based in Australia, ships worldwide
They use lyocell bamboo, natural dyes, spandex
Certifications: OEKO-TEX 100
Supply Chain: All of its supply chian is traced
Size Range: XS-5X
Price Range: $$
Give Back Programs: Environmental Justice Foundation
Favourite Item: Olive Jacky Sports Bra
Image by HARA
Knickey
They carry women’s underwear
Based in New York, ships to US, Canada, UK
They use organic cotton
Certifications: GOTS
Supply Chain: All of its supply chain is traced
Size Range: XXS-3X
Price Range: $
Favourite Item: Low- Rise Bikini
Image by Knickey
Mighty Good Basics
They carry women’s underwear and tank tops, men’s briefs and trunks
Based in Australia, ships worldwide
They use organic cotton, Fairtrade cotton, elastane
Certifications: Fairtrade, FLO, GOTS, SA 8000 Social Accountability Standard
Size Range: 4-18
Price Range: $
Favourite Item: Bikini Brief White
Image by Mighty Good Basics
Naja
They carry bras and underwear
Based in California, ships to US, Canada and Australia
They use recycled materials
Supply Chain: Some of its supply chain is traced
Size Range: XS-2X
Price Range: $$
Give Back Programs: Underwear for Hope
Favourite Item: Adriana Bralette in Vista Blue
Image by Naja
Nisa
Nisa is an underwear brand that employs women from refugee backgrounds in Wellington, New Zealand
They carry men’s and women’s briefs, bralettes, pants, tops, socks and swimwear
Based in New Zealand, ships worldwide
They use organic cotton, elastane
Certifications: GOTS
Supply Chain: Most of its supply chain is traced
Size Range: S-4X
Price Range: $$
Favourite Item: Quinn- Low Full Brief
Image by Nisa
NICO
NICO is a sustainable brand that offers intimates and loungewear that is rooted in minimalism and understated luxury
They carry intimates, loungewear
Based in Australia, ships worldwide
They use plant dyed organic cotton, Tencel modal, recycled cotton
Packaging: orders packaged in 100% compostable satchel
Certifications: GOTS, FSC, PEFC, Oeko-Tex Standard 100
Supply Chain: Most of its supply chain is traced
Size Range: XS-XL
Price Range: $$$$
Favourite Item: Jemimah Midline Underwire Bra in Aspen Gold
Image by NICO
Organic Basics
They carry women’s bras, bottoms, tops, bottoms, accessories, men’s underwear, tops
Based in Denmark, ships worldwide
They use organic cotton, recycled nylon, TENCEL Lyocell, recycled wool, recycled cashmere
Certifications: Certified B Corporation, GOTS, GRS, Standard 100 OEKO-TEX
Supply Chain: Most of its supply chain is traced
Size Range: XS-XL
Price Range: $$$$
Favourite Item: Organic Cotton Triangle Bra
Image by Organic Basics
Pact
They carry men’s and women’s underwear and apparel, babies apparel, kids’ underwear and apparel
Based in Colorado, ships worldwide
They use organic cotton, elastane, linen, non-toxic dyes and chemicals
Packaging: biodegradable, recyclable and compostable
Certifications: GOTS, Fair Trade
Supply Chain: Most of its supply chain is traced
Size Range: XS-3X
Price Range: $$
Give Back Programs: Give Back, Wear Forward
Favourite Item: Lace-Waist Brief
Image by Pact
Patagonia
They carry men’s and women’s apparel, swimwear, underwear, accessories, kid’s and babies apparel
Based in California, ships worldwide
They use hemp, organic cotton, wool, recycled polyester, spandex
Certifications: 1% for the Planet, Bluesign, Fair Trade
Supply Chain: All of its supply chain is traced
Size Range: XXS-2X
Price Range: $$$
Favourite Item: Mississippi Delta in Dyno White
Image by Patagonia
People Tree
They carry women’s tops, bottoms, dresses, activewear, underwear, accessories
Based in UK, ships worldwide
They use Tencel, Fairtrade certified cotton, organic cotton, linen, wool, elastane
Packaging: recyclable and biodegradable
Certifications: Fairtrade, GOTS, Organic Soil Association, PETA Approved Vegan
Supply Chain: All of its supply chain is traced
Size Range: 2-14
Price Range: $$
Give Back Programs: People Tree Foundation
Favourite Item: Lace Trim Slip in Almond
Image by People Tree
Proclaim
Proclaim is a lingerie brand rooted in the belief that fashion should be representative of all women and made to do good for women and the planet.
They carry bras and underwear
Based in California, ships worldwide
They use Tencel, recycled polyester, lyocell, spandex
Packaging: poly mailers, wrappers and hangtags are made from 100% recycled materials and are recyclable
Certifications: USDA BioPreferred
Size Range: S-3X
Price Range: $$
Favourite Item: Everyday Bralette
Image by Proclaim
Pansy
They carry organic cotton underwear and basics
Based in California, ships worldwide
They use organic cotton, spandex
Size Range: S-3X
Price Range: $$$
Favourite Item: X High Rise
Image by Pansy
Reformation
They carry tops, bottoms, dresses, underwear, swimwear and accessories
Based in California, ships worldwide
They use Tencel Lyocell, viscose, Tencel modal, linen, recycled cotton, organic cotton, econyl, recycled cashmere, alpaca, dead stock fabrics, spandex
Packaging: uses 100% recycled LDPE bags with a biodegradable polymer
Certifications: Bluesign Certified facilities, Oeko-Tex 100 Standard
Supply Chain: Most of its supply chain is traced
Size Range: XS-3X
Price Range: $$$
Favourite Item: Proclaim Everyday Bralette
Image by Reformation
Saint Basics
They carry men’s pants, shirts, loungewear, activewear, women’s pants, shirts, bras, loungewear, activewear
Based in the Netherlands, ships worldwide
They use Tencel eucalyptus, organic cotton, Tencel lyocell, elastane
Certifications: GOTS, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Rank a Brand, PETA
Supply Chain: All of its supply chain is traced
Size Range: S-2X
Price Range: $$
Favourite Item: St. Charlie in Nomad
Image by Saint Basics
Thunderpants
Thunderpants offers high quality undergarments made to last in fun patterns and colors.
They carry women’s underwear, bralettes, leggings, kids’ underwear, men’s briefs
Based in Oregon, ships worldwide
They use organic cotton, spandex
Supply Chain: All of its supply chain is traced
Size Range: XS-3X
Price Range: $$
Favourite Item: Women’s Original Bloem in Blue
Image by Thunderpants
The Nude Label
They carry women’s bras, underwear, bodysuits, sandals, men’s trunks, socks
Based in Spain, ships worldwide
They use organic cotton, econyl, elastane
Certifications: GOTS, PETA
Supply Chain: Audits most of its supply chain
Size Range: XS-XL
Price Range: $$
Favourite Item: Triangle Brief
Image by The Nude Label
Thought
They carry men’s and women’s apparel, underwear, accessories
Based in the UK, ships worldwide
They use organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, Tencel, modal, recycled polyester, wool, elastane
Packaging: uses recycled paper for labelling and mailing bags; garment bags are made of compostable cornstarch
Certifications: GOTS
Supply Chain: All of its supply chain is traced
Size Range: 2-14
Price Range: $
Favourite Item: Enid Bamboo Jersey Printed Hannah Bralette
Image by Thought
Underprotection
They carry lingerie, loungewear, swimwear and accessories
Based in Denmark, ships worldwide
They use Tencel Lyocell, recycled wool, responsible wool, organic cotton, recycled polyester, recycled nylon, recycled elastane, banana fiber, milk fiber
Packaging: cardboard boxes made from recycled material, FSC certified gift boxes, recycled plastic postal bags, biodegradable or recyclable plastic poly bags
Certifications: GRS, Oeko-Tex, Union of Natural Fibers, GOTS
Supply Chain: Most of its supply chain is traced
Size Range: XXS-6X
Price Range: $$$
Favourite Item: Luna Hipsters in Clay
Image by Underprotection
Vatter
They carry women’s underwear, bras, t-shirts, tank tops, longsleeves, men’s boxers, trunks, t-shirts, tank tops, longsleeves, baby’s bodysuits
Based in Germany, ships worldwide
They use organic cotton, elastane
Packaging: packaging is made of 100% recycled materials and printed with vegetable-based inks, ship carbon neutral through DHL GoGreen
Certifications: GOTS
Supply Chain: All of its supply chain is traced
Size Range: XS-XL
Price Range: $$
Favourite Item: Boy Short Easy Emma in Snake
Image by Vatter
WAMA
They carry men’s briefs and trunks, women’s underwear, bralettes
Based in California, ships worldwide
They use organic cotton, hemp, spandex
Certifications: PETA, Green America, National Hemp Association
Supply Chain: Most of its supply chain is traced
Size Range: XS-2X
Price Range: $$
Favourite Item: Triangle Bralette
Image by WAMA
Woron
They carry bras, underwear, loungewear
Based in Denmark, ships worldwide
They use Lenzing Modal, organic cotton, elastane
Certifications: OEKO TEX Standard 100 or 1000, GOTS, PETA
Supply Chain: Most of its supply chain is traced
Size Range: XS-XL
Price Range: $$$
Favourite Item: Lace Trimmed Soft- Bra in White
Image by Woron
What’s the Deal with Elastane?
One type of fabric that you may have noticed that was on virtually every brand list was elastane.
You might be wondering, why is elastane included in sustainable underwear? Isn’t it made of plastic?
Elastane (aka Spandex or Lycra) is a synthetic fabric made from 85% polyurethane at minimum according to Kleiderly.
Polyurethane is a plastic material that’s sort of like a rubber in terms of it’s elasticity.
This means products with elastane in them can be stretched and will not lose their shape, sort of like a rubber band.
This is particularly useful with underwear products as it is necessary for the garment to have some ‘give’ to it and stretch to accommodate the wearer’s shape without being constricting.
Is Elastane Sustainable?
Unfortunately, no.
Since elastane is often mixed with other types of fabric, it is not recyclable.
Additionally, being petroleum based, it is not biodegradable, either (Fashion Materials Weebly).
When washed, elastane products also shed microplastics.
What Can You Do?
At the moment, purchasing garments, particularly stretch-dependent items like athleticwear, swimwear and underwear without elastane is difficult.
Here’s what you can do help counteract the environment effects of elastane:
- Wash your elastane garments in a wash bag like Guppyfriend that prevents the shedded microplastics from making their way into our waterways.
- Air dry your clothes to prevent the heat of the dryer from breaking down the elastane material.
Don’t forget to let me know of any sustainable underwear brands that you know of not mentioned here.
Also, let me know your thoughts on the whole elastane situation.
PS.
Remember those questions I asked at the beginning of this post:
What do I want to be known for?
Why am I pursuing a sustainable lifestyle?
I’m curious to know your answers, let me know in the comments.
Until next time,
