6 Organic, Ethical And Sustainable Underwear Brands
Shopping for sustainable underwear may seem frivolous, as they usually make up such a small portion of our wardrobe. However, with the clothing industry being responsible for 1/3 of the world’s plastic pollution, it’s up to all of us to find some sustainable alternatives! So many companies these days offer a unique range of fun, novelty, practical, minimalistic and sustainable underwear for every occasion. Yet, this essential clothing item is one we often overlook when seeking quality, comfort, and sustainability.
“A lot of underwear is made from synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, spandex) or contain a percentage of synthetics. These are the fabrics that wreak havoc on the environment and leak tons of microplastics into our waterways and oceans. ”
Here’s the good news: there are tons of sustainable underwear brands that won’t break the bank! If you’re unsure where to begin, remember change starts from the bottom ;) Here is our list of six eco-friendly, sustainable, affordable, and ethical underwear brands you will love!
What to Look For?
If you missed our articles about eco-friendly t-shirts and socks, here is a quick overview of what to look for when shopping eco-friendly/sustainable: organic cotton, hemp, linen, and recycled fabrics are a great place to start. Additionally, look for water-based dyes and no harsh chemical treatment.
For the brand itself, look out for eco-friendly certifications such as Certified B Corporations and WRAP, Oeko-Tex, and GOTS certifications.
WAMA Underwear
Ethics | Ethical production, GOTS-certified,PETA certified
Sustainability | Organic cotton, Hemp, Low-waterusage
Price Range | $-$$
Don’t you wanna WAMA, WAMA! WAMA underwear is THE brand for hemp undies. Hemp, as WAMA notes, is a natural anti-bacterial fiber, with anti-odor properties—perfect for underwear! They make their hemp hipsters, bikinis, and boy shorts from a combination of 53% hemp, 44% organic cotton and 3% spandex for stretch. The organic fabrics are sourced from GOTS-certified suppliers in China. They promise high labor standards and environmental standards. These ethical underwear are built to last, too—hemp is the world’s strongest natural fiber. With a low impact and low price point—$20—these undies are a great addition to your eco-friendly wardrobe!
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Thunderpants
Ethics | SKAL standards, Fairtrade certified
Sustainability | Organic cotton, Water-based dyes
Price Range | $-$$
Thunderpants is clapping back at the fast fashion industry with their eco-friendly undies. This brand has loads of ethical underwear. They source their organic cotton from Fairtrade certified farms in India. They then stitch their hipsters in Australia. And finally use water-based inks and dyes to add some character in Los Angeles. Thunderpants also does a great job reducing waste. They try to buy in bulk and compost, repurpose, and use recyclable Eco-enclose mailers. They are aiming to be carbon neutral by 2050! For $22, you can own a pair of these stylish undies and clap back at the fashion industry!
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Organic Basics
Ethics | Fair laborpractices, USA made, Oeko-Tex 100-certified
Sustainability | Water reduction, Low impact dyes,Low waste
Price Range | $-$$
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Organic Basics. These guys have made our lists before. They offer minimalistic basics and essentials, including ethical underwear. They work to make their products stateside. However, they source much of their materials globally from humane factories. They use GOTS-certified organic cotton. And to reduce water waste, they spin their thread with real silver. This has anti-bacterial properties and increases the products longevity. You can support their untarnished mission by picking up a 4pk of bikinis for $64!
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TomboyX
Ethics | Oeko-Tex 100-certified, Ethical,Women-owned factories
Sustainability | Beechwood fiber, Organic cotton
Price Range | $-$$
For the women (and people) who are unapologetically themselves check out TomboyX. This ethical powerhouse offers eco-friendly underwear for all bodies. Their prints are fun, and their mission is mindful. They work with women-owned factories in China and ensure the conditions and wages are humane. TomboyX offers a range of underwear for all styles—bikinis, hipsters, boy shorts, and many more. Each pair is either made out of organic cotton or recyclable Beechwood fiber. They are also very size inclusive—with sizes up to 4XL. With prices starting around $18, you can support their cause today!
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Knickey
Ethics | GOTS certified, Oeko-Tex certified, Fair Trade certified
Sustainability | Organic cotton, Sustainablepackaging, Recycling program
Price Range | $-$$
If you’re going to be caught in your knickers, consider buying them from Knickey. These are made for women, by women. They get that cancer-causing chemicals have no place in any products—, especially ethical underwear. They source, clean, spin, and weave all of their organic cotton products in India. They then travel to the US and are packaged and shipped to you from New York. You can expect your garments to arrive safely in FSC certified packaging, which works to prevent deforestation. Not only does Knickey aim to reduce their footprint and advance their ethical game, but they also aim to teach people the truth about the fashion industry. Their site is full of environmental information. Customers get a great product and education when shopping here. They also offer a recycling program. No matter where your knickers originated from, Knickey will take them and recycle them. For as little as $13, you can create a big impact!
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Buy Mindfully, Buy Compassionately, Buy Sustainably
We love that these ethical underwear brands offer a wide variety of styles and a whole lot of ethics. Remember, as consumers we can make a huge impact through every purchase. Buy mindfully, compassionately, and sustainably, and make a difference with every dollar!
