top sustainable undies, nightwear and lingerie brands
Since lockdown there’s been a surge of underwear sales as people invest more in their sexual wellness (there’s also been a sharp rise in this search term!). But there’s a problem - did you know that only 2% of underwear is sustainably sourced? Cheap underwear shares many similarities to fast fashion; poor quality, unethical labour and harmful fabrics.
If you’re on the market for some new undies to boos the mood, have a look at these sustainable options. Because, what’s sexier than looking after the planet?
But first, what makes underwear sustainable? It’s important we know what to look for when we’re buying underwear, or clothes generally, and with persistent greenwashing initiatives from fashion brands, we need to educate ourselves and be prepared to do some research.
1. Look at the supply chain. Women working in harsh conditions in third world countries make up 85% of the workforce in textile factories and are some of the lowest paid workers in the world. Were the garments made in a safe environment? Were the workers paid a fair wage? If you can’t find this information easily, that should be your first alarm bell.
2. Buy natural. Generally, the most sustainable materials are derived naturally. As well as that, look for organics, in particular cotton. There’s underwear brands using organic bamboo, Tencel and other eco-conscious materials. Be cautious of synthetics - these aren’t breathable like natural materials and they release harmful microfibres in every wash which, eventually, end up in our oceans.
3. Check the packaging. If you’e buying online then check to see how your garments are packaged. Recycled cardboard or plastic wrap? It’s not just the product that we need to check, it’s the entire process.
FIVE SUSTAINABLE UNDIES, NIGHTWEAR AND LINGERIE BRANDS
Stripe and Stare www.stripeandstare.com
Instagram @Stripeandstare
Described as the 'world’s most comfortable knickers’, Stripe and Stare undies are sustainably sourced from beechwood trees. Tencel (the name of the material) is proven to be twice as soft as cotton so great for sensitive skin, it is anti-bacterial and better at handling moisture - plus it is kind to the planet. I adore these knickers (and the the die underwear set!). They also have bra, knickers and vest sets as well as pyjamas.
They boast the ‘Eco-Age brand mark’ seal of approval and all knickers come beautifully packaged in recycled cardboard boxes. At the moment they are support the NHS efforts by selecting 5 front line workers to receive a box of knickers - and giving all other NHS workers 50% off (this is only in the UK).
Prices start from around £20
Organic Basics www.organicbasics.com
Instagram @organicbasics
Not only is Organic Basics’ clothing made from good quality, natural fibres, it’s all made in factories that care about their environmental and ethical impact. In fact, head to the website and the 2019 ‘Impact Report’ is one of the first things you’ll see. That’s the kind of transparency we like! The factory workers are in safe working spaces and are paid a living wage. The fabric used in all of their pieces are organic (hence the name) based on its ‘environmental footprint and lifetime durability.’
Organic Basics have underwear for men and women, as well as gym wear, with many styles and colours to choose from. The organic cotton used to make their garments is grown without harmful insecticides and pesticides. What’s great about this brand is that each product on their website tells you how much CO2 was prevented, how many litres of water was conserved and how much waste was prevented compared to conventional fabrics and traditional clothing manufacture practices.
They’ve also sett up the Organic Basics Fund to help fight climate change, regenerate our natural resources and restore biodiversity. This is about giving direct funding to people, groups and projects that address the problems at the root cause — and aim to create long-term, real impact. Nice.
Prices start from around £30
Cotton & Push www.cottonandpush.com
Instagram @cottonandpush
Cotton & Push creates lingerie that’s both sustainable and sexy, using certified organic natural fibres. The website states, ‘We wanted to find alluring, comfortable, skin friendly and eco-friendly lingerie….we were determined to pair nature with style.’ The collection is small - no breakneck speed fast fashion lines around here - and it delivers gorgeous classic pieces and some great nightwear options too.
They also claim to work with just two suppliers of organic fabrics and ‘do not purchase any fibre that is not either GOTA or OEKO Tex Certified.’ This means that no pesticides are used in the growing of the cotton used to make their lingerie, preventing villages where the cotton growing takes place from being at risk of toxic chemical pesticides. The farmers are supported every step of the way too and get to earn a genuine living wage to support their families. And they also use bamboo fibres that are produced in a closed loop system, minimising use of resources needed to produce the final product.
Prices start from around £30
You Underwear www.youunderwear.com
Instagram @youunderwearuk
You Underwear claim to be good for you, good for people and good for the planet. They make all their underwear with organic cotton for a super soft feel. And they have men’s and women’s options available in classic styles. Their bras are non-wired, which provides a comfortable finish.
A positive message is found in every pair of pants, which gives a cute touch, and all products are delivered in a reusable organic cotton bag. What’s more, the ethos of the brand is that it should be just as easy for people in poor communities to have access to underwear as it is for us, so for every pair you buy they give a pair to someone in need.
Prices from £12
Woron www.woronstore.com
Instagram @woronstore
This Scandinavian brand is ‘vegan, cruelty free and a slow fashion brand.’ Every piece of underwear they make is crafted from Modal; a fine smooth fibre made from beech wood. Woron states that the fabric is more resistant to shrinking, fading and greying than cotton.
They are Vegan approved by PETA and products range from adjustable bras that provide a natural shape to fun, lace camisoles. Woron also have great loungewear for ultimate relaxation.
Prices start from around £30
Studio Pia www.studiopia.co.uk
Instagram @studio.pia
Sustainable can definitely be sexy (and sassy!), and Studio Pia proves that. Their fashion-led collection is ‘ethically crafted in the UK and Europe.’ Their garments are made from peace silk which is non-violent silk breeding and harvesting, cultivated organically without pesticides or genetic sprays. With everything from suspenders to bodysuits Studio Pia has it all.
They state that their products are manufactured by workers who receive a living wage in working conditions with high standards, and their products are shipped in cardboard and recycled tissue paper, which is a bonus.
Prices start at around £70
It’s clear to see that there are plenty of options for sustainable underwear in the UK for both men and women. But, let’s not forget the best action we can take in becoming more sustainable is changing our shopping habits and buying less. I’m not asking everyone to walk around with holes in their underwear, but next time we’re at the shops, ask ourselves, do we really need these?