When Marilyn Monroe said, “What do I wear in bed? Why, Chanel No. 5, of course,” maybe she was on to something. The best outfit to wear while sleeping is nothing. (Not even Chanel No. 5, which is neither vegan nor cruelty-free.) But, of course, not everyone can sleep naked. Which is why we look for organic clothing – whether for sleep or for the day. And in this quest, the most important clothing items, which touch our body for the longest periods, are innerwear. They also are completely intimate with our most private (and vulnerable) parts.
Dangerous Chemicals in our Innerwear
As organic innerwear brand Thundress states, “The Swedish Chemical Agency found approximately 240 textile-related chemicals which pose a serious potential risk to human life. And about 120 which pose a serious risk to the environment. Most of the substances with hazardous properties were found to be carcinogenic, mutagenic and/or toxic for reproduction.” [PDF] The chemicals then enter your skin.
Our innerwear, or underwear, is the closest to our skin and makes intimate contact with our reproductive areas for long hours every day. The toxins trace a pathway through your skin and into your lymphatic system, then into the blood stream and then into the liver. Toxins, particularly petrochemical fibers, also inhibit normal skin responses, such as the release of toxins (very meta-terrifying) and triggering the onset of disease.
So here’s a simple question: Shouldn’t our innerwear be absolutely safe for us?
That was rhetorical; they should be safe, of course, for our bodies, which is why more and more enlightened consumers are asking for organic innerwear made of cotton or hemp or bamboo, and more and more enlightened entrepreneurs are providing exactly that.
So without further ado, here are some very interesting ethical innerwear brands that are shaking up the fashion industry (in alphabetical order, guys). (Also, if you’ll notice the photographs on their websites, they feature an array of diverse models – and not just in terms of gender or ethnicity or size. Which is excellent! Here’s to more representation and diversity in the world!)
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE DETAILS.
The List of Ethical Innerwear Brands
Aikyou
Known For | Bras for small busts
Country | Germany
Sustainability | Notes
They use vegan, skin-friendly, fair-trade organic cotton for their elegant designs.
Anekdot
Known For | Upcycled innerwear
Country | Germany
Sustainability | Notes
They source their materials from “production leftovers, end of lines, off-cuts, headstock and vintage trimmings,” and transform them into gorgeous intimates, swimsuits, accessories, and more.
Base Range
Known For | Clean lines and easy silhouettes
Country | France
Sustainability | Notes
This brand has a line of beautiful basics “with an emphasis on clean lines and easy silhouettes.” Their textiles are sourced from both natural fibers and recycled content.
Between The Sheets
Known For | Designer lingerie
Country | USA
Sustainability | Notes (B-Corp certified)
Not only do the items look good, but they use eco-friendly packaging and work to ensure there is minimal waste from their design and manufacturing process.
Boody Eco Wear
Known For | Seam-free innerwear made with bamboo fabric
Country | Australia
Sustainability | Notes
Sleek, well-fitting designs, all slated to be the most comfortable for your body – since they’re made with bamboo.
Brooke There
Known For | Minimalist lingerie
Country | USA
Sustainability | Notes
They have lovely designs, but some of their items are made with silk. You can select products on their site by clicking the vegan option in their filter.
Chakra Intimates
Known For | Luxury lingerie
Country | USA
Sustainability | Notes
So these innerwear items have Reiki crystals hand-sewn into each piece. If that floats your boat, it’s definitely a plus.
Clare Bare
Known For | Sustainable lingerie
Country | USA
Sustainability | Notes
The colors are very striking. The founder uses organic dyes and printing techniques for this brand that was conceptualized at the Parsons School of Design in NY.
Faelyn
Known For | Dreamy feminine aesthetic
Country | USA
Sustainability | Notes
The designs are ethereal and graceful, with pastel shades everywhere. This is wispy, dreamy glamor straight from Brooklyn.
Hanky Panky
Known For | Figure-flattering silhouettes
Country | USA
Sustainability | Notes
Thongs, panties, bras and fancy lingerie – they have it all, and in all sizes, as well. They have also partnered with NYC-based FabScrap to recycle and repurpose their textile waste.
Hara The Label
Hesta Organic
La Fille D’o
Land of Women
Majamas Earth Clothing
Mighty Good Undies
NALU
Nukleus
Only Hearts
Organic Basics
Orgotton
Pact
Pansy
The Nude Label
Thundress
Uye Surana
Vatter
WAMA Hemp
Woron
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE DETAILS.
Hara
Also, a monthly subscription for undies? That’s what MeUndies offers. I’m not sure about how that might fit in with wanting to own fewer items (if you do want that, like I do), but check it out to see what you feel about it.
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Read More About Ethical Fashion
How to Build an Ethical Wardrobe
Gift Guide for the Environmentally Conscious
Ethical Jewelry Pieces That You Will Love
Detox Your Closet With These 27 Organic Clothing Brands for Women
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Disclaimer: I have tried to make a list of organic innerwear brands for women. If any of these do not use organic textile, I will remove them from the list. Also, since this post was about non-toxic clothing, I have not defined vegan brands separately (especially since cotton, hemp and bamboo are vegan, and their organic varieties are eco-friendly). These brands do categorically claim to be ethical, so that’s been a plus point in their selection to this list:)
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What do you think of this list? Any more brands that you’d like to add to it? Please share this post if you found it useful. Thank you!
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE DETAILS.
Please note: All brand photographs belong to the respective brands.
Thank you for including us in your list. We have beautiful lifestyle shots you are welcome to share. Feel free to contact us and we’ll get them to you. info@majamas.com
PLEASE continue doing your work! We all must lower our impact on the planet and your blogs and information is part of the solution. Thank you!
Thank you!:)
Tizz & Tonic is a cute undie brand based in Bremen, Germany! They make everything there. Fun prints and styles so I would recommend them for the list 🙂
Hi Kati!
Thanks for stopping by and for the recommendation! I will take a look at them:) Always good to know about more sustainable brands.