Underwear is one of the most essential items in our wardrobe, but also one of the most overlooked when it comes to sustainability and ethics. Many conventional underwear brands use synthetic fabrics, toxic dyes, and exploitative labor practices that harm the environment and the people involved in the production process.
But don’t worry, there are plenty of sustainable and ethical underwear brands that are making a positive difference in the world. These brands use organic, recycled, or biodegradable materials, natural or low-impact dyes, and fair trade or ethical certifications to ensure that their underwear is good for you and the planet. They also offer a variety of styles, sizes, and colors to suit your preferences and needs.
In this ultimate guide, we will introduce you to some of the best ethical and sustainable underwear brands for women and men, and explain why they are worth supporting. We will also share some tips on how to choose, care for, and dispose of your ethical and sustainable underwear in a responsible way.
So, whether you are looking for comfortable, sexy, or functional underwear, you can find it here without compromising your values. Let’s get started!
What is Ethical Underwear?
Ethical and sustainable underwear is underwear that is made with respect for the environment and the people involved in the production process. It is underwear that minimizes its negative impact and maximizes its positive impact on the planet and society.
There are different aspects to consider when evaluating the ethics and sustainability of underwear, such as:
- Materials: Ethical and sustainable underwear brands use natural, organic, recycled, or biodegradable fabrics that are gentle on your skin and the environment. Some of the most common materials are organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, Tencel, silk, and recycled polyester. These materials are grown or sourced without harmful pesticides, fertilizers, or chemicals, and use less water, energy, and land than conventional fabrics. They are also biodegradable or recyclable, which means they won’t end up in landfills or oceans for centuries.
- Dyes: Ethical and sustainable underwear brands use natural or low-impact dyes that are free of toxic substances, such as azo dyes, formaldehyde, or heavy metals. These dyes are safer for your health and the environment, as they don’t pollute the water, soil, or air with harmful chemicals. Some brands even use plant-based dyes, such as turmeric, indigo, or madder, to create beautiful colors from nature.
- Labor practices: Ethical and sustainable underwear brands ensure that their workers are treated fairly and humanely throughout the supply chain. They pay living wages, provide safe and healthy working conditions, respect labor rights, and support local communities. They also avoid child labor, forced labor, sweatshops, and other forms of exploitation. Some brands have certifications, such as Fair Trade, B Corp, or GOTS, that verify their ethical and social standards.
- Packaging: Ethical and sustainable underwear brands use minimal, recyclable, or compostable packaging that reduces waste and plastic pollution. They avoid unnecessary tags, labels, or wrappers, and opt for eco-friendly alternatives, such as paper, cardboard, or bioplastic. Some brands even use reusable or upcycled packaging, such as fabric pouches, boxes, or bags, that you can keep or repurpose.
Why Choose Sustainable and Ethical Underwear?
Choosing ethical and sustainable underwear is not only good for the planet and the people, but also for yourself. Here are some of the benefits of wearing ethical and sustainable underwear:
- Comfort: Ethical and sustainable underwear is made with soft, breathable, and natural fabrics that feel great on your skin and prevent irritation, chafing, or infections. They also have better moisture-wicking and odor-reducing properties than synthetic fabrics, which means they keep you fresh and dry throughout the day.
- Quality: Ethical and sustainable underwear is made with durable and high-quality fabrics that last longer and retain their shape and color better than conventional fabrics. They also have better craftsmanship and attention to detail, as they are made by skilled and passionate workers who take pride in their work.
- Style: Ethical and sustainable underwear is not boring or bland, but rather stylish and diverse. You can find ethical and sustainable underwear in various cuts, designs, patterns, and colors to suit your taste and personality. You can also find ethical and sustainable underwear for different occasions and purposes, such as everyday wear, sports, period, maternity, or lingerie.
- Values: Ethical and sustainable underwear is a way to express your values and support the causes you care about. By choosing ethical and sustainable underwear, you are voting with your wallet and sending a message to the industry that you want more ethical and sustainable options. You are also supporting ethical and sustainable brands that are making a positive difference in the world and inspiring others to do the same.
How to Choose Sustainable Underwear?
Choosing ethical and sustainable underwear can be overwhelming, as there are many brands, styles, and factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you choose the best ethical and sustainable underwear for you:
- Do your research: Before buying any underwear, do some research on the brand, the materials, the dyes, the labor practices, and the packaging. Look for certifications, labels, or information that indicate the ethics and sustainability of the underwear. You can also check reviews, ratings, or blogs that feature ethical and sustainable underwear brands.
- Know your size: Knowing your size is important for finding underwear that fits you well and feels comfortable. You can measure yourself or use a size chart to find your correct size. You can also check the fit and stretch of the fabric, as some materials may run smaller or larger than others. If possible, try on the underwear before buying it, or look for brands that offer free returns or exchanges.
- Know your style: Knowing your style is important for finding underwear that suits your preferences and needs. You can choose from different styles, such as briefs, bikinis, thongs, boxers, trunks, or bralettes, depending on your comfort, coverage, and support. You can also choose from different designs, patterns, and colors, depending on your mood, outfit, or occasion.
- Know your budget: Knowing your budget is important for finding underwear that is affordable and worth your money. Ethical and sustainable underwear may be more expensive than conventional underwear, but they are also more durable, comfortable, and quality. You can also look for discounts, sales, or bundles that offer better value. You can also invest in fewer but better pairs of underwear that will last longer and save you money in the long run.
How to Care for Sustainable Underwear?
Caring for ethical and sustainable underwear is not only good for extending their lifespan and quality, but also for reducing their environmental impact. Here are some tips on how to care for your ethical and sustainable underwear:
- Wash less: Washing your underwear less often can save water, energy, and detergent, and also prevent wear and tear. You can wash your underwear every few wears, or when they are visibly dirty or smelly. You can also spot clean or air dry your underwear between washes to keep them fresh and clean.
- Wash cold: Washing your underwear in cold water can save energy, prevent shrinkage, and preserve the colors and fibers of the fabric. You can also use a gentle or eco-friendly detergent that is free of harsh chemicals, fragrances, or bleach. You can also use a mesh bag or a pillowcase to protect your underwear from snagging or tangling.
- Dry naturally: Drying your underwear naturally can save energy, prevent damage, and maintain the shape and elasticity of the fabric. You can hang or lay your underwear flat to dry, away from direct sunlight or heat. You can also use a towel or a cloth to gently squeeze out excess water, but avoid wringing or twisting your underwear.
- Store properly: Storing your underwear properly can prevent wrinkles, creases, or mold. You can fold or roll your underwear and store them in a drawer, a box, or a bag. You can also use dividers, organizers, or labels to sort your underwear by style, color, or occasion. You can also use lavender sachets, cedar balls, or baking soda to keep your underwear smelling fresh and repel moths or insects.
How to Dispose of Ethical Underwear?
Disposing of ethical and sustainable underwear can be tricky, as you don’t want to waste them or harm the environment. Here are some tips on how to dispose of your ethical and sustainable underwear:
- Repair: Repairing your underwear can extend their lifespan and save you money. You can mend holes, tears, or loose threads with a needle and thread, or use patches, buttons, or embroidery to cover or decorate them. You can also replace or adjust the elastics, straps, or hooks to improve the fit and support.
- Reuse: Reusing your underwear can give them a new purpose and function. You can use your old underwear as rags, wipes, or pads for cleaning, dusting, or polishing. You can also use them as stuffing, lining, or padding for pillows, cushions, or toys. You can also cut them into strips and use them as ties, ribbons, or tassels for crafts, gifts, or decorations.
- Recycle: Recycling your underwear can prevent them from ending up in landfills or oceans, and also create new products or materials. You can donate your old underwear to charities, organizations, or programs that collect and recycle textiles, such as Knickey, Bra Recyclers, or I Support the Girls. You can also look for local recycling centers, drop-off points, or bins that accept textiles, such as H&M, Levi’s, or Patagonia.
The Best Ethical Underwear Brands for Women and Men
Now that you know what ethical and sustainable underwear is and why you should choose it, you may be wondering where to find it. Well, you are in luck, because there are many amazing ethical and sustainable underwear brands that offer a wide range of styles, sizes, and prices for women and men. Here are some of our favorites:
1. Pact
Pact is a US-based brand that makes organic cotton underwear for men, women, and kids. Pact uses GOTS-certified organic cotton, which is grown without pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs, and uses less water and energy than conventional cotton. Pact also partners with Fair Trade USA, ensuring that the farmers and workers who produce the cotton are paid fairly and have safe working conditions. Pact’s underwear is soft, breathable, and durable, and comes in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes. Pact also offers other organic clothing items, such as socks, tees, leggings, and hoodies.
Materials: Organic cotton
Price range: $10-$30
Pros: Affordable, comfortable, versatile, eco-friendly, fair trade
Cons: Limited color options, some styles may run small
Where to buy: Pact’s website or Amazon
2. WAMA
WAMA is a US-based brand that makes hemp underwear for men and women. Hemp is one of the most sustainable fabrics in the world, as it grows fast, requires little water and land, and naturally resists pests and diseases. Hemp is also antibacterial, anti-odor, breathable, and moisture-wicking, making it ideal for underwear. WAMA uses a blend of hemp, organic cotton, and spandex to create soft and stretchy underwear that conforms to your body. WAMA is also certified by PETA as vegan and cruelty-free, and by Green America as a socially and environmentally responsible business.
Materials: Hemp, organic cotton, spandex
Price range: $20-$30
Pros: Eco-friendly, vegan, antibacterial, odor-resistant, moisture-wicking
Cons: Expensive, limited styles and colors, may shrink after washing
Where to buy: WAMA’s website
3. Organic Basics
Organic Basics is a Danish brand that makes ethical and sustainable underwear and activewear for men and women. Organic Basics uses organic cotton, recycled nylon, Tencel, and silver-infused fabrics to create high-quality and long-lasting products that are gentle on the skin and the planet. Organic Basics also works with certified factories in Europe and Turkey, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and low environmental impact. Organic Basics’ underwear is simple, elegant, and comfortable, and comes in various styles, colors, and sizes. Organic Basics also offers other sustainable clothing items, such as bras, socks, tees, and leggings.
Materials: Organic cotton, recycled nylon, Tencel, silver
Price range: $30-$50
Pros: High-quality, durable, eco-friendly, fair trade, innovative
Cons: Expensive, may run small, shipping fees may apply
Where to buy: Organic Basics’ website
4. Boody
Boody is an Australian brand that makes bamboo underwear and basics for men, women, and babies. Bamboo is a fast-growing and renewable resource that requires less water, land, and pesticides than cotton. Bamboo is also naturally antibacterial, hypoallergenic, breathable, and thermo-regulating, making it suitable for all seasons and skin types. Boody uses a blend of bamboo, organic cotton, and spandex to create soft and smooth underwear that hugs your curves and supports your movement. Boody is also certified by various organizations, such as Ecocert, Oeko-Tex, PETA, and FSC, ensuring that its products are eco-friendly, vegan, and ethically made.
Materials: Bamboo, organic cotton, spandex
Price range: $10-$30
Pros: Affordable, comfortable, versatile, eco-friendly, vegan, hypoallergenic
Cons: Limited styles and colors, may pill after washing, may run large
Where to buy: Boody’s website or Amazon
5. Knickey (Rebranded to Subset)
Knickey is a US-based brand that makes organic cotton underwear for women. Knickey uses GOTS-certified organic cotton, which is grown without harmful chemicals and dyed with low-impact dyes. Knickey also works with fair trade factories in India, ensuring that the workers who make the underwear are paid well and have decent working conditions. Knickey’s underwear is comfortable, breathable, and stylish, and comes in five classic styles and eight natural colors. Knickey also offers a recycling program, where you can send back your old underwear and get a free pair of Knickey in return.
Materials: Organic cotton
Price range: $10-$15
Pros: Affordable, comfortable, stylish, eco-friendly, fair trade, recycling program
Cons: Limited sizes, may run small, shipping fees may apply
Where to buy: Knickey’s website or Amazon
6. Azura Bay
Azura Bay is a Canadian brand that curates ethical and eco-friendly lingerie and loungewear from various brands around the world. Azura Bay selects brands that use organic, recycled, or natural fabrics, such as cotton, hemp, bamboo, silk, or lace, and that follow fair trade and ethical practices. Azura Bay’s underwear is feminine, elegant, and comfortable, and comes in a range of styles, colors, and sizes. Azura Bay also donates a portion of its profits to various environmental and social causes, such as the World Wildlife Fund, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the Canadian Women’s Foundation.
Materials: Organic cotton, recycled nylon, hemp, bamboo, silk, lace
Price range: $20-$50
Pros: Eco-friendly, ethical, diverse, charitable, beautiful
Cons: Expensive, may run small, shipping fees may apply
Where to buy: Azura Bay’s website
7. Thunderpants
Thunderpants is a New Zealand brand that makes organic cotton underwear for men, women, and kids. Thunderpants uses GOTS-certified organic cotton, which is grown without harmful chemicals and dyed with eco-friendly dyes. Thunderpants also works with local factories and suppliers, ensuring that the underwear is made with high standards of quality and ethics. Thunderpants’ underwear is fun, colorful, and quirky, and comes in a variety of prints and patterns. Thunderpants also offers other organic clothing items, such as dresses, tops, and leggings.
Materials: Organic cotton
Price range: $20-$30
Pros: Eco-friendly, ethical, local, fun, unique
Cons: Expensive, limited styles and sizes, shipping fees may apply
Where to buy: Thunderpants’ website
8. Naja
Naja is a US-based brand that makes ethical and eco-friendly underwear and swimwear for women. Naja uses recycled nylon, recycled polyester, organic cotton, and natural dyes to create beautiful and durable products that are good for the planet. Naja also empowers women by employing single mothers and female heads of households, providing them with fair wages, health benefits, and education. Naja’s underwear is feminine, sexy, and supportive, and comes in a range of styles, colors, and sizes. Naja also offers other sustainable clothing items, such as bras, bodysuits, and robes.
Materials: Recycled nylon, recycled polyester, organic cotton, natural dyes
Price range: $20-$40
Pros: Eco-friendly, ethical, empowering, beautiful, supportive
Cons: Expensive, may run small, shipping fees may apply
Where to buy: Naja’s website
9. Womn
Womn is a UK-based brand that makes organic cotton underwear and basics for women. Womn uses GOTS-certified organic cotton, which is grown without harmful chemicals and dyed with low-impact dyes. Womn also works with a family-run factory in India, ensuring that the workers who make the underwear are paid fairly and have safe working conditions. Womn’s underwear is simple, elegant, and comfortable, and comes in four classic styles and four neutral colors. Womn also offers other organic clothing items, such as bras, camis, and shorts.
Materials: Organic cotton
Price range: $15-$25
Pros: Affordable, comfortable, elegant, eco-friendly, fair trade
Cons: Limited styles, colors, and sizes, shipping fees may apply
Where to buy: Walmart
10. Everlane
Everlane is a US-based brand that makes ethical and sustainable clothing and accessories for men and women. Everlane uses organic cotton, recycled nylon, recycled polyester, and Tencel to create high-quality and long-lasting products that are good for the planet. Everlane also works with transparent and ethical factories around the world, ensuring that the workers who make the clothing are paid well and have decent working conditions. Everlane’s underwear is minimalist, modern, and comfortable, and comes in various styles, colors, and sizes. Everlane also offers other sustainable clothing items, such as jeans, sweaters, and shoes.
Materials: Organic cotton, recycled nylon, recycled polyester, Tencel
Price range: $15-$30
Pros: High-quality, durable, eco-friendly, ethical, transparent, modern
Cons: May run small, shipping fees may apply
Where to buy: Everlane’s website
11. Mary Young
Mary Young is a Canadian brand that makes ethical and sustainable lingerie and loungewear for women. Mary Young uses organic bamboo, which is a soft and breathable fabric that is gentle on the skin and the environment. Mary Young also works with a local factory in Canada, ensuring that the underwear is made with high standards of quality and ethics. Mary Young’s underwear is feminine, sexy, and comfortable and comes in a range of styles, colors, and sizes. Mary Young also offers other sustainable clothing items, such as bras, bodysuits, and robes.
Materials: Organic bamboo
Price range: $20-$40
Pros: Eco-friendly, ethical, local, feminine, sexy, comfortable
Cons: Expensive, limited styles and colors, shipping fees may apply
Where to buy: Mary Young’s website
12. Fruity Booty
Fruity Booty is a UK-based brand that makes ethical and sustainable underwear and swimwear for women. Fruity Booty uses recycled fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, and lace, that are sourced from deadstock or surplus materials. Fruity Booty also works with small factories in Europe, ensuring that the underwear is made with low environmental impact and fair labor practices. Fruity Booty’s underwear is fun, colorful, and playful, and comes in a range of styles, colors, and sizes. Fruity Booty also offers other sustainable clothing items, such as bras, bikinis, and pyjamas.
Materials: Recycled fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, and lace
Price range: $20-$40
Pros: Eco-friendly, ethical, fun, colorful, playful
Cons: Expensive, limited styles and sizes, shipping fees may apply
Where to buy: Fruity Booty’s website
Final Words
Ethical and sustainable underwear is a great way to care for yourself, the planet, and the people. By choosing ethical and sustainable underwear, you can enjoy the comfort, quality, style, and values of underwear that is made with natural, organic, recycled, or biodegradable fabrics, natural or low-impact dyes, fair trade or ethical labor practices, and minimal, recyclable, or compostable packaging. You can also support ethical and sustainable underwear brands that are making a positive difference in the world and inspiring others to do the same.
We hope this ultimate guide has helped you learn more about ethical and sustainable underwear and why you should choose it. We also hope you have found some ethical and sustainable underwear brands that suit your preferences and needs. Whether you are looking for underwear for everyday wear, sports, period, maternity, or lingerie, you can find it here without compromising your values.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and treat yourself to some ethical and sustainable underwear, and feel good inside and out!
