The sustainable fashion movement is more popular than ever before. Growing awareness around the true cost of fast fashion has prompted consumers to think more carefully about what they purchase and brands are responding. But one category that often gets overlooked in the world of sustainable fashion is ethical underwear. At Earthly Goods, we’re all about looking good while also doing the world some good. So, we’ve consolidated a collection of sustainable lingerie brands to explore adding to your underwear drawer.
What brands are making ethical underwear?
Buying sustainable underwear can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Sustainable lingerie brands have never been more popular and there are a number of ethical brands on the market today. Using materials like bamboo and recycled plastic bottles to producing with ethical standards in carbon neutral factories to creating made-to-order collections, ethical underwear brands care about the environment, communities and their customers. Take a look at some of our favourites listed below.
WUKA
If you’re looking for ethical underwear that’s also comfortable and made for women, look no further than WUKA. WUKA is a female-led start up, making the UK’s first ever reusable and leak-proof period wear. Equality, and social and environmental responsibility are at the heart of everything they do with underwear created mindfully to be great for your body and good for the environment. From the Better Cotton Initiative, Organic Certified to Vegan and Carbon Neutral, their intimates are designed with the future in mind. Together with their customers, WUKA also donates to certified non profit organisations, including Period Pants as part of their mission to end to period poverty.
CREASE Studios
CREASE aims to create products that are a favourite item in your wardrobe and favorites for generations to come. They design timeless pieces, away from trends and only use the finest sustainable materials. Better yet, all their offcuts and waste material are reworked in their studio to make new accessories including bags. CREASE takes a transparent approach to their work, considering the entire lifecycle of their pieces, rather than its initial function. All their items are manufactured to order and are sold in small, limited quantities to minimise waste. Sustainability is truly at the heart of CREASE.
Ayten Gasson
Luxury lingerie label Ayten Gasson has become known in the UK, not only for its beautiful collections but also for its firm commitment to ethical manufacturing, sustainable fabrics and for keeping traditional sewing skills alive. Hand-made at their Brighton boutique from organic cotton and vintage fabrics, Ayten Gasson products aren’t just responsibly made but they also prioritize inclusion and are often seen in 2SLGBTQ+ communities. The attention to detail extends from their small sample room to each collection, showcasing slow fashion at its most refined and celebrating the history and skill of British manufacturing alongside historic fabric.
Heist
Heist was founded to design better underwear for women everywhere. By innovating against ignorance and creating against constriction, they believe underwear can be an instrument for progress. Through an innovative combination of technology never before used in the category, and scientific knowledge of the female form, Heist creates undergarment world-firsts that change every woman’s experience for good. Heist launched their first product, The Fishnet, in 2019. From there, the company released a number of sustainable designs from The Tights Collection, which is made of recycled yarn to The Eco body, which is constructed of 100% recyclable and recycled materials.
Prism
Prism was founded in London in 2009, offering luxury Swimwear and Resortwear inspired by travel that are both functional and fashionable. Their sister-brand PRISM² was launched 10 years later, to provide a range of multi-functional, multi-fit and sustainably-made activewear that can be used as sportswear, swimwear and underwear – all in one. Not only are the pieces multi-functional they are also multi-fit, adapting to the wearer’s body shape. PRISM Swimwear and Resortwear is all handmade at a small family-run factory in Italy. They use excess fabric and 3D techniques (which reduce environmental impact) as well as a greenpeace-approved eco-dyeing methods.
Parade
Parade is an ethical underwear brand that prides itself on being eco-friendly and comfortable. The brand uses soft, breathable fabrics that are good for your body and the environment, including natural fibres like organic cotton and bamboo as well as recycled plastic bottles. Parade aims to reduce its carbon footprint and has developed a roadmap to achieve their goal of being carbon positive by 2025. In addition to their environmental efforts, Parade cares about on inclusion, with sizes ranging from XS to 3XL and products including comfortable yet supportive underwire free bras. As if you need another reason to take a look, Parade also donates to causes their customers care about, including access to sexual education, reproductive rights and gender-affirming therapy.
Proclaim
Proclaim is an inclusive nude lingerie line made in Los Angeles using Earth-conscious fabrics. The brand is founded on the principles that fashion should represent all women and can be made in a way that does good for people and the planet. Its everyday range includes a Tencel lyocell bralette plus mid-rise and high-rise shorts in four colourways: Ella, Ada, Maya and classic black. Proclaim’s bras are cut and sewn at their LA facility to employ local women while meeting strict labour standards. What’s more, they use 100% recyclable packaging that is also made in the USA.
Boody
The Australian-born company has long studied bamboo yarn and uses naturally, organically grown bamboo to make it’s products. Designing everyday essentials to last, they only invest in quality fabrics with simplicity and function in mind. Some of Bamboo viscose’s qualities include being breathable, comfy and super soft, which makes it the perfect fabric to use for lingerie and underwear. Boody also cares about the planet and has saved more than 600 million litres of water since being established. Hence its entry in this list!
Knickey
Different underwear styles are required for different days. Sometimes you need a low-rise thong and sometimes you want a high-rise bikini briefs. Knickey has it all. The brand’s garments are Fair Trade certified and the company is certified carbon neutral thanks to an combination of renewable energy and carbon offset projects. The company also offers a Recycling Program, taking ready-to-retire intimates and turning them into insulation, carpet padding and furniture batting. They accept knickers, bras, socks and tights and offer a free pair of Knickeys in return.
Why eco-friendly underwear matters
In response to the harm caused to the fast fashion industry, sustainable apparel is becoming more and more important. Purchasing sustainable lingerie and underwear is an important part of being a conscious consumer. Not only do ethical intimates protect the environment, but they also ensure that your lingerie drawer is stocked with quality pieces that will protect your skin and last.
Common questions about this industry
We know there’s a lot to think about when making ethical purchases for your wardrobe. Here are some of the most common questions about sustainable underwear.
What does sustainable mean?
There isn’t a universal definition for sustainable, but it involves ensuring a responsible supply chain and considering a product’s entire lifecycle. From how fibres are grown and avoiding harmful chemicals, to how garments are cut and sewn and protecting workers to ensuring products can be reused or recycled at the end of their life.
What’s a supply chain?
A supply chain is the system used to deliver a good from its source of origin to a final point of sale. Supply chains can be complex, involving many different types of organisations and companies.
What’s the difference between sustainable materials and sustainable production?
Sustainable materials are those that have been produced in a way that doesn’t damage or deplete the earth’s natural resources. Sustainable production is ensuring workers are treated fairly, paid a living wage and the communities in which production takes place are protected from harm.
What are some sustainable materials used for underwear?
Sustainable materials used to make underwear include fibres such as bamboo, organic cotton, recycled plastic, peace silk, modal, Tencel and hemp.
What does organic cotton mean?
Organic cotton does not harm the environment as much as regular cotton when it is produced. It uses less water and no pesticides and people find that it is actually more breathable, offering better airflow to your skin. It is also softer to touch and lasts for years before you need to replace it.
Is bamboo underwear eco-friendly?
Bamboo can be sustainable because of its ability to grow quickly and biodegrade. It requires very little water and no pesticides – the same cannot be said for cotton (unless it’s organic!) or manmade fabrics.
Why should I care about third party certifications?
When considering sustainable underwear, it’s important to look for brands with third-party certifications. This means that an independent organization has verified that the brand meets a set of environmental and social criteria. Some of the most common certifications for sustainable fashion include the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Fairtrade Mark.
Are sustainable materials really any good for our bodies or the environment?
Different materials have different benefits for the environment and for your skin. Hemp, for example, is not only sustainable but also has antibacterial qualities that help prevent odour and keep you fresh throughout the day (or night). Cotton meanwhile can be sustainable if it is organic cotton and grown in an environmentally conscious way.
Do ethical underwear companies care about inclusive sizing?
Inclusivity is a core value for many sustainable companies. Many offer an inclusive range of knicker and bra sizes and produce a variety of styles suited for different body shapes.
Why should you care about buying ethical underwear?
Underwear is one of those wardrobe items we often take for granted. It’s something we use every day but rarely think about in terms of its environmental impact. And yet, the manufacturing and disposal of underwear is harming the planet. Sustainable underwear is not only better for the environment, but it’s also better for you!
What is the most eco-friendly underwear?
We all know that when it comes to slow fashion, there are a lot of considerations to make. Choosing ethical lingerie brands is no different. When looking for eco-friendly underwear, you need to prioritize what matters to you. In this article, you can explore brands that use recycled materials and natural fibres, are certified by recognized bodies such as the World Fair Trade Organisation, have a responsible supply chain, use recyclable materials in their packaging, care for their employees and donate to charitable organisations.
Next time you need to refresh your underwear drawer
When looking for sustainable and ethical brands, it can be hard to know where to start. There are many elements to consider from farming to production and manufacturing to shipping and end-of-life use. We hope this list of brands that focus on sustainable and eco-friendly materials and ethical practices will inspire you next time you need to update your underwear and lingerie. Please feel free to click through the links above to explore their collections and read more about their commitments to environmental, social and community responsibility. These brands have you covered (quite literally).
