When it comes to getting dressed, our undies are the first thing we put on and the last thing we take off. Now, thanks to a growing number of sustainable underwear brands, it’s that much easier to feel comfy, sexy and stick to our values.
Though hidden from the outside world, underwear is a foundational staple in all of our wardrobes. Starting your day with undies that make you feel confident and put together should be a priority, and what better way to kickstart that self-love than putting on intimates that reflect your values too? Cue sustainable underwear! Like conscious fashion, it’s made from quality, earth-friendly fabrics—like Tencel, bamboo or organic cotton—and produced adhering to ethical labour practices.
But when it comes to briefs or bras, why care about natural fabrics or sustainability? Not only do synthetic materials like polyester feel stuffy when in close contact with your skin (FYI, they’re made from plastic), these textiles contribute to a whopping 35% of microplastics found in our oceans, released through waterways when we wash our clothes! So if you’re keen on innerwear that looks good and does good for the planet, sustainable lingerie is the way to go, and we’ve sleuthed out our favourites here. Whether you’re into demure or sexy styles, seamless or lacy, separates or matching sets, there’s definitely a sustainable underwear brand out there for you.
1. Lara Intimates
Launched in 2017, Lara Intimates is a sustainable underwear brand that celebrates women of all shapes and sizes. Aiming to build a range of products that meet the needs of all women regardless of age, size, and life stage, their size range includes 26-40, A-J and briefs for sizes 6-22 UK. Their fabrics, micro modal, organic cotton, recycled fabrics, and deadstock, are made in the UK with their partnership with Carbon Neutral Britain. These minimalist aesthetic and functional pieces are even delivered in plastic-free, recyclable packaging.
Our picks:
Ava Bra COBALT, $92 SGD
Brazilian Brief LARA PINK, $38 SGD
Lace High Waist Brief BLACK, $38 SGD
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Size-inclusive sustainable underwear by Wama2. WAMA Underwear
WAMA Underwear is a pioneer for the hemp underwear industry as it aims to develop flattering, functional, and sustainable designs. The hemp fabric is naturally antibacterial, super soft and breathable, and anti-odour. It also doesn’t require harsh herbicides and grows very densely, taking up less land. With beliefs in partnering with factories that improve their employees’ lives with fair wages and quality working environments, WAMA audits all it’s China factories. The brand has a simple line with soft and durable products in classic cuts and colours, necessities in your underwear drawer.
Our picks:
Thong Underwear, $24 USD
Hipster Panties, from $24 USD
Triangle Bralette, $44 USD
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3. Huha
Where undies meet intimate care. Huha fabrics are infused with zinc oxide, a naturally antimicrobial mineral, that is soothing for even sensitive skin types and protects against odour causing bacteria. These sustainable Tencel undies are produced from wood pulp from sustainably managed sources and are sent to you in recycled mailers and biodegradable cornstarch packing peanuts. With every purchase, not only do you receive comfy and chafe-free panties, but you also plant one mangrove tree to help offset the 84 kgs of CO2 in the atmosphere.
Our picks:
Mineral Thong Undies PURPLE, $34 CAD
Mineral Cheeky Undies BLACK, $34 CAD
Undie Wash, $29 CAD
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4. Organic Basics
Based in Denmark, Organic Basics, aims to use the most responsible fabric and technology available in creating their range of bottoms and bras. Their fabrics include recycled nylon, recycled cashmere, polygiene, SilverTech, recycled wool, and TENCEL–recycled, renewable, and or low-impact textiles only. Bras and panties come in a range of classic nudes and neutral blues with thick elastic bands to flatter anyone. Additionally, Organic Basics provides an impact index of every item, so you can check out how much you save on every product.
Our picks:
Invisible Bra WALNUT, $55 USD
TENCEL™ Lite Bralette DUSTY ROSE, $70 USD
TENCEL™ Lite Tanga 2-pack CEDAR, $55 USD
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5. The Nude Label
This Spanish brand uses GOTS certified organic cotton and recycled polyamide for its entire product line. What’s special about The Nude Label is that each colour is unique. The brand uses a dyeing method that combines both traditional and contemporary practices that reduce water impact and the carbon footprint generated. You can choose from a range of designs in bright yet natural colours while supporting a brand that works with organizations to restore the trees and vegetation of our planet.
Our picks:
Triangle Brief MAUVE, €23 EUR
Cut Out Bra PUMPKIN, €50 EUR
Culotte SUNFLOWER, €17 EUR
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6. Modibodi
Modibodi aims to provide a sustainable solution to manage life’s leaks. Pads take 500+ years to biodegrade, so Modibodi creates leak-free panties for women of any age and stage of life. With a size range from XS to 4XL and absorbance levels from light and leakproof to 24-hour maxi, there is a period product for all women’s needs. Not only are their panties reusable period products, but the brand makes them out of sustainable materials such as merino wool, organic cotton, and recycled nylon–all produced under ethical labour conditions. Modibodi prioritises sustainability throughout the supply chain, and your leak-free panties arrive in a compostable parcel bag.
Our picks:
Sensual Boyleg BLACK LACE, $25 USD
Vegan Bikini JOURNEY, $28.50 USD
Hi-Waist Bikini FLORENCE, $26 USD
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7. Boody
A great accessible option, Boody underwear is made with viscose from sustainably farmed bamboo. Their simple range of designs and colours are ultra-soft, and will quickly become a staple in your wardrobe. Boody uses a close-looped system which recycles all its waste. They are also Ecocert, Oeko-Tex, FSC, and WRAP certified and package all their items in biodegradable and recyclable containers. These panties not only make you feel good but are good for the planet too as you can see each item’s positive impact on their website.
Our picks:
Padded Shaper Crop Bra NAVY, $27.95 AUD
Full Brief NUDE, $15.95 AUD
LYOLYTE™ Hi-Cut Bikini STORM, $17.95 AUD
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8. Hara the Label
Australian brand, Hara the Label, uses its platform to bring change, awareness, and education to the issues within the fashion industry. Hara brings you comfort and confidence with their beautiful selection of colourful bras, undies, and leotards, with an impressive size range of XS to 5XL. Their fabrics include organic bamboo, OEKO-TEX 100, and natural dyes that are soft and ultra-comfortable. Teaming up with the Environmental Justice Foundation to support environmental projects, Hara strives to make significant changes for the future of the fashion industry.
Our picks:
Moana High Waist G-String CHERRY, $38 USD
Bumi Leotard OLIVE, $63 USD
Leo High Cut Bra IVORY, $48 USD
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9. Pantee
Upcycling unsold t-shirts destined for landfill, Pantee aims to reduce industry waste by reworking unused fabrics into comfortable bras and briefs. Pantee’s products are cut and sewn in Bangladesh with a manufacturing partner who shares their values and ethics of fair wages, healthy conditions and zero forced or child labour. Their sleek black and white designs make them great for mixing and matching to make you feel most confident. To top it all off, you receive your panties in 100% recycled and recyclable packaging.
Our picks:
High Leg Thong MONOCHROME, £20 GBP
High Waisted Briefs BLACK, £25 GBP
The Triangle Bra MONOCHROME, £38 GBP
Discover the rest | Follow them
10. Naja
Naja is changing the way lingerie is marketed towards women by developing a brand that empowers women instead of objectifying them. Their products are crafted in Colombia by single mothers and female heads of households with flexible work schedules and healthcare benefits. Digital and sublimation printing technologies develop Naja’s fun and colourful prints as they eliminate gallons of water used in traditional fabric dyeing. These sexy designs and silhouettes are available in a wide range from minimalist shades to lively and lacey prints.
Our picks:
Mila Brief SPARROW, $28 USD
Joey Lace Short SMOKE BLUE, $28 USD
Gina Cut Out Bralette SAFFRON, $52 USD
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11. Thunderpants
Based in New Zealand, sustainable underwear brand Thunderpants creates bright and unique prints for men and women. Their undies are made from 90% organic cotton and 10% spandex, eliminating the need for elastic for that super soft and stretchy feel. The Thunderpants motto is to always put people before profit. They make sure it’s true throughout their supply chain and with their support to various ethical and environmental organisations. Thunderpants are sure to brighten your day with their fun and colourful prints.
Our picks:
ENERGY VIBES Womens Hipster, $32 NZD
DARK SKY Womens Flat Fronted Boxer, $38 NZD
RED-EYE Womens Hipster Panel, $32 NZD
