100% organic cotton undies (where to buy)
Eczema Clothing (organic cotton boxers)
Unless you commando (!), you likely wear some kind of knickers, briefs or boxer shorts. But most brands on sale (even the holy grail of M & S) are made from cheap polyester and nylon (plastic). These are not just bad for the planet (and leach microplastics from washing machines into the sea). But also don’t let your skin breathe.
And to put it politely, wearing plastic near your nether regions is not just uncomfortable, but also likely to make you sweat more. And you don’t want a sweaty crotch in hot weather, it’s just not the done thing!
A caveat here. Nearly ALL ‘sustainable undie brands’ use a little elastane (they say it’s for comfort and stretch). There are a couple of brands that do offer 100% organic cotton undies. For the rest, it’s best to invest in a microfiber filter (which you can to launder all synthetics, then you catch the microplastics to be sent off for recycling, and get empty cartridges in return).
Having said that, wouldn’t it be a better country if people switched to more sustainable brands? It would send a strong message on the kind of clothing industry we want. All the following brands are also made ethically and sent in plastic-free packaging.
How to measure your bra size
- Place a tape measure under your breast, and take the reading on a gentle exhale. This is your band size.
- Measure the fullest part of your bust (if you have big boobs, bend forward for a more accurate measurement). You can even take a measure laying on your back, if preferred. This is your bust size.
- Then use an online chart to do the maths (removing one figure from the other, will give you the cup size).
Then it’s a case of trying on different bras, as different stores have different fits:
- If the band rides up, try a smaller band.
- If it digs in, go up a band.
- If your cup spilleth over (!), go up a cup size.
Then remeasure if you gain or lose weight or are pregnant/breastfeeding.
Sustainable undies for children
ECOOutfitters (which makes organic school uniforms) offers organic cotton underwear for girls and boys. Including briefs and boxer shorts for girls and boys.
Where to recycle your old undies!
You likely know that underwear cannot be returned once bought for hygiene reasons. And for the same reason, you can’t donate it to charity shops. But you can drop old pairs (even torn or worn) into textile banks. From there, the fabric gets shredded and turned into industrial products like carpet insulation.
Who offers 100% organic pants?
- Eczema Clothing offers undies for women, men and children. The range includes vests, no-elastic box shorts and even organic cotton long johns!
- Greenfibres offers organic cotton undies for women in neutral colours. These are ethically made in Romania and are 100% cotton. Also as shorts, vests and even organic cotton long johns! Some for men are wool/silk (so not for vegans).
The best of the rest (organic cotton with a little elastane)
