Kent (90-day compostable undies!)

Kent offers fully biodegradable and compostable undies, with the slogan that you can ‘plant your pants!’ Everything is 100% organic cotton, and sent in compostable packaging, with soy inks and tagless labels.

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!

Only a few brands offer 100% organic cotton undies (no elastane). These are best for the planet, but only in plain colours at present.

For these and others, 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.

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.