Ethical Lingerie: The Modern Basics

Modern, sustainable lingerie is bringing ethical fashion to a very personal level. Many consumers make sure that their outer layer accurately represents their values; after all, that’s what people see. But the most intimate level of our garments, the clothing worn closest to the skin and closest to the heart, some believe those items should be just as important--especially when it comes to sustainability.  The lingerie industry exists to make women feel bold and confident. These brands are helping women exude confidence on every level, even when it comes to ethics.    BOODY Boody isn’t in the lingerie game for all the laces and frills. This brand is just cranking out simple, comfortable, everyday wear that you can wear over and over again. With accessible prices between $10 and $40, everyone can spring for an item or two.  What makes Boody unique is both the production and packaging of their products. All of Boody’s pieces are made from organic bamboo, a breathable fabric that feels cool and smooth to the touch. Bamboo has natural thermo-regulating properties, and most consumers report that it’s some of the most natural feeling underwear they have tried.  As a company, Boody also focuses on low-waste production, and all of their packaging is recycled and sustainably produced.    REFORMATION While Boody is covering the basics, Reformation is changing the game on the more lacy side of things. Run by an all-woman management team, Reformation puts out bralettes, thongs, briefs, slips, bodysuits, and pajamas that tend toward the more elegant side.  Though Reformation does not boast organic materials, they do use deadstock fabrics, as well as TENCEL and other recycled nylon. Reformation’s goal is to adopt 100% eco-friendly practices, and within that production style, churn out high-quality, eco-friendly products. To make sure this happens, the brand is committed to transparency, and publishes its sustainability practices on the web. Part of these practices includes investing in green building and infrastructure, and investing in the people they employ, making sure all working conditions and pay are fair.    NAJA Naja’s commitment to sustainability starts and ends with a reach beyond simple clothing products. The brand is seriously focused on job creation and fair wages, as well as empowering women in the workplace as well as within the clothing consumption market. The brand proudly founded and continues to run the Naja’s Underwear for Hope program, which finds, trains, and employs single mothers in Columbia. These mothers hand sew Naja’s handmade intimates.  Though the brand’s mission beyond the material is impressive, Naja’s products are equally noteworthy. Naja aims to help every woman feel confident in their skin with their Nude For All collection, with seven shades of nude basics. Naja also uses digital printing to reduce water waste, and includes fabrics that are made from recycled plastic bottles. Though the brand uses unconventional production methods and materials, they don’t sacrifice comfort or style.    ORGANIC BASICS Organic Basics believes that basic undergarments should be “Basically Better Made.” Using 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, the brand is committed to both comfort and high-quality organic materials. In addition to the organic cotton, Organic Basics weave silver into their SilverTech pieces, which gives them naturally antibacterial properties, as well as the ability to regulate the heat and temperature of the wearer. With these unique abilities, Organic Basic pieces can be washed less frequently than your traditional lingerie items.  The brand runs on the pricier side, with basic underwear and bralettes, as well as tees and socks running between $39 and $165.  But Organic Basics does offer packs and sets of basic pieces to cut down on cost, and the basic colors are bold and stunning.    THINX When it comes to the lingerie industry, Thinx is relatively new on the scene. The brand made a splash in social media with the debut of the first “period-proof” underwear. Thinx boasts that they are able to empower women by making their time of the month more comfortable with underwear that won’t leak, even with a heavy flow. This innovative product is the first of its kind, and has yet to really make it mainstream, though Thinx other practices are giving it a boost  Thinx isn’t just helping women with their period, they are also helping to educate others about the science of menstruation, and changing the stigma around all things period-related. The Thinx blog shares positive messages about women, as well as covering all of the investments the company makes in women’s empowerment initiatives around the world,  Thinx products are made by women in safe, fair-wage environments in Sri Lanka, and uses as much recycled fabric as they can. In addition to underwear, Thinx sells organic cotton unitards, leotards, and training shorts.   Learn about the finest Lace brands below: Meet The Mills Making The Finest Lace For Women Bridal Lace: Best Producers For Luxury, Modernity & Innovation