Women, in particular, take great care to ensure that what they are putting in close contact with their nether regions is as clean and green as possible. At least 300 million women suffer from candidiasis, and vaginal and bladder infections every year: problems that are exacerbated by chemical-laden materials that they do not breathe. Enter Knickey, a company that wants to revolutionize the underwear industry. Its simple, practical, and supremely comfortable knickers are made from 100% certified organic cotton in a fair trade garment factory in India: By committing to using certified organic cotton, the brand opts for a production method that has a quarter of the environmental impact of conventional cotton and a third of the carbon emissions of synthetics like polyester. The cotton is GOTS certified, considered the gold standard in organic fiber certification. It ensures that no toxic chemicals have been used at any stage of production, that waste has been properly treated and water conserved, and that workers have safe, clean conditions and fair pay. Not only that, but Knickey also has a recycling programme for intimates. You can return any old underwear, regardless of brand, and they will take care of the recycling: "We've partnered with a New York City non-profit to safely recycle their intimates and divert them from the landfill. The recycled intimates are turned into useful secondary textiles such as insulation, mattress padding and rags". Everytime a customer sends a box of underwear of recycling to Knickey, they’ll receive a free pair.
Fair Trade Certified Organic Cotton Knickey’s underwear is made from 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane for stretch that is Fair Trade certified. As it comes from a natural crop, organic cotton do not contain toxins and therefore the skin doesn’t absorb any of these harmful chemicals. Although many chemicals aren’t considered a threat to human health, other chemicals that are commonly used in textile production have known negative effects on human and environmental health, but are used regularly by commercial brands. In fact, only a fraction of all textiles have undergone toxicity testing, which is why Knickey sets itself apart as a brand for making sure its organic cotton is safe and certified. In addition, organic agriculture respects the working conditions of its producers. The farmers receive fair prices, guaranteeing the quality of life in the community.
Knickey’s organic cotton farm is located in Gujarat, India, growing non-GMO, certified organic cotton. The cotton is free to grow naturally and is free from fungicides and toxic insecticides, and is handpicked at the time of harvest. This creates jobs for the local community and prevents the use of high-energy machinery like combines. The yarns are transported to another certified organic factory where they get dyed and finished OEKO-TEX certified (Standard 100) dyestuffs free from harmful chemicals, bleach, and heavy metals. The fabric is then cut and sewn into Knickey’s underwear Finally, Knickeys are shipped to the company’s HQ in Chelsea, New York. From there, the orders packaged and shipped directly to their customers’ doors.