Doing laundry pollutes the oceans with billions of microplastics, which are plastics that measure less than a millimeter. Research shows that these microplastics are accumulating in marine species with unknown health effects on both the species that feed on them and the humans that consume them. This is the basis of the whole argument that Stella McCartney, one of the most pioneering fashion designers of our generation, once made in an interview with The Guardian.
Technological innovation has long been capable of pushing the boundaries of imagination, and in response to ongoing ocean pollution, intimate apparel brand Organic Basics has found a way to produce undergarments that can be worn for weeks without washing.
The young Danish startup was eager to break the rules of the game in the fashion industry its invention was made possible thanks to its own SilverTech technology as well as the company's commitment to the circular economy. Organic Brands targets young consumers, and its idea is to change their mentality of opting for well-known brands and instead, bet on sustainability and innovation.
How is this Underwear Made?
Two-thirds of the impact on the environment is caused by washing and drying. The main material used to manufacture these garments is silver, a metal that is used by NASA to purify astronauts' water because it is antimicrobial.
The silver coating on these garments kills up to 99.9% of bacteria. Undoubtedly avoiding any unpleasant odor. This underwear can be worn for weeks. In other words, you reduce water and energy waste, while saving time and money. The garments are made from 100% recycled material. Silver treatment and recycled nylon are used and are completely sustainable. Its organic cotton is also GOTS-certified.
Underwear is undoubtedly the garment that we wash most often and, therefore, the one that suffers the most deterioration. Consequence: these are the garments that we most often have to renew. Bacteria on the skin are responsible for the bad odor. And this team of entrepreneurs came up with the formula for success: incorporating silver into their garments to avoid the need for such frequent washing.
Two-thirds of the environmental impact of a garment is produced in its use phase, so we decided to use silver in our basics, according to the brand. Silver prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria. When silver comes into contact with a little moisture, it releases ions that kill bacteria on the surface of the fabric, which makes the garment smell, and prevent the growth of new bacteria.
Although the effect of SilverTech can vary from person to person depending on the amount and intensity of body odors, the people behind the invention insist that technically, you can wear SilverTech products for more than a week without washing them. In other words, it can be used more, and washed less.
Everyday and Sports Collections
Organic Basics has developed two lines of underwear, available for men and women, along with T-shirts, leggings, socks, underpants, bras and pantie. They’re made from different materials and subjected to different treatments, and retain the same quality that they can be worn for more than a week without smelling.
On the one hand, the SilverTech Everyday collection, designed for everyday use, is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. This means that it meets the requirements for environmentally and socially responsible production set by the Global Organic Textile Standard. that is woven together with a silver-coated polyester yarn. This process completely coats the advanced fibers with silver, while allowing the garments to remain extremely soft, flexible and comfortable.