The U.S. produces at least a billion pounds of used clothing each year. On top of this textile waste, the fashion industry is a massive polluter — wasting water while producing greenhouse gases and toxic chemicals. Unfortunately, undergarments like lingerie are no different. And while you can find some amazing vintage pieces, for the most part your underwear is not something you’ll be buying secondhand. And beyond an intimate piece of garment, lingerie can be a source of empowerment and confidence from within. Fortunately, there are some brands that are proving that looking good doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment.
Here are some of our favorite lingerie brands to check out!
ARAKS
NYC brand Araks aspires to sustainability in everything they do. They participated in the CFDA + Lexus Fashion Initiative which provided mentorship around sustainability and released a collection with the lowest carbon footprint they had so far. It’s made of 70% organic cotton and 30% upcycled cotton, which was processed with a “closed-loop.” This means that more than 99% of the solvent used in the process is recovered and reused, while all of the water is recycled. Their website explains in detail their material choices and where they manufacture –including three women-owned facilities in NYC. Aside from their ethos we love the soft vibe of their lingerie.
Sizes XS – XL and A–DD bra sizes
Uye Surana
Uye Surana lingerie is sewn in a small, family-owned factory in Colombia that also follows ethical manufacturing guidelines. Meanwhile, the prints are hand-printed in their NYC studio using a technology that doesn’t require water and excess dyes to transfer. They are a slow fashion brand that makes the lingerie pieces in small batches to prevent overproduction. They ship orders using recycled mailers, boxes, and tissue paper.
Sizes XS – 5XL and state a patented adjustment feature on some bestsellers allows for a more unique fit.
Only Hearts
Only Hearts is a lingerie brand in New York that is made from local, deadstock, recycled, and certified green textiles like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton. They also follow other standards set by IMO (Institute for Market-ecology) and ETAD (Ecological and Toxical Association of Dyes and Organic Pigments Manufacturers) — such as not using sodium hypochlorite in bleaching processes and only using dyes certified by the aforementioned orgs.
Clare Bare
Based in Los Angeles, Clare Bare uses upcycled vintage fabrics and organic cotton. They also utilize Lenzing Modal, which is made from reconstituted cellulose of beech trees — a sustainable choice since beech trees breed by themselves with no special irrigation or planting needed. Most of their colors are hand-dyed using organic materials too. For example, they use Brazilian Logwood for purples and blacks, and Indian Lilac for pinks and reds. Handmade with love in LA and NY.
Sizes XS – XL, Bras AA – DD
Mary Young
Mary Young is based in ]Canada and was created to be inclusive using high quality and environmentally safe materials. Their mission is to create ethically made garments that are comfortable for you and your unique self. They are also really big on self love (which we approve!) and don’t have underwires or padding so you can celebrate your natural curves.
Sizes XS – 2X
Discreture
Discreture is Global Organic Textile Standard Certified, Fair Trade Certified and B Corp Certified so it’s safe to say they know materials matter! Especially those that go closest to your skin. But that sustainability doesn’t mean they skimp on style. Along with solid colors there are fun prints –and a subscription service to save money.
Sizes 2XS – 3XL
Kye Intimates
LA brand Kye Intimates has a chic and minimal aesthetic. Their pieces balance softness and functionality, sensuality and versatility, romance and modernity. Along with this is a commitment to safe materials. Also each piece is designed and handmade in Los Angeles in close partnership with a local, female owned factory.
Sizes: 0 – 4
The fashion industry is massive, and it may be difficult to navigate through all the trends and brands. However, it’s still our responsibility as consumers to try and educate ourselves regarding the products we use. Check out this article for how to find great vintage lingerie options as well!
–Allie Cooper
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