From co-creating regenerative cotton farms to creating custom pieces for all genders, our picks do more than just cover your ass. (though they do that too!)
This layer of clothing that is closest to your skin should be soft and comfortable. We’ve picked brands based on their use of natural and organic materials first and then their inclusivity and transparency about production. Some of these companies offer sleepwear or other clothing but our focus is on under garments in this guide.
Note: only one of these companies have highly constructed support bras. (and they are based in London) Most are more like bralettes and sports bras overall. Hopefully this will change in the future as more companies choose conscious manufacturing.
Our Top Pick | organicbasics
“The fashion industry is a dirty bastard. So we put sustainable thinking at the center of everything – that means we only choose fabrics that care for our environment and we only ever partner with factories that care about their impact, too.
When we say sustainability is our core mission we don’t mean that sustainability is nice to have – we mean that it’s the only way we act.”
Based in Denmark this Certified B-corp follows it through by continuously reducing their environmental footprint. These factories also ensure that their workplace is free of child labor and forced labor, their workers are surrounded in a safe working space, paid a living wage, offered employee perks like free lunch and childcare – and of course, they are treated with respect at all times. They’re also co-creating with WWF the first regenerative organic cotton farm in Turkey. Beyond that, they design for stuff to last.
Products: Underwear for all, Bras Sizes: XS – XL.
Fabrics: GOTS certified organic cotton, TENCEL, elastane, recycled materials (82% recycled nylon) + recycled wool for socks!
ORIGAMI Customs | Runner Up
A customized and handmade line of underthings for folks of all genders, age, shapes and sizes. Each item is individually pattered for a perfect fit. They specialize in making gender-affirming products. Tying together ethical and social ramifications, Origami’s commitment to community sustainability supports Indigenous sovereignty originations, working to return land to its original stewardship. As a slow fashion company, they’re crushing capitalism by giving products away for free for those in need.
Products: Undies, Bras, Binders, Bodysuits, Compression Gaffs
Sizes: Custom Sizes then XXS – 5XL Fabrics: Deadstock, locally milled, recycled polyester, regenerative bamboo and modal, lycra
KENT
Made with super natural materials, zero synthetics or plastics.
“Saving the planet, one super natural basic at a time.” Meet the world’s first verified compostable underwear. Their plant-based designs mean old briefs will return back to the earth as a resource when composted or planted (instructions included)! Feeding the soil and growing new plants (i.e. future pants) Check out their site to see where: a banana peel composts in 1 month, an apple in 2, KENT briefs in 3, while it takes an avocado pit up to 6! How cool is that?
Products: Undies only
Sizes: XS – 2XL Fabrics: 100% GOTS certified pima cotton, made ethically in CA
Rawganique
The unicorn of clothing. Founded by off-grid island homesteaders in 1997, they make their organic cotton, linen & hemp products from start to finish in USA & EU for the ultimate in sweatshop-free & plastic-free lifestyle. No dioxin, BPA, PVC, formaldehyde, GMO or PFAS. One of the oldest ethical and sustainable underwear brands we found.
Products: Undies for all, period undies, bras
Price Range: Briefs $28.95 – 34.99 (Also for $52 there is an organic cotton Daytime 3-pack Washable for periods); Bras $37.99 – 69.00 Sizes: S-XL
Fabrics: Organic US Pima Cotton, 100% organic hemp (choose elastic or natural rubber waistbands or ties)
ARQ
What started as a small batch children’s line grew into an adult underwear place that furnishes those “essentials” that one is never going to thrift. It all does indeed begin with that first layer! The company is small and family run with no interest in moving overseas (yay) so a bit of patience is required. They do a wonderful child and youth underwear as well.
Products: Undies, Bras, baby + kids undies too
Sizes: Undies XXS – 6X; Bras XS – 4X Fabrics: 92% organic cotton, 8% spandex. Signature bound-edge construction.
Knickey
Making organic your daily mindset. 100% carbon neutral working towards emission reductions throughout their entire supply chain. An early driver of recycling as a new material space for insulation, carpet padding, furniture, batting.
Products: Undies, Bralettes
Sizes: XXS – XXXL Fabrics: Bottoms 95% Certified Organic Cotton with 5% elastane for stretch.
Tops 95% organic cotton (GOTS and Oeko-Tex Certified), with a small amount of Elastane, Tencel, Spandex and/or recycled nylon for straps and bands
Proclaim
Proclaims is founded on the principles that fashion should represent all women and can be made in a way that does good for people and the planet. Ethically made in Los Angeles at a facility that promotes strict labor standards.
Products: Undies, Bras Sizes: Bottoms S – 3X; Bras S – 3X, CupsA-F Fabrics: Cupro because it’s a vegan, cruelty free and machine washable alternative to silk that drapes beautifully; TENCEL™ fibers; and REPREVE® RECYCLED POLYESTER
Manufactured in the USA and made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic water bottles.
Wama Underwear
Wama keeps it simple with a focus on hemp underwear. Hemp fabric is naturally anti-bacterial, with anti-odor properties. Super comfortable, breathable and gets softer with every wash. Their fabric is OEKO-Tex certified which ensures that the fabric has been tested for harmful substances and that the fabric is therefore harmless for human health. And they have an amazing first-time buyer policy: If for any reason you are not happy with your first pair of underwear, we will send you a new size, color or issue you a refund. No questions asked & no returns needed.
Products: Undies for all and Bralettes
Sizes: XS-3XL
Fabrics: Hemp, Organic Cotton, a little Spandex
Boody
Based in Australia, Boody prides themselves on sustainable fabrics which is why they use viscose derived from bamboo. The original bamboo is organic and grown without pesticides, fertilizers, or artificial irrigation. We’ve heard mixed things about bamboo’s sustainability but like all textiles, it depends on how it’s made. We think they do a good job of explaining their process here.
Products: Undies for all (+ babywear) Sizes: XS – 4XL
Fabrics: Bamboo Lyocell, Viscose from bamboo, (+ small percentage of Nylon, Spandex)
