Seduce me with your eco-friendly mission statements
(Top row from left to right: @sighsandy in @parade ; @kittyunderhillx in @hara_thelabel
Bottom row from left to right: @xizzlebizzle in @we_are_hah ; @itsreeceford and @morganlily in @wearproclaim@olyhearts1978)
We all know climate change’s biggest foe is capitalism. The endless production to meet consumer needs is strenuous and catastrophic to the health of mother earth. Yet, the temptation for new and pretty things is hard to shake.
As an avid shopper, I’ve realized my “hobby” was really a self-care mechanism that evidently strained my wallet and increased my carbon footprint. So, I decided to embark on alternative routes.
Thrifting has revitalized my fashion choices, upcycling has nurtured my creativity and my closet has shrunk (hallelujah). I dress with more ease and I challenge myself to make do. But I’ve recently realized I was missing the mark. Instead of focusing on just outerwear, I needed to shed a layer.
The undergarment industry is a major contributor to climate change. Despite steaming up the sex industry, its negative effects on our planet is a major boner-killer.
Most underwear is made from non-biodegradable plastic-based materials like nylon and polyester. Unlike other garments, underwear is not widely accepted at donation centers or recycled because of the “dirty” connotations associated.
The industry actually promotes wasteful habits. Brands, like Tommy John, have reported the lifespan of underwear is between six6 to 12 months and emphasize that clean underwear can contain up to 10,000 living bacteria on it. Yet, Professor of microbiology and pathology at NYU Philip M. Tierno, Ph.D., says as long as you’re washing each pair after every use, there is no reason to throw them away so frequently.
Your relationship with synthetic fiber is literally toxic — dump him! Switch to materials like organic cotton, silk, and TENCELTM. Discover new brands. Reduce emissions and shop guilt-free.
You’ll be happier to shake whatcha mama gave ya. Nothing is sexier than a conscientious attitude. So, here is your guide to ethical and sustainable lingerie to get you started.
1) Pact
Cost: $12-50
Size: XS-XXL
Products: Bras, underwear, tees, socks
Pact is truly a visionary brand built on the love of organic cotton. It’s Fair Trade Certified, organic and a certified B Corp dedicating their time to creating affordable, practical, organic clothing for everyone. Personally, I wear their bras as crop tops. Sue me.
2) Parade
Cost: $9-$55
Size: XS-3XL
Products: Undies only
Known for its pop of color and as one of the most comfortable undies in the industry, Parade has its niche down as affordable, sustainable, and bold. Carrying a variety of fits from boyshorts, cheeky, briefs and high-rise options.
Parade’s factories are Oeko-Tex certified and Sedex certified, meaning products contain no harmful chemicals. Parade’s packaging is also 100% compostable. So… affordable, sustainable, and compostable? We’re taking all Ws with this one.
3) Knickey
Cost: $13
Size: XS-XL
Product: Undies only
Knickey puts women first, more specifically women’s health. Dedicated to using organic cotton, the brand has steered away from harmful chemicals to create breathable underwear to help improve vaginal health. It also promotes safe-recycling.
You can send old underwear and they will repurpose them into insulation, rug pads, and rags for someone else.
4) Hara
Cost: $15-60
Size: XS-5XL
Products: Bras, underwear, scrunchies, leotards
Hara, meaning green in Hindi, is the brand for all you minimalists out there. Its style is simple, chic and comfortable. Products are made from OEKO-TEX 100 approved organic bamboo materials and colored with natural plant dyes.
5) We Are Hah
Cost:$28-98
Size: XS-XL
Products: Eco-friendly collection contains underwear and bodysuits.
We Are Hah is the only brand I stumbled on that uses corn sugar (EFL) to manufacture its eco-friendly materials. This fabric is made by fermenting sugar extracted from corn and then turned into pellets that are transformed into a durable fabric. It is hypoallergenic, stain-resistant and moisture-resistant — Basically, it’s the cooler sister of polyester.
6) Only Hearts
Cost: $28-275
Size: S-L
Products: Bras, underwear, slip dresses, sleepwear, apparel
Only Hearts offers a wide range of beautiful, sexy and consciously-made lingerie. Straight from NYC, the brand has revamped the world of eco-friendly lingerie, instilling recycled nylon, Tencel (aka the Beyonce of fabrics), organic cotton, and much more into their sustainable collections. This is where sexy and sustainability meet in perfect harmony.
7) Araks
Cost: $35-$395
Size: XS-XL
Products: lingerie, swim, sleepwear, bodysuits
If you’re seeking elegance, Araks is the brand for you. The sophisticated style is mesmerizing and makes me want to run off to the vineyards. Its 100% organic collection contains somber color palettes and is available for big and small body shapes guaranteed to make you feel luxurious and just plain pretty.
8) Proclaim
Cost:$28-$59
Size: S-3XL
Product: Bralettes, briefs
Proclaim is a Los Angeles nude lingerie line. Founder Shobha Philips sought to fight beauty standards and create an ethically-sustainable bra that actually blends with Black and brown skin tones.
It uses earth-conscious materials like TENCELTM to reprieve recycled polyester. The pieces and packaging are made in the USA and from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic water bottles. Basically, it’s the dream company we should all support.
In a generation that is focused on fighting climate change, there are only a handful of brands helping us in the process.
Sustainable lingerie is a personal treat for you and mama earth. So say it with me: sustainable lingerie is hot, our planet doesn’t need to be.
Sam Bailon is a staff writer at Rowdy Magazine. She enjoys long summer days, funk music and drinks her coffee black because she's a tough guy. You can follow her on Instagram @samanthax1999x or email her at samantha.bailon24@gmail.com.