9 Best Ethical & Sustainable Underwear Brands For 2025

As with most of our clothing-related guides, we look for brands that prioritize more sustainable materials (natural materials are more important than ever when it comes to underwear), ethical treatment of people along their supply chain, and a number of other criteria. Read more about why this is important and how we found these brands at the end of this article.

In this guide, we’re sticking to the bare basics but if you’re looking for something a little sexier (but no less ethical), take a peek at our list of sustainable lingerie. And if organic is your thing, we’ve also written a guide on organic & non-toxic underwear.

Note: We use our own carefully designed Brand Rating System to assess brands against 22 sustainability-related criteria including important things like climate action, human rights, chemical use, and transparency. Brands need to opt-in to be rated so look out for the rated underwear brands on the list below who are taking that extra brave step of being transparent about their sustainability journey. Find other rated brands in our sustainable brand directory.

While we often think of underwear as a simple everyday essential, behind the seams lies a complex global supply chain that hides low wages, unsafe conditions, and human rights abuses. Many conventional underwear factories operate under extreme pressure to keep costs down. Workers, predominantly women, may face long hours, restricted bathroom breaks, limited job security, and exposure to harmful chemicals used in fabric processing and dyeing. In some regions, reports have linked lingerie supply chains to forced labor, union suppression, and gender-based discrimination. Choosing brands that prioritize fair pay, safe workplaces, and transparency helps dismantle these exploitative systems and ensures the people who make our clothing are treated with dignity.

The climate impact of underwear production is another major factor. Conventional fabrics like virgin polyester and nylon are derived from fossil fuels, releasing greenhouse gases and microplastics into waterways. By contrast, ethical underwear brands choose organic and renewable fibers such as cotton, hemp, or TENCEL™ that use less energy and water, and avoid toxic pesticides. That said, most brands (even sustainable brands) still include small amounts of synthetics for stretch, we’ve only found one that doesn’t (The Very Good Bra).

There is also a personal benefit. Natural, non-toxic fabrics are gentler on skin and safer for intimate wear, while sustainable packaging and longer-lasting designs reduce waste and resource use over time.

Supporting ethical underwear brands is ultimately about more than buying better basics. It’s about advocating for the rights of garment workers, protecting the planet’s climate systems, and ensuring that comfort doesn’t come at someone else’s expense.

Underwear might be the most intimate layer of sustainable fashion, and it deserves the same thoughtful approach as any other garment. We evaluated materials, ethics, and impact to find brands that feel good in every sense.

Brand Ratings and Reviewed Products

We prioritized brands that provide an additional layer of transparency through our Sustainable Jungle Brand Rating System. These brands have been reviewed against our 22 detailed sustainability criteria across materials, labor, business values, and product performance.

Where possible, we also included underwear that we have personally tested. This helps us assess real-world comfort, fit, and durability, giving you confidence that the eco-friendly underwear brands we recommend perform as well as they claim.

Materials

We focused on breathable, natural, renewable, and sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo (closed-loop processed), and vegan-friendly TENCEL™ Lyocell or modal.

A small percentage of elastane or spandex is often needed for stretch, and some brands also use a small amount of nylon so we looked for brands who use recycled fibers, reduce the overall amount of synthetics, and work toward circular design. We also looked for non-toxic, naturally derived dyes, ensuring nothing harmful comes into contact with your skin.

Certifications we considered include: OEKO-TEX® 100, GOTS, bluesign®, and the Better Cotton Initiative.

Supply Chain and Labor Practices

We value fashion that respects and protects the people in the supply chain who work to make your undies. These sustainable underwear brands ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and transparent supply chains, often supported by Fair Trade or regular third-party audits.

Certifications, accreditations, or audits we considered include: Fair Trade, BSCI, WRAP, SMETA, and B Corp.

Green Business Practices

Durability is key, since eco-friendly disposable underwear isn’t a thing. The best brands design products that last longer, use recyclable or compostable packaging, and invest in energy- and water-efficient production. Many also offset carbon emissions or are taking deeper climate action to further reduce their impact.

Inclusivity

Every body deserves comfortable, sustainable underwear. We celebrate brands that embrace inclusive sizing, diverse representation, and body-positive marketing. While not every brand has nailed this yet, progress is being made.

Community and Charitable Giving

Your underwear drawer can do more good than you might think. Many of these ethical brands give back through charitable donations, environmental partnerships, and social justice initiatives, creating positive change from the bottom up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sustainable Underwear

What is sustainable underwear?

Sustainable and ethical underwear is made from materials and processes that minimize environmental harm and respect the people who make them. That means using organic or renewable fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, or TENCEL™, avoiding toxic dyes, and working with factories that pay fair wages and ensure safe conditions.

Why is ethical underwear better for you and the planet?

Ethical underwear supports workers’ rights, reduces pollution, and keeps harsh chemicals away from your skin. Natural fibers are breathable and biodegradable, helping you stay comfortable while lowering your carbon footprint and keeping more microplastics out of waterways.

What materials should I look for in eco-friendly underwear?

Choose GOTS-certified organic cotton, hemp, bamboo (closed-loop processed), or TENCEL™ Lyocell and modal. These fibers are renewable, skin-safe, and far less resource-intensive than virgin synthetics like polyester or nylon. Though, aside from The Very Good Bra on this list, almost all brands include a small amount of synthetic fibers so finding brands that minimize this as much as possible is key.

Are sustainable underwear brands more expensive?

Often, yes, but for good reason. Ethical brands pay living wages, use certified sustainable fabrics, and make pieces designed to last longer. Over time, investing in durable underwear saves money and reduces waste.

How can I tell if a brand is truly ethical?

Look for independent certifications such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX® 100, Fair Trade, or bluesign®, and check whether the brand discloses its factory partners, materials, and impact. Brands rated through the Sustainable Jungle Brand Rating System offer additional transparency.

How should I wash eco-friendly underwear?

To make your eco underwear last longer and reduce environmental impact, wash it gently and mindfully. Use cold water, mild, non-toxic laundry detergent, and avoid fabric softeners, bleach, or high heat, which can break down natural fibers and elastic. Place delicate items in a mesh laundry bag and air dry instead of tumble drying to save energy and extend the garment’s life.

If your underwear contains synthetic fibers, consider using a microfiber-catching laundry bag or washing machine filter to prevent microplastics from entering waterways. You can learn more about this in our guide on microfiber filters for washing machines.

Captain Underpants was on to something. Underwear (when done right) really can help save the day. Every time you purchase a pair of planet-friendly panties made of eco-friendly materials, you’re supporting a world that’s better for every being involved.

Unless all of your friends and family members are brave enough to go commando, they too can benefit from this list of eco-friendly underwear brands. Spread the good word about sustainable skivvies and share this article with anyone wondering where to buy ethical underwear.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in May 2020 and has been refreshed several times since to reflect new insights and emerging sustainable underwear brands. It received a major update in October 2025 to include new product testing, expanded brand ratings, and the latest information on materials, certifications, and ethical practices.