What’s covering your bum is probably the last thing on your mind, but what’s “down there” deserves attention for several reasons (not least to avoid toxic chemicals) so here’s a brief (pun intended) list of the best non-toxic and organic underwear brands.
This list of underwear prioritizes brands that use natural or organic fabrics, and low or no-impact dyes and chemicals, along with more conscious production and supply chain policies.
Our Brand Rating System expands our consideration set to include 22 different criteria including things like chemical use, health & safety, climate impact and product durability. For more information on this system, check out our explainer and look out for rated natural underwear brands on the list below who have opted in for more transparency by getting rated by us.
We independently research all featured brands and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. Learn more here.
The Best Natural Fiber Underwear Brands
As the name suggests, The Very Good Bra makes very good 100% plastic-free underwear and bras from compostable, GOTS certified organic cotton, TENCEL™, TENCEL™ thread, and neutral tree rubber. The Very Good Bra is one of our top rated brands.
Organic Basics makes a wide range of bras and briefs from predominantly GOTS certified organic cotton. Suppliers are required to adhere to toxicity standards including the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) standards and their own RSL (Restricted Substances List). They have REACH and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications. Organic basics has been extensively rated and reviewed by us here.
Paka makes natural underwear for both men and women that is made mostly from TENCEL™, Organic Cotton and Royal Alpaca wool. Their underwear is OEKO-TEX certified as non-toxic. Customer reviews rave about the soft fabric and fit (no wedgies, hurrah!). Paka has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – find the full rating here.
Index: Non-Toxic Underwear Brands
- The Very Good Bra Jump to brand
- Organic Basics Jump to brand
- Paka Jump to brand
- JulieMay Jump to brand
- Subset Jump to brand
- Nat’v Basics Jump to brand
- Thunderpants Jump to brand
- Brook There Jump to brand
The Very Good Bra
Circular
All or some products are circular in nature - such that no part of the product needs to end up in landfill at the end of its life
Compostable
All or some products are compostable, either in an industrial facility or at home
Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.
Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxic
Organic
Products are made from organic materials.
PFAS Free
Products have been tested and verified to be free of PFAS
Plastic-free
All products are entirely plastic-free
Small business
This brand is a small business run by less than 15 people
Sustainable Materials
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materials
Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
Traceable Supply Chain
Brand is able to fully trace their entire supply chain from end to end.
Vegan
This brand does not use any animal products or by-products in their products
Woman Owned
This brand is owned by a woman or a group of women.
Zero Waste
Products are made with a low or zero waste approach where ideally no or limited waste is created throughout the production process or at the end of life.
B Corp
BCSI
GOTS
OEKO-TEX 100
SMETA
WRAP
The Very Good Bra’s founder, Stephanie Devine started the brand to create the world’s first zero-waste bra. Since then the range expanded to include 100% plastic-free underwear briefs that will completely break down in a worm farm after just eight weeks.
The Certified B Corp’s natural fiber underwear and bras don’t contain any polyester thread, nylon labels, synthetic elastic, or spandex/elastane.
Instead, they use 100% organically-grown cotton for the outer and liner, and Lenzing TENCEL™ thread. TVGB uses natural tree rubber instead of traditional spandex/elastane. They also offer non-toxic 100% TENCEL™ bras and briefs.
They also use GOTS-certified dyes, and soy ink labels.
The Very Good Bra has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here. Listen to our podcast episode with Stephanie here.
My Personal Review Of The Very Good Bra’s Non-Toxic Underwear:
“I have been wearing The Very Good Bra’s briefs and bra for several months now. Silky smooth and light, I love the feel of the 100% TENCEL™ on my skin. I needed to adjust the bra straps quite a bit for a good fit (smaller bust) but otherwise find it an ideal everyday bra. The briefs sit with a high cut at the back which I’m not used to (I typically like fuller cuts) but have adjusted and enjoy the way they feel. Best of all, I’m thrilled that these have been so carefully made to be toxin-free (I recommend reading about the founder’s story) and I can just throw these in the compost bin when at the end of their life.”
Review by Joy McConnochie, SJ Co-Founder
Organic Basics
Carbon Neutral
Brand has been certified as Carbon Neutral.Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.Organic
Products are made from organic materials.
Recycled materials
Some or all products are made with recycled materialsSustainable Materials
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materialsThoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
1% for the planet
Better Work
FSC®-certified
GOTS
GRS
OCS
OEKO-TEX 100
REACH
WRAP
1% for the planet
Certified Environmental Giving — Businesses give 1% of their annual sales directly to vetted environmental partners.As their name suggests, Organic Basics is one of the best sustainable basics brands.
At their inception, they specialized in just one item: organic men’s underwear, like the Rib-Flex Boxers, made from soft, vegan-friendly, GOTS cotton.
Now you can shop both women’s and men’s organic cotton underwear in a variety of styles and pack sizes.
Most of the OB underwear is made with 95% GOTS-certified cotton. A small amount of elastane is used for stretch. Some of their underwear is also made with TENCEL™ .
Their underwear is REACH and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified and their suppliers must adhere to Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) standards and their RSL (Restricted Substances List).
Organic Basics has been rated & reviewed by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
My Personal Review Of Organic Basics’ Organic Undies:
“Of their organic underwear range, I’ve tried Organic Basics’ Core Triangle Bralette and Core Rib Briefs in petal pink. I absolutely love the 95% organic cotton briefs, the fabric is light and very comfortable, and the ribbing provides an attractive aesthetic. The briefs stay in place (which is my most important thing when I look for good briefs) and I really love the color for something different. The bralette is less my speed given I have a small bust (I would opt for the Core Rib Tank Bralette if I had my way again). I find the cups are overkill for me and don’t do as good a job of shaping. Having said that, I wear it all the time and find it very comfortable.”
Review by Joy McConnochie, SJ Co-Founder
Paka
Compostable
All or some products are compostable, either in an industrial facility or at homeEthical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.
Handcrafted
Products have been made by hand, typically by an artisan or group of artisans.
Locally Made
Products are made local to the brand's headquarters.Recycled materials
Some or all products are made with recycled materialsThoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
B Corp
GOTS
OEKO-TEX 100
Paka’s natural fiber underwear is made with 48% TENCEL™ Lyocell, 33% organic cotton, 14% Royal Alpaca, and 5% spandex added for stretch. TENCEL™ Lyocell and organic cotton are naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, while Royal Alpaca offers softness and temperature regulation.
The alpaca fiber is OEKO-TEX certified and sourced through Paka’s Traceable Alpaca Program, which connects each product to the GPS location of the specific herd in Peru.
Dyes used are both GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified to ensure low toxicity. Reviews for Paka’s underwear are consistently positive, with customers loving the soft fabric, the fit and the comfort – multiple reviews confirm no riding up or wedgies.
Paka is a Certified B Corp and allocates 1% of its revenue to support community initiatives in Peru.
Paka has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
JulieMay
BIPOC Owned
Brand is owned by Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color.Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.Handcrafted
Products have been made by hand, typically by an artisan or group of artisans.
Inclusive
Brand offers a range of products that are considered inclusive to a wider group of people.Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxicOrganic
Products are made from organic materials.PFAS Free
Products have been tested and verified to be free of PFASSmall business
This brand is a small business run by less than 15 peopleThoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.Woman Owned
This brand is owned by a woman or a group of women.
Allergy UK
GOTS
Allergy UK
Reviewed or tested and approved by Allergy Research Ltd. May be more comfortable for people living with allergies.JulieMay is an award-winning, UK-based ethical lingerie brand that serves up sustainably sexy women’s organic cotton underwear in style.
Latex-free AND elastic-free, they offer stylish panties, everyday bralettes, non-wired bras, and sports bras.
The underwear is crafted from GOTS-certified organic Pima Cotton and mulberry peace silk. All the trims, lace, and threads are cotton. None of the pieces contain latex, plastic hooks, or stitched labels. A small amount of elastane is used.
They offer over 30 bra sizes ranging from 30B-40G (and 42DD), with custom-made sizes available, and in underwear, women’s sizes run UK sizes 8-18.
JulieMay is offering Sustainable Jungle readers 10% off with this code: SUSTAINABLEJUNGLE10.
JulieMay has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
My Personal Review of JulieMay’s Organic Cotton Underwear
“I have been testing JulieMay’s ‘Marrow-High Waisted Silk & Organic Cotton Full Brief in Pink Champagne’ and find myself saving the wear of it for when I want to feel a little special. Despite the high waste (very Bridget Jones!), they make me feel a little sexy and they’re super comfy on. I love that they are Allergy UK Accredited and that the fabric is predominantly made from natural fibers.”
Review by Joy McConnochie, SJ Co-Founder
Subset
Subset has not been rated.
Price Range: $35
Subset offers a range of organic cotton underwear including thongs, bikinis, hipsters and briefs – and some variations of each (high rise and low rise). This ethical underwear brand also offers bras and loungewear, and organic underwear for men.
Their underwear is made with certified organically-grown cotton and OEKO-TEX dyes. They also include amount of elastane (5%) for stretch. The waste and leg elastics are made with Nylon and Elastane (which are both synthetic).
The Subset HQ is based in Chelsea, NYC and production happens in India, where they use third-party certifications to ensure their partners have the same values.
They work with an organic farm located in Ahmedabad, an organic ginner/spinner in Tamil Nadu, and an organic fair trade factory also in Tamil Nadu. Safe and healthy working conditions, living wages, reasonable hours, and the right to unionize are standard.
My Personal Review of Subset’s Mid-Rise Retro Brief:
“Subset is another brand I wear all the time, and I especially love them for the enclosed elastic hems along both the waist and legs, which make for a super smooth, pinch-free fit no matter what I’m wearing them under or for. The Mid-Rise Retro Briefs have become my lucky undies thanks to the utterly unmatched comfort and empowering tummy-supporting fit.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
My Personal Review of Subset’s Men’s Boxer:
“When I first saw how thick and plush these were, I was worried they’d feel bulky, but surprisingly, even under tighter-fitting jeans, they’re hardly noticeable at all. They’re not the best for high-intensity workouts since they’re not super breathable, but otherwise, I’m always reaching for these.”
Review by Chris Ryan, SJ Menswear Tester
Nat’v Basics
Nat’v Basics has not been rated.
Price Range: $11-$14 (underwear only)
Australia’s Nat’v Basics make affordable organic cotton panties including high-waist underwear with full coverage, crop tops made with GOTS organic cotton, or cheeky g-strings & bodysuits with organic gussets.
Nat’v uses Lenzing Modal, GOTS-certified cotton, recycled polyamide and recycled nylon. The recycled synthetics are paired with a 100% organic cotton gusset. All underwear is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified and low impact dyes are used.
Their independently audited BSCI factory is in Jiaxing, China, where workers are paid 24% more than the legal minimum wage.
Thunderpants
Thunderpants has not been rated.
Price Range: $20–$34 (underwear only)
Thunderpants is a family-owned business that makes natural fiber underwear for both men and women and a line of organic cotton kids’ underwear with soft, cute designs.
The underwear is made from fair trade and GOTS-certified organic cotton dyed with non-toxic dyes. It’s blended with 10% spandex to give it a soft, stretchy feel.
Garments are produced in a Portland, OR factory only seven miles from their main office. The factory shares Thunderpants’ values of ethical manufacturing, and Thunderpants visits regularly.
The New Zealand branch is just as committed to ethical manufacturing. They print their fabric in Auckland or at their headquarters in Martinborough before the organic undies are sewn in Carterton.
Brook There
Brook There has not been rated.
Price Range: $65-$133
Brook There offer countless styles, like organic cotton boy-shorts, thongs, hipsters, bikinis, and various bras—each available in colors like Burnish, Nutmeg, and Basil. Multi-packs are also available.
GOTS-certified organic cotton yarn is the material of choice for Brook There. It’s combined with fiber-reactive dye and a small amount of spandex. They also have a collection of non-vegan silk underwear, which adds a 92% silk side panel.
The cotton comes from mills in either California or South Carolina before it’s cut and sewn by a small team of artisans in Massachusetts, USA.
Having a domestic supply chain isn’t just best from an environmental standpoint, but it also allows BT to know its team and ensure its strict ethical standards are met. While they prioritize USA-made materials, some of their elastic trims and laces come from abroad.
Why Support Brands Who Make Organic & Natural Underwear?
Here’s the brief on why you should choose underwear made from natural fibers.
Health Impact
Your skin is the only barrier between you and the outside world, which is especially important when thinking about your bits down there. Chemicals (including PFAS) from synthetic fabrics (essentially plastic) are the last thing you want to get close and personal with, but unfortunately, they’re a common ingredient in the conventional pair of underwear.
Additionally, conventional dyes may produce formaldehyde (a known carcinogen) when washed and worn. Who wants all of that down there?!
Even conventional cotton is typically dyed and bleached—which can cause irritation and provide a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. We’d like to keep that far away from down there, thank you very much.
Environmental Impact
All that plastic in synthetic fabric leaves our planet with a terribly uncomfortable wedgie given the significant issue of microfibers. At the end of your synthetic underwear’s useful life, the fabric will breakdown into tiny microscopic pieces of plastic that eventually makes it’s way into everything, including our food and drinking water. This is also a health impact of course, given the health of the environment and our own health is co-dependent.
Additionally conventional dyes have a destructive history of polluting waterways.
