9 Sustainable Underwear Brands For Top To Bottom Change
Captain Underpants was on to something. Underwear (when done right) can save the day.
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting and wasteful industries in the world. Butt (pun intended) since change starts at the bottom, it seems appropriate that we start with our own by switching to consciously cheeky sustainable underwear.
We’re sticking to the bare basics here but if you’re looking for something a little sexier (but no less ethical), take a peek at our list of sustainable lingerie.
Everything we recommend to you on Sustainable Jungle is independently researched and we ask all brands to confirm their claims. To avoid waste, we test products on an as needed basis. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about why we do this here.
The Best Ethical Underwear For Pro-Planet Patooties
If you need a brief summary of the top bottoms, Pact offers some of the most comfortable ethical underwear we’ve personally tried, thanks to super soft GOTS organic cotton.
Subset is another personal favorite of ours, thanks to tiny but mega comfort-enhancing features AND the fact that we know that once they wear out, we can send them back to Subset for recycling.
TomboyX’s genderless bra and panty may be matching, but they’re unmatched in terms of inclusivity.
The Full List Of Ethical & Sustainable Underwear Brands
- TomboyX | Visit Store
- The Very Good Bra | Visit Store
- Pact | Visit Store
- WAMA | Visit Store
- Subset | Visit Store
- MARY YOUNG | Visit Store
- MeUndies | Visit Store
- Pantee | Visit Store
- Allbirds | Visit Store
1. TomboyX
About TomboyX
Price Range: $20–$29
TomboyX’s mission is to “promote self-acceptance through radical comfort and inclusivity” and they cover our behinds with body-positive underwear and also offers loungewear, sleepwear, socks, swim, tees, tanks, and activewear.
If colors are your jam, fill your underwear drawer with fun prints from the Rainbow Pride collection, or keep it classic with their iconic Black Rainbow bikinis, bras, bralettes, briefs, shorts, trunks, and even sustainable period underwear.
TomboyX’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
TomboyX’s organic cotton underwear is mostly created with 95% OEKO-TEX-certified organic cotton and 5% spandex, but some designs made with a blend of 95% TENCEL™ modal and 5% spandex.
Supply chain & labor practices:
This Certified B Corp pays its staff above-industry-standard fair wages and works with women-owned factories in Los Angeles, Vancouver, and China, the majority of which are WRAP and FLA-certified and they visit regularly to ensure standards are adhered to.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
TomboyX headquarters at a Gold LEED Certified building and undies come packaged in biodegradable zipper bags.
Inclusivity:
To be “a reflection of the diverse community we’re designing for”, 63% of their managers and 39% of their overall team identify as LGBTQ and/or minority. This inclusive line fits most bodies and genders (XS-4X).
Community & charitable giving:
Activism for social justice, LGBTQ, and women’s rights are at the heart of the company.
2. The Very Good Bra
About The Very Good Bra
Price Range: $28–$31
A few years ago, Stephanie Devine started a wildly successful Kickstarter for the world’s first compostable bra. No wonder it went viral as world leader in sustainable bras.
Don’t let the name fool you though, The Very Good Bra also makes very good sleepwear and underwear, like the Big Knickers, with a flattering high-waist, modern ceek coverage, and wide hip cuts for maximum comfort.
The Very Good Bra’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Their zero waste underwear is Australian-made from either organic cotton or Lenzing TENCEL™ fibers.
Bra elastic is made from natural tree rubber knitted into organic cotton. They do use a synthetic elastic in their briefs, but it’s Cradle to Cradle Gold Certified and breaks down safely. You can cut it up and add it to your home compost, where it will take 18-24 months to break down. If you’re in Europe, this elastic has a take-back program.
Every component (soy ink labels to special organic cotton hooks and cellulose sewing thread) is designed to break down.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Production takes place in Sri Lanka at a WRAP-certified and SEDEX-audited factory that pays 75-100% above the local minimum wage, and provides free transport, free medical care, and subsidized food.
For warehousing and fulfillment, TVGB partners with Avenue, a social enterprise that offers employment opportunities to people of all abilities.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
TVGB takes steps to reduce waste by launching collections via pre-sales, selling replacement bra straps, and using left-over fabric to manufacture small runs.
Their factory partner uses energy-saving practices and ships in either 100% compostable or 80% recycled and recyclable poly mailers, mostly through Australia’s carbon-neutral Sendle.
Inclusivity:
The bras come in 24 proper sizes and knickers in XS-XL.
Community & charitable giving:
VGB donates $1 for every order to Greening Australia.
3. Pact
About Pact
Price Range: $16–$20
The maker of “Earth’s Favorite Clothing”, Pact is a one-stop-shop for all things sustainable basics, and that includes their eco-friendly fair trade underwear.
There are plenty of frills and no-frill designs to meet all your undie needs, from men’s boxers to the lovely Lace Waist Briefs that we personally wear—and love not just for the comfort of design, but the itch-free lace waist that adds just the right amount of sexiness to the overall modest design. Naturally, they have matching bralettes that feature that same adorable lace band that we also adore.
Pact’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Most products are made from 95% GOTS-certified organic cotton, specifically long-staple cotton, blended with 5% elastane for stretch.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Pact’s Indian factories are Fair Trade USA certified.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Each product page specifies the amount of water saved through organic farming practuices and carbon offset per garment.
Inclusivity:
Pact offers women’s styles (which includes maternity underwear) run XS-3XL and men’s from S-XXL.
4. WAMA
About WAMA
Price Range: $26–$32
Hemp underwear that’s naturally antibacterial, breathable, and hypoallergenic?
Talk about a trippy wammy from WAMA. And that’s before we even get to considering the sustainability benefits of hemp, including its compostable end-of-life, carbon capturing growth process, and low chemical and water requirements.
Available in sustainable underwear sets or singles, you’ll find every basic cut and shape possible for men and women. We’ve been wearing their thongs and hipster panties for two years now and love the durable hemp fabric that still shown no signs of wear after all the time and comfortable cuts—no uncomfortable thong wedgies here!
Even though the fabric is a little thicker than most, hemps moisture managing properties make these perfectly suitable for even hot weather and activewear in our experience.
WAMA‘s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
WAMA underwear is a blend of 53% organically grown hemp, 44% GOTS organic cotton, and 3% spandex.
Supply chain & labor practices:
WAMA’s Chinese factory is BSCI-certified and monitored for fair conditions by a team member permanently stationed there. They also have a supplier code of conduct for all entities, including the family-run hemp farms in China.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
WAMA is a Green America Certified Business Member and ships the underwear wrapped in compostable recycled tissue paper and 100% recycled and reusable mailers from EcoEnclose or recycled cardboard boxes.
Inclusivity:
Men’s sizes range from S to 3XL, and women’s from XS to 2XL.
5. Subset
About Subset
Price Range: $20–$28
When it comes to organic underwear, NYC-based Subset is anything but subpar. Fill your underwear drawer with a colorful mix of low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise thongs, bikinis, hipsters, and briefs that are better for your bum, your bank account, our planet, and the people who make them.
This is another brand we wear religiously, and especially adore them for their fully elastic wrapped organic cotton hems along both the waist and leg openings with provide a super smooth and pinch-free fit, no matter what we’re wearing our undies for.
When we say their Mid-Rise Bikinis have become our lucky undies thanks to the utterly unmatched comfort and empowering tummy supporting fit, we meant it.
Subset’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
All Subset undies are made with 95% GOTS-certified organic cotton and 5% elastane, with fun colorations all thanks to non-toxic, OEKO-TEX-approved non-toxic dyes.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Their Indian factory partner is Fair Trade certified. It provides workers with a right to unionize, safe working conditions, and living wages.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Wondering what to do with old underwear?
Wonder no more with Subet’s Supercirle powered recycling program that has helped transform over 1 million underwear into things like mattress filling or insulation. Request a prepaid shipping label, box up any old undies from any brand, and use your $25 reward to buy new ones.you’ll also receive 15% off your next order.
Inclusivity:
Subset’s model diversity shows off their undies on various sizes of women to match their size 2XS to 3XL.
6. MARY YOUNG
About MARY YOUNG
Price Range: $38–$72
Whether you’re keeping cool and cozy in bamboo pajamas or turning up the heat with some plus size lingerie, Canadian MARY YOUNG has you covered—or perhaps uncovered. Their ethical underwear for women includes women’s boxer briefs, bras, and panties (including lacy options that leave a little less to the imagination in a wide variety of cuts and colors.
An eco-essential, their best-selling Bodie Hip Bikini comes in a classic black or softer lavender, either one bringing out your feminine side thanks to the cute lace trim.
MARY YOUNG’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Solid styles feature an OEKO-TEX-certified blend of 95% bamboo and 5% certified elastane, processed without chlorine bleach or carcinogenic dyes.
Mesh designs are made from nylon and spandex.
Supply chain & labor practices:
All products are made and hand-packed for shipping in Montreal, Canada where the brand provides living wages and fair working conditions for all employees.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Through small batch production and recycled/reusable packaging, MARY YOUNG keeps its impact as minimal as its G-strings.
Inclusivity:
With an XS-2X size range and models of all shapes and sizes, MARY YOUNG stays true to its mission to “empower women with different body types.”
Community & charitable giving:
In addition to regularly donating to various organizations, their Self Love Club cultivates community via an online space where women can share anything from stories and poems to recipes.
7. MeUndies
About MeUndies
Price Range: $16–$48
A pair of MeUndies’ outrageously patterned skivvies—some in as many as 142 different colors and prints!—could brighten up anyone’s day. With plenty of different styles available for men and women alike, you’re sure to find a pair that makes you grin.
Whether you like to keep it to the bare (bottom) minimum with thongs, or want maximum coverage via their FeelFree Lace Long Boyshort, with a an ultra-long inseam that makes them easily double as lounge shorts and a “wedgie-free” design.
You can also “match your bottom half to your better half”, with their monthly MatchMe subscription for couples.
MeUndies’ Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Their Core and FeelFree undies are made from 92% MicroModal® (from Austrian beech trees) and 8% elastane. Any lace, as in the FeelFree designs, is made of nylon.
The MoveMe collection, on the other hand, features 70% Nylon, 22% elastane, and 8% recycled nylon so we suggest avoiding these styles,
MeUndies uses low-impact dyes for their popping prints.
Supply chain & labor practices:
MeUndies partners with factories in China, Guatemala, LA, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. Regular ethical production audits ensure the safety and well-being of employees, who also receive benefits like free meals and transportation.
Inclusivity:
MeUndies’ vision is to “create a more thoughtful and accepting world where living your truth is celebrated.” Both men’s and women’s sizes run XS-4XL.
Community & charitable giving:
MeUndies Gives helps “fight conformity and promote acceptance” by partnering with organizations including The Body Positive, the LA LGBT Center, and the Fashion Scholarship Fund.
8. Pantee
About Pantee
Price Range: $21–$39
Turning deadstock into drawers, woman-owned Pantee presents a modest but comprehensive collection of recycled material underwear that includes boxers, briefs, bikinis, thongs, bras, and bralettes.
You’ll always find them in classic black and white, but other colors regularly rotate based on limited deadstock availability.
We’re obsessed with the looks of the Women’s Boxer Briefs and its adorable 2-button embellishments up the front of the high-waisted cut, giving you all the comfort of a pair of boxers and all the cute of your favorite piece of lingerie.
Pantee’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Pantee’s recycled cotton underwear are made from either deadstock t-shirt fabric or deadstock t-shirts themselves. The actual fabric is a 95%/5% cotton/elastane blend.
You’ll also find elastic in the waistband. This isn’t dyed to match the fabric to save on water and unnecessary dye usage.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Pantee products are made in Dhaka, Bangladesh, at an ethical facility owned by the sampling room that provides their deadstock. They pay regular visits and “guarantee fair wages, healthy conditions and zero forced or child labor”.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Between offering underwear made from recycled materials, manufacturing in small batches, and carbon offsetting their supply chain emissions, Pantee strives for a minimal impact.
Their locally-sourced packaging consists of plastic-free tags, biodegradable tissue paper, and recycled and recyclable plastic boxes.
Inclusivity:
XS-XL sizes are available and Pantee uses inclusive modeling to show off its products.
Community & charitable giving:
Pantee is a member of 1% for the Planet and plants one tree for every order via One Tree Planted.
9. Allbirds
About Allbirds
Price Range: $18–$24
We first discovered Allbirds back when they were exclusively an ethical shoe brand. Now, however, this Certified B Corp has spread their wings with a range of organic basics, like tees, sweatshirts, underwear, and socks.
Keeping things simple, their line of Trino® women’s ethical underwear includes a bralette and briefs and they carry two styles for men: a trunk and a longer boxer brief.
Allbirds’ Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
All underwear is made of 65% FSC-certified TENCEL™ Lyocell that’s silky soft and breathable, 28% ZQ-certified ethical wool from Merino sheep that keeps you smelling fresh, and 7% spandex.
Supply chain & labor practices:
With a public code of conduct and factory map on the website, Allbirds isn’t afraid to moon you with its transparency.
All underwear is made in Nam Định, Vietnam out of New Zealand wool and sustainably grown South African trees for the lyocell.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Allbirds is carbon neutral, meaning the only net harmful gasses associated with your underwear will be the stuff coming out of you while you wear them 😉
They ship everything in recycled and recyclable cardboard and work with LEED-certified and other eco-minded factories that employ water and energy-saving practices.
Inclusivity:
Women’s come in XS-XXXL sizes and men’s in S-XXL sizes.
Community & charitable giving:
While you underwear aren’t included in this, gently worn returned shoes are donated to those in need via Soles4Souls.
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Hello! Does anyone know of a brand that makes sustainable thermal underwear? I live in the north and need that extra layer to stay warm!
SAME
I was searching for that. Haven’t found any. Bought then 2. Hand…
Sounds like a good opportunity for underwear brands! Perhaps Arms Of Andes? We feature them on a few other articles and like their sustainability credentials. Not sure about whether they’d fit the “thermal” bill but they do say on their website that the thermal capacity of their alpaca is 5x merino if that helps?
hello there!
could anyone recommend 100% cotton or hemp underwear? no elastane.i do not want my underwear to be stretchy.i want looseness and comfort.
thanks.
susanne
Hi Susanne, The only brand we’ve found is “The Very Good Bra”! Hope that helps!
Hi Susanne,
I recently found the brand KENT, and I think they might have what you’re looking for
!
Thank you for sharing. I actually highly recommend Au Natural undies that are made from merino wool. This is my favorite sustainable option!
The antimicrobial silver typeset thread label in my nylon / elastane underwear caused a serious burn on my lower back after wearing during an MRI. The label looks benign, but on sensitive individuals it can cause MRI burns
Hiya, I was quite disappointed to find that regardless of being totally “organic” or made from bamboo (which is ethically questionable due to chamically intensive processing) many of these brands still put actually plastic in the form of nylon or elastane into their products. Some have more of these in them than what you find at kmart! Maybe I’m missing something here but switching to an organic cotton just to have 10%of it replaced with nylon as well as the standard 5%elastane and shipping in an individual packet just looks like green washing to me.
Hi Laura,
Thank you so much for this comment. It certainly is timely, just in the last few days, I have gone quite deep into this topic, having been made aware of the various problems with bamboo in particular. It’s a work in progress for me and I plan to write a very detailed article on it soon (and to update this page with my findings). In the meantime, I’ll add a couple of further thoughts to your two points:
– Bamboo: Agreed, the ethics here can be super questionable. Here are a few articles I’ve read that I’ve found very helpful to try and untanlge this:
– https://www.biome.com.au/blog/is-bamboo-fabric-plastic/
– https://goodonyou.eco/bamboo-fabric-sustainable/
However, it seems bamboo that’s gone through a closed loop process is still viable from an ethics perspective, much like TENCEL (i.e. all the chemicals are recycled over and over again – not added to waterways and removed from the final fibre output) – see for example the Good on You’s assessment of Boody (on this list and very much promoting their products as “bamboo”) – https://directory.goodonyou.eco/brand/boody – see the point about the closed loop process (also the closed loop process is mentioned in the link above from Biome)
– Plastic derived fabric inclusion (nylon, elastane, spandex, etc.): This seems to be very difficult to avoid if you want to have any stretch in your undies. The only brand on this list that is fully compostable with no plastic included is The Very Good Bra (they make bras and bottoms), which are absolutely the most ethical as far as their materials go on this list. However they are still very new on the market, so if they are difficult to find in your area, my current view is that the next best thing is where the brand uses recycled plastic to make the fabric (e.g. they’ve used fabric made from ocean waste to make the nylon). There are a few on the list that use recycled material (e.g. Organic basics).
I do plan to research this a lot more and update this article to reflect more clearly which brands are compostable and which use recycled fabrics. Let me know if you learn any more on this, it’s always helpful to get more information!
Thanks again,
Joy
Thanks for this great guide, that proves that a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle is possible without comprimising on quality and style. There are plenty of ethical brands already, and I think the number of options will grow over the next few years
Agreed, it’s pretty exciting to see the change!