Eco Friendly Underwear: Introduction
Eco friendly underwear might not be the first thing that springs to mind when thinking about sustainability, but it’s a great choice for both the planet and your wardrobe. Most of us don’t realise the environmental impact lurking in our everyday essentials, and that includes what we wear underneath it all. With materials like synthetic polyester and pesticide-heavy cotton dominating the industry, our smalls are creating a big environmental problem.
This week, we’re stripping things back to explore the history, impact, and future of eco friendly underwear. From ethically sourced materials to brands making change happen, we’ve got you covered—literally!
Let’s uncover how this often-overlooked clothing category can help reduce waste and pollution without sacrificing comfort or style.
A Brief History of Underwear
The history of underwear is as old as civilisation itself, reflecting both practical needs and cultural norms through the ages. It all started with the humble loincloth, a simple yet functional strip of fabric worn in ancient civilisations like Egypt. By 4400 BCE, Egyptians were crafting linen and leather underwear; leather ones even served as menstruation garments. Loincloths continued to evolve, with variations appearing as skirts or ‘cache-sexe‘, the ancient predecessor of the modern G-string.
In ancient Rome, wool and silk joined the mix, with enslaved people and gladiators often wearing loincloths as outerwear. Higher classes sometimes skipped underwear altogether beneath their togas, while Roman women favoured strophiae (breastcloths) and sublicula (loincloth-style undergarments).
The Middle Ages introduced braies, loose trousers tied at the waist, primarily for men. They even featured a flap for a codpiece, which evolved into a bold statement of wealth and power during the Renaissance. Women’s undergarments included the chemise and petticoat, with farthingales and crinolines becoming fashionable but hazardous, especially due to their flammability.
In the 20th century, innovation boomed. From union suits to liberty bodices, comfort became key. Jockey briefs debuted in 1935, and by the 1990s, boxer briefs had redefined modern men’s underwear. Today, underwear combines function, fashion, and increasingly, sustainability, continuing to adapt to cultural and environmental shifts.
Environmental Impact of Conventional Underwear
Underwear might seem small, but its environmental footprint is anything but. Conventional materials such as polyester and elastane are derived from petroleum, making their production both energy-intensive and polluting. A single polyester garment can emit up to 5.5kg of CO₂ during its lifecycle. Adding to this, these fabrics shed microplastics during every wash, contributing to the 14 million tonnes of plastic that end up in oceans annually.
Even natural cotton isn’t without its problems. Traditional cotton farming uses 16% of the world’s insecticides and 6% of its pesticides, with devastating effects on soil health and biodiversity. The water footprint is also alarming: it takes 2,500 litres of water to produce enough cotton for a single pair of briefs—roughly the amount one person drinks in 2.5 years!
The problem doesn’t stop there. Dyeing processes release harmful chemicals into waterways, and packaging often relies on non-recyclable plastics that linger in landfills for centuries. In an industry so closely tied to personal care, it’s ironic that these items can harm both people and the planet. Thankfully, a growing wave of sustainable brands is tackling these issues head-on, offering products that are better for your skin and kinder to the Earth.
What to Look For in Eco Friendly Underwear
Shopping for eco friendly underwear might feel daunting, but knowing what to look for makes all the difference. Materials should top your checklist. Organic cotton is an excellent choice—it’s grown without harmful pesticides, preserving soil health and protecting farmers from chemical exposure. Tencel, made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, is another standout. Its closed-loop production process reuses water and solvents, drastically cutting waste. Bamboo fabric is also gaining traction for its soft texture and quick renewability.
Certifications can guide your choices. Look for labels like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), which guarantees organic farming practices, or Fair Trade, which ensures workers are paid fairly. OEKO-TEX® certifications confirm that the product is free from harmful chemicals—a win for both your body and the planet.
You should also consider durability and transparency. A well-made pair of sustainable underwear lasts longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Brands that publish their supply chain details and manufacturing processes are typically more trustworthy. Lastly, pay attention to packaging. Compostable or recyclable options reduce waste, and some brands even offer plastic-free delivery. By prioritising these factors, you can green your wardrobe, one pair at a time.
Eco Friendly Underwear: Three Favourite Brands
TwoThirds
TwoThirds redefines sustainable fashion with their pioneering PRE-ORDER system, which minimises overproduction by crafting only what customers order. Certified as a B Corp, they prioritise eco-materials like TENCEL™ and organic cotton, ensuring a significantly reduced environmental footprint. All production occurs in Europe, where workers receive fair wages and facilities meet rigorous safety standards. By embracing recycled fabrics, local suppliers, and climate-conscious practices, TwoThirds delivers high-quality, timeless designs while protecting the planet. Check out TwoThirds and use voucher code WELCOMETOTHEFAMILY for 10% off your first order!
Brothers We Stand
Brothers We Stand curates ethical fashion with their rigorous five-point standard, ensuring every item has a clear social or environmental impact. They demand full supply chain transparency and uphold workers’ rights based on International Labour Organisation standards. With a focus on longevity and functionality, they prioritise durable, stylish products that reduce overconsumption. Each product comes with a “Look Behind This” section, empowering customers with honest insights into its ethical journey. Shop at Brothers We Stand and take advantage of a 10% discount by signing up to their mailing list.
Organic Basics
Organic Basics reimagines wardrobe essentials with sustainability and ethics at the core. Designed in Copenhagen, their eco-friendly underwear is crafted from organic, recycled, and plant-based materials in collaboration with ethical factories. As a proud member of 1% for the Planet, they donate part of every purchase to environmental initiatives. Committed to inclusivity and transparency, Organic Basics creates timeless, durable designs that care for people and the planet. Head over to Organic Basics and receive 10% off by using code EXCLUSIVE10 at checkout!
Eco friendly Underwear: Wrap-Up
Eco friendly underwear isn’t just a purchase—it’s making a statement about our values. By choosing sustainable fabrics, ethical manufacturing, and recyclable packaging, you’re showing that even the smallest garments can make a big impact. This is about creating a future where fashion and sustainability go hand in hand.
At Play It Green, we believe in the power of collective action. Together, we can reduce our footprints while repairing the planet, and regiving to those in need. So, next time you refresh your wardrobe, start from the bottom up and choose eco friendly underwear!
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Join our community and learn how to be more sustainable. We’ll also plant a mix of 10 trees, mangroves and sea kelp monthly for you. All for £5 per person per month! Plus give 10% back to a charity of your choice. So what are you waiting for? Time to act and be the change!
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