Few things are as personal as what we’re wearing under our everyday wardrobe. Our underwear starts our day with us; it should be comfortable, make us feel confident and effortlessly sexy, and — ideally — reflect our values for ethics and sustainability.
There are a growing number of ethical and sustainable clothing brands that respect both people and the planet. But ethical lingerie and sustainable underwear brands — especially ones that make us look and feel fantastic — are fewer and farther between.
Why consider sustainable underwear?
Opting for sustainable underwear is a great choice for both your health and the environment. Rather than making underwear with conventional materials which often have unwanted chemicals and pesticides, sustainable brands prioritize natural and recycled materials that are made with less harmful chemicals and dyes. Underwear made with sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, bamboo are gentler for our skin and nether regions as they are naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, and reduce the risk of any allergic reactions. By purchasing your underwear from a sustainable brand, you’ll also be supporting ethical and eco-friendly brands that put the health of our planet (and our intimate areas!) first.
Our criteria:
Our team has researched and tested dozens of brands and scoured thousands of customer reviews for this round-up of our favorite sustainable underwear. We update this list regularly with emerging favorites that meet our criteria:
- ORGANIC/NONTOXIC | Organic and nontoxic materials are used by each of these brands to make the comfiest and cleanest undies.
- ETHICAL/FAIR TRADE | Each brand adheres to strict ethical and fair trade practices in the sourcing and manufacturing of their garments.
- SIZE INCLUSIVITY | We’ve made sure to prioritize sustainable brands that are size inclusive, so everyone can enjoy safe and sustainable lingerie.
Once you’ve checked out our favorite sustainable lingerie brands, step up your next layer of comfies with our guides to the best sustainable athletic wear and pajamas.
Best Overall | Most Size-Inclusive | Sexiest
1. Pact
Best For | Everyday cotton underwear
Size Range | XS–XXL
Prices Start At | $30 for bras, $14 for underwear
Pact’s cotton basics help make the world a better place. This ethical brand goes to great lengths to make sure its entire supply chain — from the planting of organic cotton to the final sewing and everything in between — is as clean and responsible as possible. This super-soft underwear uses certified organic cotton (with a small blend of elastane for longevity and fit) and is finished in certified Fair Trade factories. Don’t sleep on the multipacks and fun patterns!
Pact Review | “I’m truly blown away with the comfort of this fabric. My previous panties weren’t uncomfortable that I was aware of until slipping these on. Wow, seriously feels bare! I’ve gained a ton of menopause mid section weight and originally bought the large based on recommendations (5’2″ 175 lbs – 40 extra lbs all in midsection) but they rolled down over my belly buldge so I sized up to xl and am so very pleased. No moving or bunching. My husband now wants me to order briefs for him” – Angela K. [See all reviews]
2. Araks
Best For | Lingerie
Size Range | XXS–XXL
Prices Start At | $90 for underwear, $35 for underwear
New York-based brand Araks has been consciously crafting ethical and sustainable lingerie since 2000. Each piece is made locally in their women-owned NYC production facilities (all of which they started!). Araks is intentional about their footprint and fabric usage, ensuring each scrap and swatch is saved for use in future collections. Each of Araks lingerie pieces is also made with high quality, luxury fabrics like cotton crepe from Italy and washed silk from Korea and uses non-AZO, botanical, or GOTS-certified dyes for rich colors without the synthetics.
Araks Review | “I couldn’t believe that, at the age of 58, it was really true that my body could “do the bra” the way everyone’s always been talking about but that never worked out for me. I always thought my body was somehow not the “right“ way, somehow, for a bra to do this...I can’t thank @araksofficial enough for all of my new undergarments that I leap out of bed to put on and that I spend my day feeling effing amazing in. So grateful.” – @anniecooper, IG [See more reviews]
3. Subset
Best For | Maternity underwear
Size Range | 2XS–3XL
Prices Start At | $48 for bras, $20 for underwear
Subset (formerly Knickey) makes underwear that puts health first, knowing that millions of us suffer from infections due to toxins found in and on our undies. Instead, the team uses certified organic cotton that’s free from toxic chemicals and carcinogens for its range of thongs, bikinis, briefs, and bralettes. Our editor swears by the supportive keyhole bra (no underwires, and still all the oomph!). And don’t even get us started on the high-rise brief — we wear it straight out of the clean laundry basket, it’s that comfy. Subset takes old undies once they’re ready to be retired and recycles them into new materials like insulation, gifting you $15 off your order as a thank you!
Subset Review | “I was smitten the moment I tried them on! For me, the high waist and cut is better than expected. If it helps others to know – I’m 5’5″ and usually measure around a 28″ waist and 38″ hip, give or take. Hourglass figure. I chose size Smalls and they are perfect. I’m sure Mediums would be comfortable too, but the Smalls don’t even dig in to my sides so I’m not looking to switch. I can also tell how much more breathable the cotton is compared to my old cheaper undies. Quality over quantity. 100% cotton was recommended by my medical professional. The cost is worth it and I am hoping for more color releases!!” – Chelsea G. [See all reviews]
4. MATE the Label
Best For | Full coverage underwear
Size Range | XS–3X; up to US 20
Prices Start At | $59 for bras, $44 for underwear
Pesticides and synthetics are a thing of the past with MATE the Label’s intimates collection. The brand crafts its soft and airy undies and loungewear sets with natural and nontoxic materials. Breathable organic cotton and low-impact dyes are used to make MATE’s signature underwear in a variety of flattering cuts and rises. Whether you’re looking for comfy high rise briefs or a mid rise bikini, all the pieces are cut, sewn, dyed, in their downtown Los Angeles factory. Not only that, MATE is climate-neutral and ships all their garments in eco-friendly packaging. Score!
MATE the Label Review | “As someone who has chosen to stop wearing underwear for over 6 years, I felt called to give some organic underwear a try. I don’t like feeling constrained or uncomfortable as I do with most underwear. These are the COMPLETE opposite. I literally live in them now, guess I just had to find a pair that wasn’t harming my body and actually complimented it. These do just that. 💫” – Olivia K. [See all reviews]
5. Oddobody
Best For | Comfy, breathable underwear & loungewear
Size Range | XS–XXXL
Prices Start At | $40 for tanks, $22 for underwear
The founders of Oddobody created their brand on the single enduring rule their mothers taught them growing up: Underwear should be cotton. The breathable, compostable fabric is ideal for healthy vulvas, so every pair is made from the highest quality, 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. With soft fabrics and comfortable fits (no riding!), Oddobody is one of our favorite underwear brands for lounging and sleeping. As a PBC, the brand is committed to opening up dialogues about our bodies, so each purchase comes with an artfully made body manual that offers body-related educational content (think: an intro to the pelvic floor, vulva care, and female sexual pleasure) through collaborations with experts. So cool!
Oddobody Review | “this is the only underwear i can wear that doesn’t irritate my skin. the 100% organic cotton fabric is breathable and lightweight. i barely know i am wearing it. it is easy to hand wash and dries overnight. perfect for camping and traveling. yes, it is pricey, but worth every penny to me and my needs. thank you oddobody.” – theresa p. [See all reviews]
6. Boody
Best For | Bamboo underwear
Size Range | XS–4XL
Prices Start At | $22 for bras, $14 for underwear
Boody keeps things ultra-simple with its cozy underwear collection. Made with viscose from organic bamboo, these sustainable undergarments are comfortable enough to become a staple in your wardrobe. You’ll love the breathability of this fabric — it keeps you cool in the summertime and warm in the winter, thanks to bamboo’s thermo-regulating qualities. We’ve tried Boody’s racerback sports bra and it’s the one we reach for from our drawer again and again. We recommend it for larger cup sizes for softness and support. In addition to Boody’s underwear, the brand also offers socks, activewear, and children’s clothing. Shop bamboo basics for the whole family!
Boody Review | “Thick, soft, breathable fabric. The low waistband goes under my pregnant belly without rolling, so it’s one of my most comfortable pairs of underwear now.” – Bethany [See all reviews]
7. TomboyX
Best For | Gender-inclusive undergarments
Size Range | 3XS–6X
Prices Start At | $24 for bras, $16 for underwear
TGT team favorite TomboyX makes size- and gender-inclusive undergarments so comfy you’ll want to replace your whole underwear drawer. This B-Corp works with WRAP and Fair Labor Association certified manufacturers, and uses materials like Tencel, OEKO-Tex certified cotton, and recycled polyester blends. (We especially love the Tencel line, it’s so soft!) Whether you’re looking for cute racerback sports bras for working out, boxer briefs for lounging around, or even period and tucking underwear, TomboyX has you covered.
TomboyX Review | “As a plus size person, I have definitely struggled to find a bra that fits and feels comfortable, especially the band. But I love this bra, the 3x fits well on my normally 44DD chest, and I can’t wait to get more.” – Syd1 [See all reviews]
8. Organic Basics
Best For | Affordable underwear
Size Range | 28A–40C, XXS–XXL
Prices Start At | $26 for bras, $10 for underwear
Organic Basics lives up to the motto of “Basically Better Made” with its incredible everyday essentials. The team first and foremost focuses on sustainable materials — like regenerative organic cotton and TENCEL — as well as ethical production. From bras to briefs, the brand also offers multipacks of its most-loved sets and pieces, so that you can easily make the switch to a more sustainable underwear drawer!
Organic Basics Review | “The colors on these!! i got the blue, lilac and green and they are so comfortable and cute! the material is nice and breathable, recommended:)” – Billar G. [See all reviews]
9. KENT
Best For | Vegan & plastic-free intimates
Size Range | XS–3XL
Prices Start At | $24 for underwear
KENT’s 100% compostable and plastic-free undies are innovation at its finest. The brand uses the cleanest materials on earth and has high standards for each of its basics and undergarments to help reverse climate change. Each plant-based undie is 100% organic, nontoxic, vegan, and “plantable” (right down to the thread). Even the packaging is plant-based and compostable! Once your underwear reaches the end of its life, KENT’s guide on “Planting Your Pants” will have them fully composted in just 90 days.
KENT Review | “I absolutely love the The Organic Pima Cotton Bikinis. I have been searching for sustainable undergarments and so happy I found Kent! The fact that they are 100% biodegradable- no plastic of any kind was the main factor I had to try them. They are the most comfortable underwear, EVER! There is no ride up or slip down and they are super soft. The material is soft and not too thin and not too thick. I will only being purchasing Kent underwear from now on. Thank you Kent for saving the planter one underwear at a time!!” – Sarah K. [See all reviews]
10. Skin
Best For | Organic underwear packs
Size Range | XXS–XXL
Prices Start At | $55 for bras, $26 for underwear
Skin intimates is all about embracing your authentic self and body. Each piece is carefully designed and crafted with high quality fabrics and stunning styles to flatter and care for your most sensitive regions. The brand uses natural fibers in their underwears and bras, and offers certified organic options to keep our skin, the production team, and the planet healthy. Their Days of the Week pack is perfect for trying out Skin’s best-selling underwear in each of their cuts for each day of the week, so you can get a feel for what you love before buying more. Packs are available in a variety of cuts and colors!
Skin Review | “These underwear are so soft and sheer you can completely forget you’re wearing them. So many organic pants are thicker and uncomfortable. I know people have commented they would like thicker fabric and there is lots out there. Please don’t change the luxurious comfort of these. I also loved the lounge pants. Just perfect. Stick to sheer comfort!” – D. [See all reviews]
I’m thoroughly captivated by your keen analysis and stellar way of expressing complex ideas. The knowledge you share is evident in every piece you write. It’s evident that you invest a great deal of effort into delving into your topics, and this effort pays off. We appreciate your efforts in sharing such valuable insights. Keep up the great work! https://www.elevenviral.com
I’m truly impressed with your keen analysis and superb writing style. The knowledge you share clearly stands out in every sentence. It’s clear that you invest a great deal of effort into understanding your topics, and this effort does not go unnoticed. Thanks for providing this valuable knowledge. Keep up the great work! https://www.elevenviral.com
I’m thoroughly captivated with your profound understanding and superb ability to convey information. Your depth of knowledge clearly stands out in each paragraph. It’s evident that you invest a great deal of effort into researching your topics, and the results pays off. Thanks for providing this valuable knowledge. Continue the excellent job! http://www.RochelleMaize.com
I’m thoroughly captivated by the deep insights and stellar ability to convey information. Your depth of knowledge is evident in every sentence. It’s evident that you invest a great deal of effort into researching your topics, and that effort does not go unnoticed. We appreciate your efforts in sharing this valuable knowledge. Keep on enlightening us! https://rochellemaize.com