Ethical underwear refers to underwear that is produced and marketed with a focus on ethical and sustainable practices. Ethical underwear brands prioritise fair labour practices, ensuring workers receive fair wages and safe working conditions. They also prioritise the use of sustainable materials, such as organic cotton or recycled fibres, to minimise the environmental footprint. Overall, ethical underwear promotes transparency, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability in the fashion industry.

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Underwear is that essential item we all need, and yet often overlook when it comes to sustainability. The good news is that if you're serious about reducing your carbon footprint and taking positive steps towards sustainable living then there's an ever-growing selection of more eco-friendly underwear available.

At Uplifted Lingerie, we already stock The Fantasie Adelle range which contains 50% ethical materials in the top half of its cups and yet still offers great comfort and style, and we want to develop our range of sustainable underwear and hope to launch more products soon. Other bras we currently stock that meet ethical criteria include the fabulous Royce Fearne and Royce Eden.

Watch this space for more great products coming soon, but for now, we've put together this guide on ethical underwear, so you know how to find the best sustainably made bras and briefs that make you look and feel great!

 

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What Is Ethical Underwear?

Ethical underwear is underwear that has been produced using ethical practices that prioritise the welfare of people and the environment. This means that the production of ethical underwear involves fair labour practices, safe working conditions, and environmental sustainability.

Here are some common features of ethical underwear:

1. Fair Labour Practices: Ethical underwear is produced in factories that treat workers fairly and provide them with safe working conditions. This includes paying workers a fair wage, ensuring they have adequate breaks and rest periods, and providing access to healthcare and other benefits.
2. Environmentally Sustainable: Ethical underwear is made using environmentally sustainable materials such as organic cotton or bamboo, which are produced without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides. The production process also prioritises reducing waste and minimising the environmental impact of production.
3. Transparent Supply Chain: Ethical underwear brands prioritise transparency and ensure that their chains are transparent, from sourcing materials to the production process. This includes providing information about the factories where the underwear is produced, and the social and environmental impact of their products.
4. Inclusive sizing: Inclusivity in the fashion industry can have a positive impact on sustainability by reducing waste and promoting the longevity of garments. When clothing is only offered in limited sizes, many people may have to purchase multiple items to find a good fit, resulting in wasted resources and excess production. Inclusive sizing allows more people to find clothing that fits well and lasts longer, reducing the need for constant replacements and reducing the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills.
5. Recyclable packaging: Recyclable packaging for ethical underwear is an important consideration for sustainable brands. Using recyclable packaging materials helps to reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact of product packaging. By choosing materials such as recycled paper or cardboard, biodegradable plastics, or reusable packaging options, brands can reduce their carbon footprint and create a more sustainable supply chain.

 

Fantasie Adelle Is A Bra That Uses Recycled Materials

Fantasie Adelle, £36

• Available in sizes 30D-40FF
• Available in colours Black, Natural, White, Secret Garden

Introducing the Fantasie Adelle - a sustainable addition to our Uplifted range. Made with 50% recycled fabric in the top cups, this bra offers an essential and beautiful design for our customers. The Adelle features our popular three-piece cups that provide side support, ensuring maximum comfort and support. It's a must-try for anyone in search of a Side Support Bra.

The Adelle is available in a range of sizes from 30D to 40FF and comes in four different colours: Black, Natural, White, and Secret Garden. The bra's wide wires provide additional comfort and support, while bigger sizes feature lined top cups for extra support. Adelle's unique design provides great uplift and forward projection, making it a perfect addition to your lingerie collection.

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Royce Fearne Is Made With Organic Cotton

Royce Fearne Organic Front Fastening Bra, £45

• Available in sizes 32E-42GG
• Available in colour Grey

The Royce Fearne Front Fastening Bra 1425 is a great addition to your ethical underwear collection. Crafted with a commitment to sustainability, it’s made from organic cotton and delivers both style and comfort.

This bra feels soft and gentle feel against your skin and gives feel-good vibes knowing that it eco-friendly choice for your underwear drawer. The front fastening feature adds convenience to your daily routine and the wide size range from 32E to 42GG, means that the Royce Fearne Front Fastening Bra caters to those seeking front fastening bras in harder-to-find sizes.

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Royce Eden - An Organic Cotton Bra

Royce Eden Organic Front Fastening Bra, £34

• Available in dual sizes 32B/C-44D/DD
• Available in Grey Marl

Designed with a commitment to sustainability and comfort, this bra combines organic materials with a convenient front fastening feature.

The wide under band is super soft and the straps are padded. Crafted with organic cotton, this bra provides a soft and gentle feel against the skin. Adding the Royce Eden to your underwear collection, you're making an eco-friendly choice that boasts exceptional comfort and functionality all day long.

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What Materials Can Ethical Underwear Be Made From?

Ethical underwear can be made from a variety of sustainable and eco-friendly materials, including:

1. Organic Cotton: Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides and fertilisers, making it a more environmentally friendly option than conventionally grown cotton. It is also softer and more breathable than synthetic materials.
2. Bamboo: Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that requires little water or pesticides to grow, making it an eco-friendly option for underwear. It is also naturally moisture-wicking and antimicrobial, making it a good choice for activewear.
3. TENCEL: TENCEL is a sustainable fabric made from eucalyptus trees. It is produced using a closed-loop process that minimises waste and uses less water than conventional cotton production. TENCEL is also soft and breathable, making it a comfortable choice for underwear.
4. Recycled Materials: Some ethical underwear brands use recycled materials, such as recycled polyester, to create their products. This helps to reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact of production.
5. Hemp: Hemp is a durable and fast-growing crop that requires little water or pesticides to grow. It is also naturally antimicrobial and breathable, making it a good choice for underwear.

Overall, ethical underwear brands prioritise the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials that have a lower environmental impact than conventional materials. By choosing underwear made from these materials, consumers can support brands that prioritise sustainability and reduce their own environmental impact.

 

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What Is GOTs Certified Organic Cotton?

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton is cotton that has been grown and processed according to strict environmental and social criteria. The GOTS certification ensures that the cotton has been grown without the use of harmful chemicals such as pesticides and fertilisers and that it has been processed using sustainable methods that minimise environmental impact.

To be certified by GOTS, cotton must meet several criteria throughout the entire supply chain, from the farm to the finished product. These include:

• Organic farming: The cotton must be grown without the use of genetically modified seeds, synthetic pesticides, or fertilisers.
• Social criteria: The workers involved in the production of cotton must be treated fairly and have safe working conditions.
• Processing: All cotton processing, including spinning, weaving, and dyeing, must be done using sustainable methods that minimise environmental impact.
• Labelling and traceability: All products made from GOTS-certified cotton must be labelled accordingly, and the entire supply chain must be traceable to ensure transparency.

By choosing products made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, you can be assured that the cotton has been produced in a way that is better for the environment and for the people involved in its production.

Supply Chain Steps That Improve Sustainability

There are several ways that underwear supply chains can improve their sustainability credentials:

1. Use sustainable materials: One of the most important steps that underwear brands can take to improve their sustainability is to use sustainable materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled polyester. These materials have a lower environmental impact than conventional materials and are often produced using more sustainable practices.
2. Reduce waste: Another important step is to reduce waste throughout the supply chain. This can be done by using recycled materials, reducing packaging, and minimising fabric waste during production.
3. Use renewable energy: Supply chains can also improve their sustainability by using renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power to power their factories and offices.
4. Implement ethical practices: Supply chains should also implement ethical practices that ensure fair wages and safe working conditions for all workers involved in the production of underwear.
5. Improve transparency: Brands can improve their sustainability credentials by being transparent about their supply chain and production processes. This includes providing information about the materials used, the location of factories, and the social and environmental impact of their products.
6. Consider circular economy principles: Supply chains can also explore circular economy principles, such as product take-back programs or recycling initiatives to reduce waste and extend the life of the products.

By implementing these practices, supply chains for underwear can improve their sustainability credentials and reduce their environmental impact.

Sustainable Underwear Brands

Looking for a sustainable underwear and swimwear brand? The following are all popular ethical brands available in the UK.

1. Lara Intimates - This UK-based brand produces underwear using deadstock and surplus fabrics, which helps to reduce textile waste. They also use sustainable materials such as bamboo and organic cotton.
2. Stripe & Stare - This brand uses sustainable materials such as TENCEL and modal, which are both made from renewable resources. They also use a closed-loop production process, which minimises waste.
3. AmaElla - This brand uses organic cotton and sustainable practices, including GOTS-certified dyes and ethical production. They also have a range of bra sizes that cater to different body shapes.
4. Woron - This brand produces sustainable underwear using materials such as bamboo and TENCEL, which are both soft and comfortable. They also have a zero-waste production process and use recycled packaging.
5. Boody - This brand uses organic bamboo to produce sustainable and comfortable underwear. They also have a range of eco-friendly products such as socks and loungewear.

FAQs

What are ethical and eco-friendly materials?

There are many fabrics that are considered ethical and eco-friendly. Here are a few examples:

• Organic Cotton: Organic materials like organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilisers, making it a more sustainable option than traditional cotton. It also uses less water than traditional cotton farming methods.
• Hemp: Hemp is a fast-growing plant that requires less water and fewer pesticides than traditional cotton. It can also be used to make a wide range of products, from clothing to paper to building materials.
• Linen: Linen is made from the fibres of the flax plant and is a highly sustainable fabric. Flax requires less water and pesticides than cotton, and linen is biodegradable and recyclable.
• Tencel: Tencel is a sustainable fabric made from eucalyptus trees. The production process uses less water than traditional cotton, and the material is biodegradable and compostable.
• Recycled Polyester: Recycled polyester is made from recycled plastic bottles and other waste materials. It uses less energy and resources than producing new polyester and helps to reduce plastic waste.
• Bamboo: Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that requires little water and few pesticides. It can be made into a soft, breathable, biodegradable fabric. Organically grown bamboo is bamboo that is cultivated without the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals, following organic farming practices.
• Wool: Wool is a natural and renewable fibre that is biodegradable and recyclable. It is also a highly durable fabric that can last for many years.

Why should I choose ethical and eco-friendly underwear?

Choosing ethical and eco-friendly underwear is a responsible choice that can have a positive impact on both the environment and the workers involved in the manufacturing process. Ethical underwear is typically produced using fair labour practices and may be made from sustainable materials.

By choosing eco-friendly underwear, you can help reduce the negative impact that the fashion industry has on the planet, such as pollution and waste. Ultimately, choosing ethical and eco-friendly underwear is a way to support sustainable and responsible fashion practices while also enjoying comfortable and stylish underwear.

How do I care for and wash my ethical and eco-friendly underwear?

Please contact us if you have any concerns about the washing of any items and we can supply details, but our current range has standard washing instructions in fitting with most other garments. Obviously, if you are considering the environment we respect, you might want to keep the temperature lower than most and use eco-friendly washing products that do not contain bleach. Air drying rather than other methods help too.

Benefits of including organic cotton in your underwear drawer

Organic cotton underwear offers numerous benefits compared to conventional cotton underwear. It is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals, making it safer for both the environment and the workers involved in production.

Additionally, organic cotton is softer, more breathable, and less likely to cause skin irritation or allergies. Choosing organic cotton underwear also supports sustainable agriculture practices and helps to reduce the environmental impact of clothing production leftovers.

What Does Fair Trade Certification Mean?

Fair Trade Certified is a certification program that ensures products are made ethically and sustainably, and workers are paid fairly for their labour. The program sets standards for fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental sustainability, and provides additional funds for community development projects.

By choosing products with the Fair-Trade Certified label, consumers can support brands that prioritise fair labour practices and sustainability and help to improve the lives of workers and communities around the world.

Summary

Ethical underwear is becoming increasingly popular as consumers seek out sustainable and socially responsible clothing options. Ethical underwear is made with materials that are environmentally friendly and produced using ethical labour practices that prioritise fair wages and safe working conditions.

Some popular materials used in ethical underwear include organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled materials. Brands that specialise in ethical underwear are available both online and in-store, with many offering a wide range of sizes and styles to cater to all body types and preferences. By choosing ethical underwear, consumers can support sustainable fashion practices and promote a more just and equitable fashion industry.