To you this may be just another roundup, but I can’t tell you how long the topic of sustainable underwear brands has taken up my precious internet browsing time. As a consumer, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect undies for a couple years now, including a quest for the perfect womens boxer. (Like, how are womens undies still literally made to be uncomfortable? Maybe it was the onset of my thirties, but I’ve reached the end of my tolerance for poly blends, irritating lace, and feeling suffocated.) As an ethical consumer, I obviously do not want this wardrobe basic to be the source of human rights violations or environmental distress etc. But buying ethical underwear has taken time to come around to. It’s difficult to create a sustainable fashion budget, and it’s hard not to feel that resistance that comes with investing in something no one else sees.
… But, we all see clothing in a slightly different light thanks to the pandemic, and we have so much time at home. So any lingering resistance I had is most certainly gone at this point… I’d rather spend my pennies on sustainable underwear brands than most other articles of clothing at this point.
The list below contains brands I’ve researched and admired from afar, along with a Subset (formerly Knickey) review since we recently, and notes on a few other brands we’ve gotten to try out IRL. (None of them paid us for this content, but I suspect this post is the reason sustainable underwear companies keep sending us their intimates to try. We don’t make promises, but did discover a few new brands to love.) If you’ve tried any of them or have others to add, please leave a comment or DM us on Instagram! We’d love to make these guides as helpful as can be.
10 sustainable underwear brands + review of Subset (formerly Knickey)
Made in USA Brook There specializes in organic cotton underwear and the colors are so subtle and dreamy! They also have bralettes and PJ shorts. I’m really intrigued by their boyshorts, as they look more like briefs than cheekys, and therefore might be exactly what I’m looking for! Size XS-XXL.
Okay, so we all know about ARQ, right? Home of organic cotton basics for adults and littles alike. Well, since the original writing of this post, ARQ has changed their model: Instead of a regularly updated website, they do limited drops a couple times a year, accessible to email subscribers who are given a password to shop. I haven’t shopped their yet, but am on the list should the perfect piece arise. My good friend swears by all of their product, though! Sizes XS-3X, depending on style.
Seasoned ethical consumers will recognize Proclaim, the sustainable & organic underwear brand dedicated to inclusive fashion, offering nudes that are actually representative of a range of skin tones. Their everyday collection is made of either GOTS cotton or Tencel and features bralettes too. Since their inception, they’ve expanded to a more colorful line, other innovative fabrics, and other basics, lounge, and shapewear. Size S-3X.
Lela is another brand with stunning organic cotton underwear options coming from Australia (keep that in mind if you’re trying to cut back on shipping impact, but a $25 flat rate fee to the US is a pretty reasonable rate for these countries). They have a few sexier silhouettes than you typically find in the cotton department! Size XS-XXL.
Pansy is another organic cotton underwear company you have probably seen on insta (their editorial shoots are incredible, they are one of our favorite ethical brands to follow!). They’ve been made in California since 2013. I’m most intrigued by their unisex stretch shorts, which seem like the perfect loungewear AKA work-from-home-wear. The spandex in it is made from recycled plastic bottles! Size XS-3X.
We’ve mentioned Object Apparel as a top sustainable loungewear brand, so it’s not too surprising to find them on our list of sustainable underwear brands! Their thermal shorties top my wishlist. (Does anyone else prefer undies with enough coverage to lounge pants-less in??) They offer XS-3L and custom sizing as well.
I recently got the chance to try WAMA Underwear,(XS-4X), a sustainable underwear brand that creates undies for women and men using organic hemp. They make underwear with hemp because it is naturally anti-bacterial with anti-odor properties, comfortable, breathable, and gets softer each wash. I tried out their Hemp Boy Shorts and High Waisted Underwear. I’ve worn and washed each a few times now and here are my thoughts!
Okay, the Boy Shorts. I generally hate boy shorts because if I want underwear up my butt I will just wear a thong. But these are just long enough that they do not ride up and are more like a womens boxer brief to me. As mentioned above, I’ve had trouble finding the perfect sustainable boxer! I definitely think these are my favorites so far in this particular cut of undies. They are also more affordable (and offer bundle discounts) than many brands on this list.
I also tried the High Waisted cut. For both, the hemp does indeed seem quite comfortable and breathable. They stretch enough when wearing but form back to size after the wash/dry. I typically like my high-waists to be *really* high. Theirs aren’t as high cut, but I’m sure some people prefer that.
Another brand we recently reviewed is La Coochie (sizes 2XS-3XL), who stands by organic cotton for their underwear and intimates. La Coochie and Subset are both the most affordable on this list when it comes to sustainable, organic undies. I tried their High Rise Boxer and at $20 I’ll be back for more. I also tried the High Rise Thong (sorry, the early aughts ruined low rise for me, okay?) although mid-rise is an option. Personally I love them both even after a few washes so far.
What’s cool about this brand is that they keep the conversation about their fits completely open and actually use that feedback to improve each design for the next round of production. So if you purchase from them, be sure to send your feedback and contribute to their design lab!
Finally… Our Subset Review
And finally, our Knickey review! Note, Knickey is now called Subset. The items reviewed are the same under their new brand, I have tried them both before and after the rebrand. And now they offer mens!
Knickey sent us a couple pairs of their organic underwear, so we could give them a try before adding to our ethical shopping directory. Our web developer Jenn and I each tried their High Rise Briefs. I love their core colors, and we both thought the fit was perfect for our respective sizes. I recently tried a few other underwear brands in my normal size and they felt too tight/thick and a bit restrictive, but the Knickeys were 100% perfect, breathable, and cozy to wear for hours. Knickey currently stocks XS-4XL and has added mens boxers and lounge.
Another perk of Knickey is their recycling program! You can save your undies from meeting their dirty end in a landfill by sending them back to Knickey to be made into other materials (like insulation!) through their textile recycling program.
For all these reasons, we’re adding Knickey to our directory and have joined their affiliate program (affiliate links were used above).
A Subset Review Update:
A year and a half later, I wanted to share a few updates on our favorite eco underwear brand, Subset (Knickey). Since our original post, I purchased a few more of their high-waisted briefs. They are still the underwear I wear most. They recently came out with limited edition colors and bralettes, though, and sent me a few to try:
OMG, their new colors are so cute! Edited to add: over four years of consistent wear, one of the undies here is finally falling part, so i’ll be sending it back to be recycled. They really do last!
I tried rosy, melon, and sprig. I also tried one of their new bralettes, the keyhole cut. The bras are just as comfy, though a little too low for a DD cup.
Shopping for bras, and especially bralettes is very hard for me. Most of the time I won’t do it unless there are bra sizes. I requested a M in this bralette and it’s super comfy, but a bit small. As a 34DD I’d probably order a Large in the future. I LOVE that they have traditional bra bands and 4 clasps. It’s perfect for anyone who needs support. I just wish I had a bit more coverage (my fault, not theirs! their size guide is actually quite accurate in my opinion). I cannot wait until there are bright colors in this design!
Have you tried Subset or the other sustainable underwear brands on this list? Let us know who you recommend!
your two cents