Stella McCartney at Paris Fashion Week

If you’re a fan of sustainable fashion, it’s hard not to revere Stella McCartney as an icon in the industry. Her recent showcase at Paris Fashion Week reaffirmed why she’s a trailblazer—not just in design, but in advocating for the planet. This season, McCartney’s collection took flight, quite literally, with birds as her central muse. The show was a celebration of avian beauty and a poignant call to action, all tied together by a "Save What You Love" manifesto, narrated by none other than Helen Mirren.

A Birdsong for Sustainability

Inspired by author and birdwatcher Jonathan Franzen and his work The End of the End of the Earth, the manifesto spoke to the urgent need to protect bird populations, many of which are threatened by human activities—including the fashion industry. In McCartney’s own words, “A billion and a half birds are killed for fashion. Feathers belong on birds, so we can be inspired by them.” Her collection brought this vision to life, featuring dove prints, a golden bird in flight rendered as a bra top, and avian-inspired accessories like necklaces, bangles, and even a statement bag charm.

Sustainable Fabrics Used in the Collection

The craftsmanship didn’t stop at visuals. Feather-like knits were meticulously woven from recyclable and recycled yarns made from plastic bottles and caps—an innovative response to the staggering fact that over 70 million barrels of oil are used annually to produce polyester for fashion (Ellen MacArthur Foundation). By utilizing recycled materials, McCartney is actively reducing the fashion industry’s reliance on virgin fossil fuel-based textiles, offering an alternative that’s as chic as it is eco-conscious.

In a further nod to innovation, the collection featured materials like lentils, mushroom leather, and "apple leather"—an upcycled textile derived from waste produced by the apple industry. The show’s centerpiece, however, may have been the hand-carved dove sculptures, created in collaboration with 886 Royal Mint. These stunning pieces were forged from gold and silver repurposed from electronic and medical waste. Given that a record 62 million tonnes of e-waste was generated in 2022—with only 18% recycled —the sculptures highlighted the potential of reusing precious metals (Global E-waste Monitor). Remarkably, it’s estimated that 7% of the world’s gold is locked away in discarded electronics (Global E-waste Monitor).

Animal Rights in Fashion

The collection also made waves with McCartney’s bold messaging on animal welfare. Her “About Fucking Time” tops and caps, created in partnership with PETA, captured the frustration of the movement and highlighted her long-standing commitment to cruelty-free fashion. Each seat at the show came with a copy of The Stella Times, a newspaper filled with facts and statistics underscoring the urgency of McCartney's mission.

With this collection, Stella McCartney continues to prove that high fashion and environmental activism can go hand in hand. By championing sustainable materials and spotlighting the fashion industry's impact on wildlife, she’s leading the charge for a future where fashion doesn’t come at the cost of the Earth.

More About Stella McCartney & Why We Love This Sustainable Brand:

Stella McCartney is a well-known and highly respected British fashion brand that offers a wide range of clothing for both women and men, along with accessories, perfume, eyewear, and children's apparel. The brand is deeply committed to sustainability and ethical practices throughout every aspect of its supply chain. Continuously striving to advance environmental responsibility, Stella McCartney is dedicated to exploring innovative technologies and processes to enhance its environmental practices and increase the accessibility of sustainable vegan alternatives.

One of the brand's standout qualities is its transparent approach to addressing its environmental impact. In 2021, Stella McCartney joined the Ethical Trading Initiative, an organization that advocates for workers' rights and collaborates with companies to enhance working conditions within their supply chains. This move showcases the brand's ongoing dedication to ethical and sustainable business practices.

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About the Author

Grace Olyphant is a passionate advocate for sustainable fashion, dedicated to helping people embrace eco-conscious living without sacrificing style. With a background in personal styling and red carpet fashion, Grace combines her expertise with a commitment to sustainability, inspiring others to make thoughtful choices in their wardrobe. Follow her journey on Instagram @graceolyphant, and explore her insights on sustainable fashion and lifestyle on her blog at graceolyphant.com.

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AI is Contributing to Shein's Rapid Rise as the World's Fastest Polluter

Notorious fast fashion behemoth Shein stands out in an industry already under fire for its environmental harm. The fashion industry, responsible for contributing 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, finds one of its most prominent players in Shein. The company’s own sustainability report showed the fashion conglomerate doubled its carbon emissions from 2022 to 2023 (which were off the charts to begin with). 

This fast fashion giant has skyrocketed in popularity, going viral on TikTok and attracting millions of customers (particularly Gen Zers) across close to 150 countries. One market analysis found that close to a whopping 44% of Gen Zers in the US purchase a minimum of one item per month from Shein (which is absolutely crazy!). The company offers as many as 600,000 items for sale at time, with its average cost per item coming in close to $10. 

So how did Shein’s popularity explode so quickly?

Well, it seems like maybe AI played a key role. At every step of the process, from consumer browsing to placing items in their cart to actually placing orders, data is being collected. And as you can probably imagine, the magnitude of this data is unfathomable - which is where AI steps in. Shein uses proprietary AI programs which identify patterns in consumer behavior and are able to accurately predict demand, which is a core component of its successful ultra-fast supply chain. 

This can make Shein unstoppable. “AI enables fast fashion to become the ultra-fast fashion industry, Shein and Temu being the fore-leaders of this,” said Sage Lenier, the executive director of Sustainable and Just Future, a climate nonprofit. “They quite literally could not exist without AI”.

Peter Pernot-Day, Shein’s head of global strategy and corporate affairs, also spoke about Shein’s use of AI during a presentation at a retail conference. “We are using machine-learning technologies to accurately predict demand in a way that we think is cutting edge,” he said. Each of their 5,000+ suppliers have access to this AI software that provides regular updates on consumer behavior and preferences, which they then use to pivot their production to match consumer behavior in real time. 

“This means we can produce very few copies of each garment,” Pernot-Day added. “It means we waste very little and have very little inventory waste.” And while this could be a groundbreaking use of AI tech in making companies more sustainable, we call b******t - major greenwash alert here!

A Shein spokesperson told Grist, “we do not see growth as antithetical to sustainability.” However, their data states otherwise. Business of Fashion analyzed Shein’s sustainability report, and found that the company’s emissions rose at nearly double the rate of its revenue. Looking at other players in the market - Zara’s emissions rose too, but at only half the rate of its revenue, while H&M and Nike’s emissions fell from the previous year, even while sales increased. 

Ultimately, the key unlock to making the fashion industry more sustainable is to encourage consumers to buy less, not more. Fast fashion inherently is not a sustainable model and using AI to make it even faster and more efficient is not a road we want to go down.

What is Fast Fashion?

Fast fashion is a term used to describe the production of large quantities of clothing throughout the year, often characterized by rapid turnover of styles and designs. These brands have streamlined their manufacturing processes to produce clothes at significantly lower costs, making it possible for consumers to frequently update their wardrobes without breaking the bank.

The excessive consumption of low-quality, mass-produced clothing is contributing to a significant increase in textile waste, environmental pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. This has given rise to pressing social concerns, including human rights violations that cannot be overlooked.

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Patagonia Supports Regenerative Farming

In the conversation about sustainable fashion, Patagonia has always led the charge. It has consistently been at the forefront of driving change and is a certified B-Corp (the first one in California) - read more about its ambitious climate goals here. What’s great to see is that Patagonia’s popularity only seems to have increased after it got B-Corp certified in 2012, showing that consumers are keenly looking for more sustainable and ethical brands. 

Patagonia is also a strong supporter of sustainable agriculture and farming. In 2017, it partnered with the Rodale Institute, a non-profit dedicated to regenerative farming. Together, they founded the Regenerative Organic Alliance and established the Regenerative Organic Certified program, which is a certification for food and textiles, showing a commitment to soil health, animal welfare, and farmer support.

What is Regenerative Farming?

Regenerative organic farming has several benefits for the soil, climate, and human welfare, and the Rodale Institute supports farmers in making the transition from conventional to regenerative farming. They provide technical guidance, support with business planning, and equipment stipends to farmers to make the transition easier. 

Regenerative farming uses methods like crop rotation (to ensure single nutrients from the soil aren’t depleted), cover crops (which prevents soil erosion by ensuring fields aren’t left barren), and conservation tillage (reduced tillage aiming for minimal disturbance to the soil) to protect the soil. Conventional industrial farming, on the other hand, continues to rely on fertilizers and pesticides that are often derived from fossil fuels.

Creating the Holdfast Collective To Fight the Climate Crisis

In a bold move in 2022, Patagonia announced that from that moment on, Earth would be its only shareholder, doubling down on the company’s already robust commitment to sustainability. With that announcement, it launched the Holdfast Collective, its nonprofit arm that is committed to fighting the climate crisis - including protecting wildlife restoration, forest preservation, and agricultural regeneration.

Since its launch in 2022, the Holdfast Collective has donated over $71 million to conservation efforts, and has contributed to approximately 70 conservation projects. This includes a $5.2 million grant to help preserve Alabama’s Mobile-Tensaw Delta, also known as “America’s Amazon”, removing a dam in the Vjosa River in Albania, and supporting a California state law that restricts oil and gas operations in residential neighborhoods.

$1 Million Donation to Rodale Institute’s Efforts towards Regenerative Farming

In its latest move, Patagonia (through the Holdfast Collective) has committed to donating $1 million to Rodale Institute’s efforts towards regenerative farming in Ventura County, California. While Holdfast has given grants to support sustainable agriculture in the past, this donation marks its greatest donation to date in this space, according to Greg Curtis, executive director of Holdfast Collective. “And it was pretty easy to make with Rodale,” he adds. 

Known for its expansive farmland, Ventura County is one of the largest agricultural regions in the state, with more than2,000 farms covering 260,000 acres. California produces a third of the country’s veggies and three quarters of its fruits and nuts, and Ventura County makes a significant contribution.

Unfortunately, the county is also known for its concentrated use of pesticides. These pesticides can pollute the soil, water, and air, and have been linked to various health concerns, including respiratory issues, developmental delays, and even cancer.

Which is why the Rodale Institute turned its attention to Ventura County. Rodale Institute’s efforts in Ventura County are supported by the $1 million from the Holdfast Collective, along with funds from the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Want to learn more about regenerative clothing and home brands? Check out this post here.

We’ve linked up all of Patagonia’s Regenerative clothing here!

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THE BEST SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES TO UGGS

UGG boots have undoubtedly been a fashion staple for cold weather for many years now. First worn by Australian surfers in the 1950s, these brown fur-lined, sheepskin boots became extremely popular in the early 2000s. 

Everyone from celebrities to stay-at-home moms had a pair, and UGGs were a must-have in our closets. While they were momentarily declared “over” in 2012, they quickly made a comeback as the brand introduced new styles. In 2023, everyone was crazy about UGG’s mini, below-the-ankle platform boots and embroidered Tasman slippers - and they haven’t gone out of style for winter 2024-25!

However, while we cannot deny that UGG boots are very cozy and comfortable, they are far from being the most sustainable and ethical shoes on the market. 

If you still want to choose cozy comfort and trendy style this year, make sure to get one of these seven sustainable alternatives to UGGs instead. Thanks to them, you will be able to say goodbye to chilly toes while making a better choice for the planet. 

ARE UGGS SUSTAINABLE AND ETHICAL? 

UGG has taken different steps over the years to reduce its environmental footprint. For instance, it has introduced sustainable materials in its collections such as upcycled wool, Tencel lyocell, or recycled polyester. 

However, there is a lot of room for improvement. Its shoes are still made with sheepskin and leather, which are some of the most unsustainable materials. The leather is artificially dyed and treated, so it may contain many harmful chemicals we should not be in contact with. 

Most UGG boots are also made in Asia, primarily in China and Vietnam, where there is little to no environmental regulation. 

Moreover, the company’s supply chain is not certified by any labor standards. So there is no evidence that workers are paid a fair living wage and that they are treated well and working in safe, healthy conditions. 

While UGG may not be the least eco-friendly and ethical footwear brand, it still has a long way to go to be considered sustainable. 

Thankfully, there are different brands we can shop from that are doing a lot better in terms of ethics and sustainability! 

WHAT MAKES A PAIR OF SHOES SUSTAINABLE AND ETHICAL?

A sustainable pair of shoes is made with eco-friendly materials and built to last for many years. It should be designed to withstand constant wear without wearing out in a few seasons. If possible, try to buy shoes that can be resoled and repaired, though these can be tricky to find. 

The brand producing them should also utilize sustainable manufacturing practices and implement different zero-waste initiatives such as energy- or water-saving techniques. It should also minimize its use of toxic chemicals and material waste. 

A sustainable footwear brand also makes its shoes with its workers’ well-being in mind. All the workers in the supply chain should be paid fair wages allowing them to live decently, and work in safe, humane conditions. 

The company should also be transparent about how its products are made and where. Ideally, it has received different third-party certifications such as B Corporation or OEKO-TEX Standard 100. 

Finally, make sure to stay away from fast fashion brands and cheap styles you can find on websites like Amazon. These brands provide very little information about how their products are produced, and their shoes are usually poorly made and not built to last. 

WHAT MATERIALS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

Most sustainable alternatives to UGGs are made with high-quality synthetic materials or sustainably sourced sheepskin. While these materials are not ideal in terms of sustainability, they are usually long-lasting, meaning that you will be able to wear the shoes for many years. 

However, different brands also make their boots with more eco-friendly materials such as corn “leather”, or recycled materials such as recycled PU, recycled wool, or recycled polyester. One company even crafts them using recycled mattresses! Finally, many of them also make their soles from natural rubber. 

OUR TOP PICKS FOR COMFY, SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES TO UGGS

1. Bearpaw

Materials: Rubber, Faux Suede, Faux Fur

Price range: $55-90

Bearpaw sells comfortable UGG-style boots, clogs, and slippers for women, men, kids, and toddlers.

If you are vegan, the brand has you (and your feet) covered with its collection of vegan boots made with faux suede uppers, and faux fur lining and footbeds.

Other Bearpaw’s boots, clogs, and slippers are made from high-quality, soft suede with a wool blend lining and a sheepskin footbed. They also have a lightweight blown rubber sole.

The brand coats its footwear using a non-toxic, PFOA-free rain and stain repellent specially formulated to provide an invisible barrier that protects against stains, spills, dirt, and water.

We also like that Bearpaw donated over 120,000 boots to Ukrainian families at the beginning of the war!

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2. EMU Australia 

Materials: Sheepskin, Merino Wool, Rubber, EVA

Price range: $130-200

EMU Australia creates quality UGG-like boots for each member of the family, including children and babies. It focuses on sustainable production using natural materials. 

It sells different styles of boots, from ankle boots to tall models, which are all either water-resistant or fully waterproof. You will be able to choose from different colors such as brown, black, gray, and even glossy gold.

If you have children, they will love all the fun styles, patterns, and colors available. Our favorites are in the Little Creatures collection, which features incredibly cute animal-inspired UGG-style boots lined with Australian merino wool! 

EMU Australia makes all its boots with double-face sheepskin to keep your feet warm and snug. We particularly recommend those from the Platinum Collection, since they are all handcrafted locally in Australia. 

The Platinum boots are made from Woolmark-accredited, Australian sheepskin and feature a removable sheepskin-lined insole, a dual-layered EVA midsole, a flexible outsole, and a reinforced heel cup.  

And if you are looking for a comfy, yet more feminine model, you should check out the Platinum Hi Lace boots. They are classic UGG-like tall boots with a cool side lace detail, allowing for a flexible fit and adding a fashionable touch. 

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3. Be Lenka 

Materials: Leather, Sheepskin, Wool, Recycled PU, Rubber

Price range: $189

Be Lenka is a sustainable Slovak brand that produces minimalist barefoot shoes and ergonomic baby carriers. Its Polaris collection for women consists of beautiful pairs of boots that are quite similar to UGGs. 

They are sold in the colors brown, gray, and black, and they feature a timeless, classy design.

Very versatile, you can wear them with practically anything, from a pair of jeans to athleisure wear! 

These boots are made from nubuck leather with sheepskin lining that has fantastic warmth-retaining and moisture-wicking properties. The insoles are produced from wool and recycled PU, and the boots have anti-slip, abrasion-resistant rubber soles designed to provide excellent grip and stability. 

Just like other barefoot shoes, they respect the natural anatomy of the foot and perfectly mimic walking barefoot. 

They feature a wide foot-shaped toe box and ultra-flexible, lightweight soles allowing the feet and nerve endings to be stimulated by the surface they walk on. They are also flat from heel to toe, which helps improve body posture and weight distribution.

Be Lenka handcrafts its Polaris boots in Portugal using locally sourced materials and focuses on sustainable, high-quality craftsmanship. The brand also regularly supports different charities through the Be Lenka Foundation.

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4. Zette Shoes 

Materials: Microfiber PU, Corn Leather, Faux Shearling, EVA 

Price range: $140

Zette Shoes is the in-house brand of the Australian vegan footwear boutique Vegan Style. This ethical, cruelty-free shoe line is consciously crafted in limited quantities with sustainable materials and combines timeless elegance with playful styles. With its Willow collection, it offers vegan UGG-style slipper boots that will keep your feet comfortable, warm, and cozy.

Three of them, sold in the colors black, beige, and silver, are handmade from suede-like microfiber PU produced in a CO2-free manufacturing environment. 

The microfiber PU is water-resistant, durable, and breathable, and molds to the shape of your feet over time. It is also Ecolabel and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, meaning that harmful chemicals are not released into the environment during the production process and that the boots are 100% non-toxic and healthy to wear. 

The company also has a fourth model whose upper is made from corn leather. This supple yet sturdy material is made in part from corn husks and vegetable oils. How cool?! 

Zette Shoes’ UGG-style boots also feature a faux shearling lining and a lightweight EVA outsole, and they are produced ethically in Brazil. To top it all off, the brand ships everything using recycled packaging and its team has fostered and helped rehome over 100 rescue cats!  

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5. Celtic & Co

Materials: Sheepskin, Rubber

Price range: $129-435

Celtic & Co. is a British family-owned clothing and footwear brand committed to slow fashion. It creates contemporary pieces using sustainable, natural materials and has been making quality sheepskin slippers and boots in Cornwall for over 30 years. It has a huge selection of UGG-style shoes for women, men, kids, and even babies! From classic shearling boots to water-resistant or knee-high models, they are available in many styles and colors. 

The boots are made to stand the test of time and crafted by hand using British shearling. The shearling is sourced as a by-product of the food industry, meaning that it is a waste product that would have otherwise been incinerated. 

Celtic & Co’s boots are finished with an Italian rubber sole, and they feature double-stitched seams for extra resilience and a reinforced heel back to help preserve the shape of the shoe. Not to mention that almost all of them are machine washable! 

The brand works with suppliers that are members of the Leather Working Group or Sedex, and it makes sure to avoid overproduction. It even offers a resole and repair service and regularly makes donations to nonprofits. 

Plus, it received many awards, including the King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category in 2023, which is the highest official award for British businesses! 

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6. PAWJ California

Materials: High-quality Synthetic Suede, Faux Fur, EVA

Price range: $130-170

PAWJ California is a family-run footwear brand based in California selling 100% vegan, cruelty-free boots, shoes, and slippers. 

It offers a wide range of UGG-style boots for women, from mini ankle boots to classic ones to tall models. Men can choose between a black pair of short boots and brown mini boots.

If you like platform shoes, you will be happy to learn that the brand has a few models in that style. PAWJ California also has a pair of clogs that are incredibly similar to UGG’s Tasman slippers!   

The boots are very soft and available in several neutral colors such as black, gray, and different shades of brown and beige. 

PAWJ California produces all its boots using high-quality synthetic suede and faux fur, making them entirely vegan and free of animal-based materials. Not to mention it is a PETA-approved brand.   

The boots feature an EVA sole and are designed with exceptional craftsmanship, comfort, and style in mind. With their reinforced heels and double nylon stitched seams, they are truly made to be long-lasting. 

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7. Call It Spring  

Materials: Recycled Mattresses, PVC-Free Materials, Faux Fur

Price range: $110

Call It Spring is a Canadian brand selling all kinds of shoes and bags for women and men. It offers a cute pair of chunky Jamielee booties that look like UGG boots.It is available in brown, black, and black covered with glittering sequins if you are looking for a more unique, fun look.

These stylish boots are incredibly cozy and feature a round toe box, lug soles, and faux fur lining. They are also waterproof thanks to their sealed seams that help prevent your feet from getting wet. 

As a PETA-approved brand, Call It Spring makes sure this style is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. It is made from PVC-free materials and has an insole produced from 30% post-consumer waste using recycled mattresses and cushions. The insole is designed to be comfortable, breathable, and durable, and does not compress over time.

The brand also ships its products using FSC-certified packaging printed with vegetable-based inks. Plus, it has partnered with the Give Back Box to provide you with a free shipping label so you can easily send your unwanted clothes and shoes to different charities.

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About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.

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The Best organic and sustainable underwear

In a world where fast fashion has become the norm, sustainable underwear is emerging as a beacon of hope for fashion lovers and environmentalists alike. With its focus on eco-friendly materials and production processes, sustainable underwear is revolutionizing the fashion industry.

Gone are the days when lingerie choices were limited to synthetic materials that harm the environment and our health. Today, brands are embracing sustainable alternatives like organic cotton & hemp, offering a guilt-free and comfortable option for conscious consumers.

But sustainability goes beyond just materials. It encompasses fair trade practices, ethical labor, and transparent supply chains. Sustainable underwear brands are committed to providing fair wages and safe working conditions for their employees, ensuring that the entire production process is socially responsible.

Choosing sustainable underwear isn't just a fashion statement; it's a small step towards a brighter and greener future. By supporting brands prioritizing the planet's health and its people, you're making a powerful contribution towards a sustainable revolution in the fashion industry. So why not let your underwear be a secret superhero in the fight against fast fashion? Choose sustainable underwear and be a part of the change today.

What is sustainable underwear?

Sustainable underwear, also known as eco-friendly or ethical underwear, is made using non-toxic materials and production processes with a lower environmental impact. These materials include organic cotton, Tencel, Ecovero, bamboo, hemp, and recycled fabrics. Sustainable underwear brands prioritize the use of natural fibers that are grown without the use of harmful pesticides and insecticides, reducing the environmental footprint.

Moreover, sustainable underwear brands prioritize fair trade practices and ensure their production processes are socially responsible. This means providing fair wages and safe working conditions for their employees, as well as maintaining transparent supply chains. By embracing sustainable principles, these brands are challenging the conventional practices of the fashion industry and paving the way for a greener future.

Searching for sustainable period underwear? Click here.

You can also find a list of underwear and socks dedicated to men here.

Learn more about sustainable fabrics here.

Benefits of sustainable underwear

Choosing sustainable underwear has numerous benefits, both for the environment and for consumers. Firstly, sustainable materials are often more comfortable to wear. Natural fibers like organic cotton and hemp are non-toxic, breathable, hypoallergenic, and gentle on the skin. They are also more durable and long-lasting compared to synthetic fabrics, ensuring a higher-quality product.

Furthermore, sustainable underwear is better for the environment. By using materials grown without harmful chemicals, the production process has a lower impact on soil and water quality. Additionally, sustainable underwear brands often prioritize energy-efficient and low-waste manufacturing processes, further reducing their carbon footprint.

How to choose sustainable underwear

When shopping for sustainable underwear, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, look for certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which ensure that the materials used are organic and/or free from harmful substances. These certifications ensure that the product meets specific environmental and social standards.

Additionally, research the brand's sustainability practices and values. Look for brands prioritizing transparency and providing information about their supply chains and production processes. Brands committed to fair trade practices and ethical labor will often highlight these aspects on their websites or product packaging. Luckily, we did a lot of this work for you when curating this post!

Brand Rating Guide:

❤︎ = we like ❤︎❤︎ = we really like ❤︎❤︎❤︎ = we LOVE

Click here to learn how we rate brands on Sustainably Chic

our top picks for Non-Toxic & comfy sustainable underwear:

1. Pact

❤︎❤︎❤︎

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $8-16

Today, Pact has a collection of sweaters, pants, tees, and more, but they began with underwear! Everything is made from certified GOTS organic cotton in Fair Trade-certified factories, dyed with non-toxic chemicals, and packaged in recycled and compostable materials. Plus, they have carbon offset shipping and a donation program to help circulate your used clothes when you’re finished with them.

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2. PAKA

❤︎❤︎❤︎

Materials: Tencel, Organic Cotton, Royal Alpaca

Price: $26

Founded in Peru, PAKA has created a natural, sustainable clothing line for those who love the outdoors. They believe using eco-friendly materials like their super soft Royal Alpaca that can connect consumers more to nature and sustainably support small communities. Their non-toxic, Oeko-Tex certified Alpaca underwear is extra light, soft, anti-microbial, odor-resistant, ventilates heat & regulates body temperature!

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3. Organic Basics

❤︎❤︎❤︎

Materials: Organic Cotton, Ecovero, Recycled Nylon

Price: $10-16

The place to go for all your essentials, Organic Basics makes underwear made from organic cotton & other sustainable fibers. Everything they design is built to last, meaning you won’t need to replace them as quickly as you might with other brands. They only work with certified factories who ensure their workers are paid a living wage and are able to work in a safe environment.

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4. Oddobody

❤︎❤︎❤︎

Materials: GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton

Price: $22-48

With 300 million people suffering from yeast & bacterial infections, vaginal health and doctors agree that 100% cotton is the best for your body. Not only are these underwear made with sustainable fabric, but the packaging is compostable and recyclable. Plus, you can even compost your undies at the end of their life!

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5. Boody

❤︎❤︎

Materials: Bamboo

Price: $12-40

If you are looking for ultra-softness! I don’t like to promote too much bamboo fabric, but theirs is made through a closed-loop system where water and solvents are continously recycled.

This brand believes change starts from the ground up. Their collections of women’s underwear is made from sustainably grown bamboo viscose that is easy on the planet, and your body.

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6. The Very Good Bra

❤︎❤︎❤︎

Materials: 100% Organic Cotton & Tencel

Price: $40-100

The Very Good Bra was created in 2018 by a breast cancer survivor frustrated at the lack of non-wired bras in natural fibers and proper, conventional bra sizes during her treatment. The brand also set out to be the world’s first circular economy bra, in this case, botanically circular. The bra contains no plastics, meaning no spandex, polyester, or nylon. All body fabric is 100% organic cotton or Lenzing Tencel, elastic is tree rubber knitted into organic cotton, and thread is 100% cellulose! How amazing is that?

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7. Girlfriend

❤︎❤︎❤︎

Materials: Silk, OEKO-TEX® certified RPET

Price: $18

One of our favorite size-inclusive brands, Girlfriend have six comfortable underwear styles that come in many colors.

You can also find matching bras for different coverage needs, and sizes range from XXS-6XL.

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8. Subset

❤︎❤︎❤︎

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $20

I have a few pair, and love these underwear! Their certified organic cotton undies are free from toxic chemicals so you and your vagina can breathe easy.

The certified organic cotton supply chain uses only Oeko-Tex certified dyes in processing - which means zero toxic chemicals in production - yay!

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9. Made Trade

❤︎❤︎❤︎

Materials: Organic Cotton, Tencel, Bamboo

Price: $13-38

As you may already know, Made Trade is home to hundreds of sustainable brands for the entire family and home. But you can also find sustainable underwear on Made Trade, too! Their underwear collection for women and men has some of the best eco-friendly underwear from top ethical and sustainable brands to help you feel confident and comfortable all day long, and they even have a section just for plus-size intimates.

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10. Wama Underwear

❤︎❤︎

Materials: Hemp, Organic Cotton

Price: $26

Because of hemp’s moisture wicking properties, these undies are breathable and comfortable.

Hemp is also resistant to mold and UV light, and retains color better than cotton.

& did you know hemp requires HALF the amount of water to grow?!

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11. ColieCo

❤︎❤︎❤︎

Materials: Tencel & Recycled Fibers

Price: $24-50

For more than a decade, ColieCo Lingerie has been producing ethically made to order lingerie, underwear and swimwear collections from a wide range of reclaimed, recycled and natural fibre fabrics. Reaching beyond the stereotypes, ColieCo is committed to demonstrating that sustainable slow fashion can be accessible, affordable and fun.

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12. JulieMay

❤︎

Materials: Organic Cotton & Silk

Price: $18-52

Made from certified Organic Pima Cotton and 100% Pure Silk, this is one of the softest collections of eco-friendly bras available! In addition to their briefs, JulieMay carries a wide variety of bra styles: supportive underwired, back support, sport, front fastening, and non-wired bralette. Plus, their designs are made for sensitive skins & certified Allergy Free UK. They also have a wide range of sizes, from 8-18 to 32B-40G.

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The future of sustainable fashion & Underwear

Sustainable underwear is just the beginning of a larger shift towards a more sustainable fashion industry. As consumers become more conscious of their purchasing decisions' environmental and social impact, the demand for sustainable options will continue to rise. The fashion industry as a whole needs to embrace sustainability and prioritize eco-friendly practices in order to create a brighter future for both people and the planet.

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Want more?  VISIT OUR
sustainable  brand directory!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

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