When shopping for underwear, there are certain requirements that might not be considered when searching for other clothing. Comfort and breathability are big priorities. Brands making organic cotton undergarments offer a sustainable option that tick both these boxes. So who are the companies making organic cotton knickers for UK consumers?
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Why choose organic cotton underwear?
Aside from its sustainable advantages, (to learn more about these check out our article on all things organic cotton), organic cotton is a material that lends itself to making quality underwear.
Underwear is in close and prolonged contact with sensitive skin. As such, it is important that undergarments are free of irritants and traces of toxic chemicals.
As organic cotton, by its very definition, has not been exposed to the pesticides that plague the conventional cotton sector, there is less chance of lingering chemicals in these knickers. This is a point in favour of organic cotton lingerie, making them particularly valuable for those who suffer from allergic reactions and sensitive skin issues.
Cotton underwear is also breathable. Breathability not only makes you feel more fresh and comfortable but it can also help to reduce the risk of yeast infections. Underwear made from synthetic fibres, on the other hand can trap heat and moisture close to the skin.
UK organic cotton knickers
So, where can you find yourself some comfy organic cotton, sustainable underwear? We take a look at some of the top brands.
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Top picks
1. Thought
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Sustainability creds: Member of Ethical Trading Initiative, Traid Recycling Program, GOTS certified, recycled fabrics
Knickers from: £9.95
Thought has crafted organic cotton underwear styles that are reliable and comfortable everyday basics. The brand has funky patterned styles and more minimalistic designs for both men and women.
Thought takes a conscious approach to sustainable production. It implements a good selection of sustainable materials and has made strong commitments to ensuring animal welfare.
They offer free delivery on orders over £49.
2. People Tree
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Turkey, Portugal, Italy, Nepal, Kenya, India, Bangladesh
Sustainability creds: Vegan, Fairtrade, Soil Association Organic, GOTS
Knickers from: £11
Embracing neutral tones, People Tree’s organic cotton underwear is vegan and holds GOTS certification. The brand’s styles have a simplified design with a feminine lace trim to provide ultimate comfort no matter what the day holds.
Veterans in sustainable fashion, People Tree advocates for a fairer and greener fashion industry. The brand champions sustainable materials and works to ensure that all aspects of supply chains are safe and fair for workers.
Free UK delivery over £50.
3. Knickey
Based: USA Ships to: International
Made in: India
Sustainability creds: Climate Neutral certified, recycling program, GOTS certified suppliers, Fairtrade suppliers
Knickers from: £17
With a range of styles, including briefs, high waist knickers, thongs, and maternity styles, Knickey has underwear for every taste. The brand has both monochromatic colour palettes and underwear sporting vibrant hues. The brand has comprehensive size guides to ensure you get the perfect fit.
As well as using sustainable materials, Knickey hosts an innovative recycling program to give used underwear a sustainable end.
4. Organic Basics
Based: Denmark Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Portugal, Austria, Turkey, Italy, United Kingdom
Sustainability creds: PeTA Vegan Approved styles, use of sustainable materials, B-Corp certified, GRS certified, GOTS certified, 1% for the Planet
Knickers from: £35 for a two-pack
Ethically made and PeTA Approved, ethical underwear from Organic Basics comes in earthy tones and incorporates comfortable features such as flat lock stitching. With simple designs, Organic Basics is proving that sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated.
Organic Basics offsets emissions, and as the name may suggest, champions organic materials. The brand also works with certified factories to ensure that products are made ethically.
Free UK shipping over £90.
5. Julie May
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Sustainability creds: Allergy UK accredited, partnered with Greenspark, GOTS certified, recyclable packaging, peace silk
Knickers from: £23.50
Combining comfort, sustainability and elegant design principles, Julie May is making sustainable lingerie with a luxurious element. The brand’s styles are sweet and feminine, crafted primarily from silk and organic cotton.
Making organic cotton knickers, this UK brand works to make underwear that is good for wearers and the environment and has certifications to back up these claims. The label has also supported UN sustainable projects.
6. Honest Basics
Based: Germany Ships to: Europe and US (currently not shipping to the UK)
Made in: Bangladesh, India
Sustainability creds: GOTS certified, vegan, low waste packaging, climate-neutral shipping
Knickers from: £24
Made from 95% organic cotton, underwear from Honest Basics is a sustainable option. Uncomplicated in their designs, these underwear are reliable and comfortable. Taking a transparent approach, the company even provides a price breakdown so you can see exactly how much these comfortable underwear cost to produce.
Honest Basic’s products are vegan, GOTS certified and the company supports a transparent attitude. Even the shipping is climate neutral.
7. Saint Basics
Based: Netherlands Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Portugal
Sustainability creds: Use of GOTS-certified fabric, use of renewable energy in supply chain, Bluesign certifications, Oeko-Tex certifications, Fair trade
Knickers from: €29
Saint Basics creates underwear that blends fun colours with practical designs. The label has everyday underwear and period underwear styles. While the label uses innovative sustainable materials across its ranges, it is only the St. Beatrice Period Panties that specifically use organic cotton.
Saint Basics uses sustainable materials including organic cotton and eucalyptus derived materials sourced from FSC managed forests. The label has certifications to support its claims and is transparent about where products are made.
Score a 10% discount with the code goodmakertales on organic underwear.
8. Yes Friends
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Asia
Sustainability creds: Fairtrade, renewable energy powered factory, use of organic and recycled materials, sustainable packaging, Fair Wear Foundation
Knickers from: £12.99 (3 pack)
Coming in monochromatic shades, organic cotton underwear from Yes Friends is the simple, comfortable and reliable everyday basic we all deserve. Sporting a low rise bikini cut, these underwear are competitively priced while the use of organic cotton makes them soft against sensitive skin.
Yes Friends takes a comprehensive approach to sustainable production. It uses Fairtrade materials and solar powered factories. Its use of organic cotton and recycled materials throughout its ranges demonstrates a commitment to eco-friendly production.
Organic and eco-friendly
Finding comfortable and sustainable underwear options is becoming an easier task with the selection of organic cotton knickers that sustainable brands are creating. From flirty ethical lingerie to organic everyday basics, these brands are proving that organic cotton is one of the best fabric choices for the styles in your underwear drawer.
For more sustainable underwear brands see our article with 31 brands for every price point. And if you want to recycle your underwear we have you covered too!
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