In an era of growing environmental consciousness, more consumers seek ways to incorporate sustainability into every facet of their lives. This extends to intimate apparel, where a new wave of ethical and eco-friendly brands is transforming the market with organic and sustainable bras.
These brands are leading the charge in terms of both environmental responsibility and comfort, proving that sustainability and style can indeed go hand-in-hand. This article will explore ten such brands that you can conveniently shop online. With these, embracing a sustainable lifestyle has never been easier or more comfortable.
There has been a significant shift in the fashion industry in recent years, with a growing emphasis on eco-conscious and ethical practices. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of fast fashion’s environmental impact and unethical practices, including excessive waste, pollution, and labor exploitation. This heightened consciousness has led to a surge in demand for environmentally friendly and ethically produced fashion, such as sustainable shoe brands.
Sustainable fashion, including organic and sustainable bras and shoes, is no longer a niche market but a mainstream necessity. Consumers actively seek brands that align with their values and are willing to pay a premium for quality, ethically made products. This trend also drives traditional fashion brands to reassess their supply chain practices and incorporate more sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing processes. The growing demand for eco-friendly and ethical fashion is not just a trend—it’s a movement towards a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
List Of 10 Organic and Sustainable Bra Brands
Here’s a list of 10 organic and sustainable bra brands:
Pact
Pact is an ethical and sustainable clothing brand committed to making everyday essentials using organic and eco-friendly materials. The brand creates comfortable, stylish, affordable, and sustainable bras. These bras are crafted from organic cotton, known for its breathability and softness.
For instance, the brand’s Go-To Bralette is a customer favorite due to its seamless design that ensures a perfect fit while offering ultimate comfort. Pact’s commitment to sustainable practices and ethical manufacturing is evident in its Fair Trade Certified factories and its overall dedication to transparency throughout its supply chain. Overall, Pact offers an impressive selection of sustainable bras that are comfortable and good for the planet.
Organic Basics
Organic Basics is a Copenhagen-based brand that’s built on the principles of sustainability and thoughtful design. The brand is centered around creating responsibly made, durable essentials that stand the test of time. This philosophy is reflected in their sustainable bras collection, combining innovative, eco-friendly materials such as recycled nylon with a minimalist aesthetic.
For instance, their SilverTech™ Active Sports Bra is treated with a safe, permanent, bluesign® approved recycled silver salt called Polygiene®. This technology keeps the fabric fresher for longer, reducing the need for washing and prolonging its life. Organic Basics is dedicated to transparency and discloses the environmental footprint of every product right on the product page. Their commitment to sustainability goes beyond just their products, as they also invest in renewable energy projects to offset their carbon emissions. This makes Organic Basics a brand and a choice for those seeking to impact the environment positively.
Boody
Boody is an Australian eco-wear brand known for creating timeless essentials from organically grown bamboo. Boody’s range of sustainable bras highlights the brand’s commitment to eco-friendly practices, material innovation, and comfort. Their bras are crafted from a unique blend of bamboo viscose, which offers superior breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and a luxuriously soft feel.
For instance, the brand’s Shaper Bra is renowned for its seam-free design, providing gentle support without the discomfort of wires or clasps. In addition to their innovative material use, Boody is committed to minimizing their environmental footprint at each stage of the production process. The brand uses a closed-loop system to convert raw bamboo into soft fabric, ensuring that 99.5% of the used water and solvents are recycled and reused. Boody is also a member of the 1% for the Planet, contributing a portion of each sale towards environmental causes. This dedication to sustainability and comfort makes Boody a standout choice for those seeking to invest in sustainable intimate wear.
Thought
Thought is a UK-based brand that integrates sustainability and ethical values into its operations. Committed to “slow fashion,” the brand crafts beautiful, durable pieces that resist the wear and tear of fleeting fashion trends. Among its wide range of eco-friendly products, Thought’s collection of sustainable bras stands out for their superior comfort and ethically sourced materials.
Thought’s bras are created from organic cotton and bamboo, ensuring a soft, breathable fit. For instance, the brand’s Organic Cotton Bralette features seamless construction and adjustable straps, offering tailored comfort to every wearer. Thought’s commitment to ethical manufacturing is demonstrated in its adherence to the principles of the Fair Wear Foundation, ensuring safe labor conditions and fair wages across its supply chain.
Moreover, Thought’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond its product line. The brand consciously reduces waste, employs water-saving production techniques, and uses recyclable and compostable packaging. Thought positions itself as a trailblazer in the sustainable fashion industry by providing transparency about its supply chain and introducing innovative, eco-friendly materials. This commitment to environmental responsibility and ethical practices makes Thought a top choice for those willing to embrace sustainable lifestyle choices.
Majamas
Majamas is a US-based brand deeply committed to sustainable and ethical fashion practices. They firmly believe in creating clothing that looks good and feels comfortable and respects the planet and the individuals who make their products. The brand’s sustainable bras showcase a commitment to organic fabrics, incorporating organic cotton and Modal – a bio-based fabric made from reconstituted cellulose from the beech tree.
For instance, the brand’s Earth Wrap Bralette beautifully exemplifies its eco-conscious design. It is crafted from organic cotton and spandex, offering a soft, breathable, and flexible fit that complements the body’s natural shape. Beyond organic and sustainable materials, Majamas is committed to ethical manufacturing practices. They ensure all their clothing, including bras, is made in the US to guarantee fair labor practices and reduce carbon emissions associated with overseas shipping. Majamas further their environmental commitment by printing labels on recycled fabric scraps, thereby minimizing waste. By choosing Majamas, you’re investing in a brand dedicated to making a positive environmental impact.
Woron
Woron is a Scandinavian brand that has carved out a niche in sustainable intimate wear. A significant aspect of their brand identity is their commitment to inclusivity. They believe in celebrating all body types and, to this end, offer a wide range of sizes. Their size guide is comprehensive, spanning from XS to XL, ensuring everyone can find a comfortable and suitable fit.
Comfort, too, is a non-negotiable for Woron. Their Soft-Bra, for example, is crafted from plant-based fabrics like Modal, known for its ultra-soft texture and breathable qualities. This choice of material, coupled with a design that eschews underwires and unnecessary padding, makes for a bra that provides comfort throughout the day while staying true to its sustainable ethos.
Inclusivity, diverse sizing options, and an unwavering focus on comfort, alongside their commitment to sustainability, make Woron a brand that caters to the conscious consumer looking for a holistic approach to sustainable intimate wear.
Anekdot
Anekdot is a Berlin-based brand that champions sustainability through resourceful innovation. Their distinctive approach to sustainable fashion involves upcycling surplus luxury materials that the fashion industry commonly wastes, turning these into unique pieces of intimate wear. Anekdot’s collection of sustainable bras showcases their commitment to this innovative approach. Each bra is unique, crafted from high-end materials rescued from factories, sourced from production leftovers, or obtained from deadstock fabrics, thereby reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
One of their standout pieces, the Upcycled Lace Bralette, exemplifies their approach to sustainable design. This bralette is created using surplus lace that would otherwise go to waste, offering a luxurious, comfortable fit while reflecting the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Anekdot’s production process is also something to be lauded. They ensure a sustainable and ethical supply chain by producing all pieces locally in Berlin and Poland, maintaining close relationships with their production partners, and providing fair working conditions.
Moreover, Anekdot is committed to transparency, providing detailed information about each product’s materials, production processes, and waste strategies. Their creative approach to utilizing excess luxury materials, commitment to sustainable production, and dedication to transparency make Anekdot an exciting brand for those searching for sustainable, luxurious, intimate wear.
Allbirds
Allbirds is an innovative brand with significant acclaim for its eco-friendly practices and commitment to sustainable fashion. Originally known for its environmentally friendly footwear, Allbirds has expanded its product line to include sustainable underwear, such as bras, where the same principles of conscious manufacturing are applied. Allbirds’ bras are designed to provide comfort and sustainability, crafted from natural materials like their signature Trino—a blend of soft merino wool and tree-derived materials.
Allbirds’ commitment to sustainability is reflected in their selection of materials, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and conserving natural resources. The brand’s sustainable approaches also extend to its manufacturing processes, practicing responsible sourcing and ensuring fair trade. Allbirds is a certified B Corporation, meaning they meet high ethical and environmental standards and take great care in selecting suppliers who share their commitment to these values.
In line with its overarching philosophy of transparency, Allbirds provides detailed information about its sourcing and manufacturing practices. They work with farmers who practice regenerative agriculture, replenishing the soil rather than depleting it. Allbirds also uses a Life Cycle Assessment tool to measure the environmental impact of their products, taking into account everything from raw materials sourcing to end-of-life. With Allbirds, consumers can wear their values, knowing they support a brand that prioritizes both planet and people.
Brook There
Brook There is a US-based brand committed to creating sustainable and ethically made lingerie. The brand’s philosophy centers around the belief that sustainability and luxury can coexist. This is reflected in their sustainable bras made from organic cotton and silk, designed to be comfortable, durable, and eco-friendly.
Brook There’s commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainability is evident in their production process. The brand focuses on local manufacturing, with all products made in the US, thereby reducing carbon emissions associated with overseas shipping. They also prioritize using organic materials, which require less water and fewer pesticides to produce than conventional materials, further lessening their environmental impact.
In addition, Brook There adopts a made-to-order approach to many of its items to avoid overproduction and reduce waste. This strategy ensures that each piece is manufactured with care and precision, resulting in high-quality items designed to last, promoting a more sustainable fashion consumption model.
In terms of packaging, Brook There uses minimal and recyclable materials, further emphasizing their commitment to reducing waste. The brand is transparent about its sustainability efforts and provides detailed information about its ethical manufacturing processes, allowing consumers to make informed choices. With its emphasis on sustainability, local production, and waste reduction, Brook There is a commendable choice for those seeking luxury and sustainability in their intimate wear.
Azura Bay
Azura Bay is a Canadian brand that curates a collection of lingerie, swimwear, and loungewear from ethical, eco-friendly, and socially conscious brands. Their selection of sustainable bras is a testament to their commitment to promoting ethical and environmentally friendly practices.
As a curator, Azura Bay prides itself on its transparency, providing detailed information about each brand’s sustainability initiatives, ethical manufacturing process, and the specific materials used. They make it a point to partner with brands that align with their values of eco-consciousness, ethical labor practices, and quality. This transparency also extends to their packaging, which is either recyclable, compostable, or made from post-consumer recycled materials.
In terms of environmentally-friendly practices, Azura Bay is continuously striving to minimize its environmental impact. Their commitment is evident in their support for carbon offset programs, clean water initiatives, and organizations that promote women’s empowerment. The brand also has a recycling program where customers can send in their old bras for recycling, further highlighting their dedication to reducing waste. Shopping at Azura Bay means supporting many ethical and sustainable brands, making it an excellent choice for those who want to take a more eco-friendly approach to their intimate wear.
Types Of Sustainable Bras
In addition to the brands mentioned above, various types of sustainable bras are available on the market. These include:
Organic Cotton Bra
An Organic Cotton Bra is made from cotton that has been grown using methods and materials with a low environmental impact. Organic cotton production sustains the health of soils, ecosystems, and people by using natural processes rather than artificial inputs. This type of bra is known for its breathability and softness, providing unmatched comfort for everyday wear.
The benefits of organic cotton are multifold. Organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), making it a healthier choice for your skin and body. It also consumes less water than conventional cotton and doesn’t involve synthetic fertilizers, preserving the ecosystem’s natural balance.
Furthermore, organic cotton farming practices often provide better livelihoods for farmers and their communities by following fair trade principles. This makes Organic Cotton Bra a sustainable choice for the environment and a more ethical one supporting fair practices.
Bamboo Fiber Bra
Bamboo Fiber Bras are another popular choice in the sustainable lingerie market. Bamboo, as a resource, is exceptionally sustainable due to its fast growth rate, low water requirements, and ability to regenerate without replanting. The transformation of bamboo into a soft, breathable fabric involves crushing the plant into a pulp before it is spun into fibers.
The resultant bamboo fabric is known for its softness, often likened to the feel of cashmere or silk. In addition to its luxurious texture, bamboo fabric possesses natural moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties. This makes Bamboo Fiber Bras comfortable and ideal for sensitive skin, offering an added layer of hygiene.
Moreover, these bras are highly breathable and thermo-regulating. They keep you cool in the heat and warm in the colder months, perfecting year-round wearability. It’s important to note, however, that transforming bamboo into fabric can sometimes involve chemicals, so it’s crucial to choose brands that ensure a safe and environmentally friendly manufacturing process.
In terms of ethical considerations, bamboo is often grown without the use of pesticides, and its cultivation contributes to reducing carbon dioxide levels, given that bamboo absorbs more carbon dioxide and releases more oxygen compared to other plants. Investing in a Bamboo Fiber Bra means contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly fashion industry.
Recycled Material Bra
Recycled material bras are an innovative and sustainable choice in intimate wear. These bras are crafted from recycled materials such as polyester, nylon, or plastic bottles, reincarnating waste into functional and fashionable items. The process involves collecting, cleaning, and transforming waste materials into reusable fibers, which are then woven into fabrics. This recycling process greatly reduces waste in landfills and oceans, conserves natural resources, and decreases the emissions produced while producing new materials.
Brands that utilize recycled materials often employ responsible manufacturing processes, ensuring that the transformation of waste into wearable fabrics is carried out in an environmentally friendly manner. In addition, these brands often emphasize transparency and fair trade practices, contributing to a more ethical fashion industry.
Recycled material bras are not only sustainable but also high-performing. The fabrics derived from recycled materials like nylon or polyester are durable, quick-drying, and maintain shape well, making them an excellent choice for active or swimwear. Meanwhile, recycled cotton or wool can be spun into comfortable, breathable fabrics for everyday wear.
It’s important to note that not all recycling processes are created equal. Some may involve harmful chemicals or result in a lower-quality product. Therefore, when opting for Recycled Material Bras, it is essential to choose brands that are transparent about their recycling process and committed to maintaining high standards of sustainability and quality. Despite these considerations, opting for bras made from recycled materials represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry.
Hemp Bra
Hemp bras represent a unique intersection of lingerie comfort, durability, and sustainability. Made from hemp fibers, these bras offer several distinctive features. Firstly, hemp is highly sustainable as a crop. It grows quickly, requires little water, and thrives without the need for harmful pesticides or fertilizers, making it a low-impact choice for the environment.
When transformed into fabric, hemp offers excellent durability, owing to the inherent strength of hemp fibers. This means that a hemp bra will not only last for a long time but will also hold its shape well, providing consistent support.
Furthermore, hemp fabric is known for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties. This makes a hemp bra extremely comfortable to wear, as it keeps the skin dry and prevents the buildup of sweat and bacteria. Hemp fabric is also naturally hypoallergenic, making hemp bras a preferred choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
In addition, hemp bras carry an earthy aesthetic, borrowing from the natural tones of the hemp fiber. This makes them a unique addition to any lingerie collection, imbuing a sense of connection to nature.
It’s important to note that while hemp fabric has many benefits, it can sometimes be less soft than cotton or bamboo. Many manufacturers blend hemp with other natural fibers to increase the softness and comfort of the final product. Despite this, hemp’s sustainability benefits and unique properties make it an excellent choice for those seeking eco-friendly alternatives in their intimate wear.
Remember to choose brands that promote ethical manufacturing and transparency to ensure your hemp bra is sustainable from farm to wardrobe.
Tencel or Lyocell Bra
Tencel or Lyocell bras are an increasingly popular choice in sustainable lingerie, combining comfort, performance, and environmental responsibility. Tencel and Lyocell are both forms of rayon made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, primarily from eucalyptus trees. The production process involves a ‘closed-loop’ system, wherein over 99% of the solvents and chemicals used are recycled and reused, significantly reducing waste and environmental impact.
Tencel and Lyocell fabrics are known for their softness, breathability, and durability. With a texture often compared to silk, they provide luxurious comfort while offering the strength required for daily wear. Additionally, they possess excellent moisture management properties, absorbing and releasing sweat into the atmosphere, making these bras exceptionally comfortable and beneficial for sensitive skin.
Moreover, the production of Tencel and Lyocell fabrics consumes less water and energy than conventional fabrics, underscoring their eco-friendly credentials. The eucalyptus trees used for pulp are fast-growing, don’t require pesticide usage, and can be grown on low-grade land, reducing the materials’ environmental footprint.
When opting for Tencel or Lyocell bras, it’s crucial to select transparent brands about their sourcing and manufacturing processes to ensure they align with sustainable and ethical practices. With their luxurious feel, performance properties, and environmental merits, Tencel or Lyocell bras offer an excellent sustainable choice for the modern, eco-conscious consumer.
Soy Fiber Bra
Soy fiber bras are an innovative and eco-conscious choice in the sustainable lingerie industry. Crafted from soybean fiber, a by-product of soy foods (like tofu and soy milk), these bras leverage a resource that would otherwise be wasted, making them an environmentally friendly option.
The production process of soy fibers includes a ‘closed-loop’ system, similar to Tencel and Lyocell, where solvents used in the process are recycled and reused, reducing water and air pollution.
Soy fiber fabric is known for its incredible softness, often compared to cashmere or silk, and provides a luxurious, comfortable feel. It is also breathable, moisture-absorbing, and light, making soy fiber bras comfortable to wear throughout the day. The fabric naturally possesses antibacterial properties, adding an extra layer of hygienic comfort to these bras.
From an environmental perspective, soybeans are a renewable resource, and their cultivation requires less water and fewer pesticides than traditional cotton. Additionally, because soy fiber is a by-product of the food industry, utilizing it for fabric reduces waste and optimizes resource use.
However, it’s crucial to be mindful of the source of the soybeans used. Opt for brands that ensure their soy is not genetically modified and responsibly sourced to minimize deforestation and biodiversity loss. When chosen carefully, a soy fiber bra can be a sustainable, comfortable, and luxurious addition to your lingerie collection, reflecting a commitment to the environment and personal wellness.
Bralettes from Eco-Friendly Brands
Here are some eco-conscious brands
Proclaim
Proclaim is an inclusive lingerie brand based in Los Angeles dedicated to sustainability and ethical practices. They offer a line of bras and bralettes made from Tencel and post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, ensuring their products are eco-friendly and comfortable. Their commitment to inclusivity is evident in their range of “nude” shades and their diverse representation in their marketing.
PACT
PACT is a brand that focuses on creating everyday essentials from organic cotton. Their bras and bralettes are comfortable and stylish and made in Fair Trade Certified factories, ensuring ethical practices throughout the production process.
Boody
Boody offers a range of bras made from organic bamboo. Their eco-friendly practices extend from their choice of sustainable materials to their packaging, all recycled and printed with vegetable-based inks. Their production process is also closed-loop, meaning they recycle and reuse water.
Underprotection
Underprotection is a Danish brand that creates bras from sustainable materials like recycled polyester, organic cotton, and Tencel. Their mission includes environmental responsibility and providing fair working conditions and wages for their staff.
Majamas Earth
Majamas Earth is a US-based brand that offers a line of bras made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics. They are committed to ethical manufacturing practices and ensure their garments are chemical-free.
Azura Bay
Azura Bay is a curated collection of comfortable and sustainable bras from various ethical brands. They offer a range of bras and bralettes made from organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled materials.
Naja
Naja is a brand that focuses on creating sustainable and inclusive lingerie. They have a line of bras made from recycled plastic and offer a recycling program for their customers. The brand also employs single mothers or female heads of households, providing them with above-market wages and health benefits.
Underwire Bras with Sustainable Components
Underwire bras, known for their superior support and shape, can also be part of the sustainable fashion movement by incorporating eco-friendly materials. One such material is organic cotton, a natural fiber cultivated without harmful pesticides and fertilizers, offering comfort and breathability. Another excellent sustainable fabric for underwire bras is recycled polyester, derived from post-consumer waste like plastic bottles, reducing landfill waste and resource consumption.
Bamboo fiber is also a popular choice, owing to its softness, breathability, and the fact that bamboo is a fast-growing, low-water crop. Similarly, hemp, a resilient and low-impact crop, can be used in underwire bras, offering durability and moisture-wicking properties. Tencel or Lyocell, made from sustainably sourced wood pulp through a closed-loop process, provides a luxurious feel and breathability to underwire bras.
Another innovative material includes soy fiber, a by-product of the soy food industry known for its incredible softness and comfort. It’s essential, however, to choose brands that adhere to sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices, ensuring that the underwire — the bra’s supportive component — is also made responsibly, using materials like recycled metal or plant-based plastic. By opting for underwire bras made from sustainable materials, consumers can enjoy the support they desire while contributing to environmental preservation and ethical fashion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the growing trend towards sustainability in fashion extends into the realm of lingerie, with numerous eco-friendly materials and innovative practices being employed to create bras that are as gentle on the environment as they are on the wearer. Bras made from recycled materials, hemp, Tencel or Lyocell, and soy fiber are notable for their sustainable production processes, material sourcing, and performance properties.
Moreover, the market offers a range of inclusive brands transparent about their manufacturing practices, ensuring their products are genuinely eco-friendly from seed to garment. These include Proclaim, PACT, Boody, Underprotection, Majamas Earth, Azura Bay, and Naja. Even supportive underwire bras can be produced sustainably by using eco-friendly materials. Making conscious choices, like opting for sustainable lingerie, significantly reduces your environmental impact, fosters ethical practices in the fashion industry, and promotes personal health and comfort.
