The 5 Best Ethical Underwear Brands
It’s time to ditch the holey underwear with worn-out waistbands and invest in something new. If you’re interested in purchasing a product that will last and is good for the planet, a pair of ethical underwear is your best bet.
What is Ethical Underwear, Exactly?
When we talk about “ethical underwear,” we’re referring to products that are made with sustainable materials in factories that uphold fair labor practices. A traceable supply chain and active effort to give back to the planet are also good indicators that a brand is producing products you can trust.
Many cheap underwear options are made with scratchy synthetics that are as bad for the Earth as they are for your body. Ethical underwear, however, won’t sit in a landfill for centuries; it’s designed with natural materials and without harmful chemicals or dyes.
Top 5 Ethical Underwear Brands: How We Chose
As we hunted for the best ethical underwear brands on the market, we looked for the following criteria:
- Nontoxic and durable fabrics: If it harms your body or the planet, it’s not ethical. We looked for materials that are breathable, sturdy, and safe for everyone.
- Care instructions: Sustainability is great, but it’s important to be realistic, too. We looked for brands that design products that are easy to take care of for years to come.
- Brand history: The best ethical underwear brands go above and beyond using sustainable materials; they work hard to give back to their communities and support a better future.
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Tentree
| Certifications | Climate Neutral, Certified B Corporation |
| Materials | TENCEL lyocell, organic cotton |
| Size Inclusivity | XS to XXL |
| Price Range | $$ |
Count on Tentree for soft and ethically made underwear staples. The brand’s classic cuts, subtle colors, and breathable fabrics make it a great option for everyday underwear. Choose from briefs, bras, and thongs to find your perfect fit.
Highlights
No matter what you buy from Tentree, you’re choosing to support a brand that will give back in your name. For each purchase, Tentree plants ten trees (get it?) on your behalf. Plus, the brand’s underwear is sustainable through-and-through, made with ethically sourced materials in factories that maintain fair and safe working conditions.
Things to Consider
Tentree’s undergarments are designed to fit close to your skin. They have a medium stretch level, which should give you plenty of freedom to move as you please. However, if you don’t love a skin-tight fit, you might want to consider sizing up.
2. Pact
| Certifications | 100% Fair Trade, GOTS |
| Materials | Organic cotton |
| Size Inclusivity | XS to 3XL |
| Price Range | $ |
The beloved brand pact does it all when it comes to ethical underwear: Men’s and women’s styles are both available in a variety of cuts, hues, and patterns. Bundle and save on enough undies to last you all week, or shop for individual pairs that suit your fancy.
Highlights
Pact is a carbon-neutral company that partners with Fair Trade factories to create its products, which means the brand is committed to upholding safe working conditions. Transparent supply chains and an emphasis on community-building also help pact stand out as a great sustainable option.
Things to Consider
The thin and light cotton spun into these underwear is super breathable, but it can also wear down a little faster than other materials. Make sure you carefully follow maintenance instructions for your underwear to preserve them for as long as possible.
3. Boody
| Certifications | Not listed |
| Material | Viscose, bamboo, nylon |
| Size Inclusivity | XS to 3XL |
| Price Range | $ |
Boody is an obvious choice for ethically made and comfortable pieces, and their sustainable underwear fits right in. Most of Boody’s products are crafted with organically-grown bamboo viscose, which is a much more sustainable material than something like cotton.
Highlights
Bamboo is easy to grow, uses little water, and supports the environment – it’s an all-around win! Boody also offers a ton of styles and colors to make it easy to find something you’ll love. Additionally, the brand is a proud member of 1% for the Planet – that means 1% of every sale goes directly to certified environmental organizations.
Things to Consider
While it’s known for being breathable and ultra-durable, bamboo isn’t everyone’s favorite fabric. Plus, some styles blend other materials – like nylon – into their fabric and may not be as environmentally-friendly as pure bamboo underwear.
4. TomboyX
| Certifications | OEKO-TEX, Certified B Corporation |
| Materials | Certified cotton, spandex |
| Size Inclusivity | 3XS to 6XL |
| Price Range | $$ |
TomboyX is a woman-owned and minority-run clothing brand offering swimwear, activewear, classic apparel, and, our favorite, ethical underwear. People of all genders can find pieces that fit their bodies and styles in one place!
Highlights
If there’s one thing TomboyX is known for, it’s inclusivity. All underwear has been fit-tested on several body types, and with a size range of 3XS-6XL, there’s certainly something here for everyone. The underwear comes in all kinds of cuts, patterns, and colors, and the brand also sells matching bras for those who need them. Biodegradable packaging and a commitment to the highest sustainability standards are the icing on top of the cake!
Things to Consider
While we love the value and quality of TomboyX’s underwear, it’s not the cheapest option on our list. Most pairs go for around $20 each, which might not be ideal if you’re looking to stock up.
5. KENT
| Certifications | GOTS |
| Material | Organic pima cotton |
| Size Inclusivity | XS to 3XL |
| Price Range | $$ |
We love that KENT makes it simple to grab as many pairs of sustainably made underwear as you need for a fair price. Choose from single pairs, or opt for a multi-pack; they come in different quantities so that you can save no matter what you’re looking for.
Highlights
KENT only makes 100% compostable briefs that are packaged in compostable, recyclable materials. You’ll never find any pesticides or microplastics used to produce these cotton undies, which are lightweight and breathable enough for everyday use. KENT also only uses non-toxic natural dyes – there’s nothing artificial here.
Things to Consider
KENT’s underwear is also on the pricier side, but the ability to bundle and save is a huge plus. Buying a seven-pack, for instance, allows you to pay just $20 a pair, which is pretty reasonable considering the quality of the materials used.
How to Find Ethical Underwear for Your Needs
There are plenty of ethical underwear brands and products to choose from – so how do you go about finding the right fit for your needs? Ask yourself questions like these to narrow down your options.
- What materials are used? Choose a fabric or blend that makes sense for you. Cotton and bamboo are the most common.
- What kind of fit do I prefer? Do you want a hipster cut? A classic boyshort brief? A thong? Think about how you want your underwear to fit as you shop.
- How will I take care of the underwear? Check out the care instructions, if accessible, before you buy so that you’re ready to take care of your product the right way.
Good luck finding your perfect pair of ethical underwear! No matter what you choose, you can feel good about giving back to our planet (and to your body).
