What are the Most Sustainable Fabrics for Underwear?
When we think about perfect underwear, most of us wish for something that can make us feel comfortable, confident, and seductive - while still adhering to our sustainability standards, as many people consider these more and more in their everyday lives. And so it is only natural that we are becoming increasingly conscious of what is in our underwear, by and how it is made.
An item that is so intimate to us should be manufactured with love and consideration for our bodies, but also for the workers, and the environment. When it comes to sustainable options, some of us choose non-toxic, organic materials while others may favour repurposed or recycled fabrics. Whatever the preference, it is important that we pay close attention and understand what we wear closest to our skin.
Here we list five materials that are sustainable and a suited well for making underwear:
1. TENCEL™
TENCEL™ is a registered trademark of Lenzing AG, an Austrian corporation. Lenzing AG's Lyocell and Modal fibres are marketed under the Austrian corporation's trademark.
Lyocell is a cellulose fibre made of eucalyptus trees but also includes other types of wood. It is manufactured by dissolving wood pulp and dried with a technique known as spinning.
2. Recycled Elastane
Elastane consists of nonrenewable fossil fuels that take millions of years to generate. Also often known as Lycra, is a stretchy polymer that allows clothes and trimmings to be form-fitting and give flexibility of movement. However, recycled elastane helps divert waste from going to landfills and so it's partially sustainable.
3. Recycled Polyester
Recycled polyester consists of recycled plastic bottles. It takes significantly fewer resources and produces far fewer CO2 emissions than fresh polyester fibres.
Furthermore, it does not absorb moisture, which suits best as an underwear fabric. It also consumes a lot less water in the production process than cotton, and it is recyclable.
4. ROICA Eco-Smart
ROICA is higher-end spandex with improved functionality that responds to a wide range of consumer demands. It is a premium stretch yarn with exceptional stretch and recovery.
Based on the Hohenstein Environmental Compatibility Certificate, this yarn is a pioneer in the eco-circular stretch, which end-of-life wisely breaks down without releasing dangerous components, becoming nutrients for a continued cycle.
5. Recycled Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic polymer that is commonly used to make sheer panelling and lace in lingerie, and it is sometimes combined with high count spandex for added flexibility. Nylon fibres, unlike other semi-synthetic or organic fibres, are completely synthetic.
Why is this important to us?
At So.Me, we truly hope that sustainable underwear manufactured from eco-friendly fabrics is the new trend - and we are here to support this new movement.
So.Me commonly uses the materials mentioned above, which are TENCEL™, recycled elastane, ROICA Eco-Smart, organic cotton, and recycled nylon.
We have an ever-growing collection of eco-friendly underwear made from sustainable fabric which you can check out on our Shop page. Don’t be shy and find out more about our Sustainability practises.
