Most sustainable lingerie is actually just basic undies and bralettes, but we’ve researched high and low to find you a curation of genuinely beautiful, sexy lingerie that’s made from lower impact materials with more responsible practices from small brands.
Why Do We Need Sustainable Lingerie?
It’s no secret that the brand that has dominated the lingerie market is problematic. Between a 2020 Times investigation uncovering Victoria’s Secret “entrenched culture of misogyny, bullying and harassment” to Hulu’s exposing Angels and Demons docuseries to their lack of supply chain environmental impact accountability.
But Victoria’s Secret isn’t alone. Many lingerie brands have their issues when it comes to perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards, relying on synthetic fossil fuel-derived materials like polyester, and lacking supply chain accountability.
While some relatively big name lingerie brands are centering inclusive marketing, we still have to ask questions like: what are their products made from and how are they made? who is making those bras and are they being paid fairly and working in safe conditions?
Because if a lingerie brand is claiming to empower women, they must also consider the women sewing their undergarments.
What Is Sustainable Lingerie?
So enough of the doom and gloom here! Let’s talk about what sustainable lingerie entails and what an ethical alternative to Victoria’s Secret might look like.
Because the fact is that there are a number of incredible eco-minded and ethical lingerie brands out there doing things better! While brands might not meet all of this criteria, these are some general aspects to keep in mind:
Eco-Conscious Materials
Most lingerie is made from polyester and nylon (synthetic plastic fibers). On the other hand, sustainable lingerie materials might include natural fabrics like organic cotton and Tencel or repurposed materials like deadstock fabrics and vintage trims.
Production Size
No matter how eco-conscious the material is, it’s still unsustainable if a brand is overproducing and wasting those garments! An eco-friendly lingerie brand would produce intentionally in small batches, use pre-order or made-to-order models, or have seasonless collections that they won’t toss as soon as the month is over.
Ethical Production
People are part of sustainability too. Look for brands with transparent and socially responsible production practices.
This could include owning their own factory/workshop, developing close relationships with their suppliers, using certified vetted factories, and importantly: paying those supplier factories enough money so that they can pay workers living wages.
Other Sustainability Practices
Some other ways an eco-friendly and ethical lingerie brand might prioritize sustainability include: using renewable energy to power their operations, using zero waste design practices, giving back to their community, and using eco-minded packaging.
Where To Find Sustainable and Ethical Lingerie
From elegant lace bras to bold bodysuits, these ethical and sustainable lingerie labels have it all — and they do it without keeping dirty secrets.
For more basic everyday bras and underwear, check out our Organic Underwear Brands Guide.
For sleepwear, take a look at our Sustainable Loungewear and Pajamas Guide.
This article features affiliates and partners. As always, we only feature brands that meet high standards for sustainability that we love — and that we think you’ll love too!
1. Araks
Araks is a conscious label with a stunning selection of intimates thoughtfully crafted in New York. From pastels to jewel tones, the sustainable lingerie brand has a lovely variety of hues to choose from.
As part of their efforts towards becoming zero waste, Araks selects intentional materials that are evergreen (meaning they can be used in many collections). And their sustainable bralettes, bras, and panties are made from materials like organic cotton, upcycled cotton, plant-dyed organic linen, and RECONYL.
Bralette Sizes: XXS – XL
Underwear Sizes: XXS – XXL
2. Maylyn & Co.
As a slow fashion brand, Maylyn & Co. crafts their timeless sustainable lingerie with intention.
The brand’s romantic slip dresses are made from plant-based Persian Lotus Silk
. In other words, the silky fabric is completely vegan and silkworm-free, made instead from Lotus fibers that are sourced from family farms in Persia.
Maylyn & Co.’s vegan lingerie and sleepwear is made in a small factory in Persia (which their team regularly visits) by makers who receive living wages, and have flexible working hours and lunch breaks.
Your eco-friendly lingerie from Maylyn & Co. is also shipped consciously in organic cotton and recycled packaging.
Sizes: M – XL
3. Juliemay
Designed for the ultimate all-day comfort, JulieMay’s feminine bras and briefs are synthetic free. Instead, most pieces are crafted from an all-natural blend of organic pima cotton and fairtrade mulberry peace silk.
The brand is accredited by AllergyUK to be safe for those with allergic reactions and skin sensitivities. (Elastane is a common irritant and is found in most undergarments.) The brand’s organic undergarments even feature a non-itchy soft tag!
Bra Sizes: 30B – 40G/42DD
Underwear Sizes: 8-18 UK
Use code CLS15 for 15% off!
4. Anekdot
Consciously handcrafted in Berlin by artisan sewers, Anekdot’s exquisite lingerie pieces and sets are soft, sophisticated, and come in confidence-boosting fits.
Anekdot uses many upcycled materials for their gorgeous pieces. They source surplus luxury fabrics from production leftovers, deadstock, off-cuts, and vintage materials.
Bra Sizes: XS – XL; AA – D cups
Underwear Sizes: XS – XL
5. Savara Intimates
Savara Intimate’s elegant bras (including a nursing bra!) are made from mindful materials like TENCEL, STANDARD 100 OEKO-TEX® certified cotton, and surplus lace that was leftover from large factories.
All of Savara Intimate’s sustainable lingerie is ethically made in a family atelier in Latvia and a factory in Romania, where women earn fair wages and work in safe conditions.
And for each bra sold, Savara donates €1 to Because We Carry, a nonprofit supporting refugee kids and moms.
Bra Sizes: S – XXL
Underwear (Slip) Sizes: S – XL
6. Aurore Lingerie
Celebrating the strength and independence as well as the femininity and sensuality of women, Aurore Lingerie designs elegant yet comfortable bras, bustiers, and thongs.
The conscious London-based lingerie label primarily uses deadstock lace, silk, and tule fabric (excess leftover stock) from Europe and Japan. Each piece is made by expert ateliers.
Bra Sizes: 32B – 38D (70B – 85D in cm)
Underwear Sizes: S – L
7. Underprotection
This Danish sustainable lingerie brand has bras, bodysuits, and briefs in neutral hues, full-on lace, and fun prints, depending on your preferred aesthetic.
The B-Corp Certified company sources from certified ethical and sustainable factories and uses eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, Tencel Lyocell, and Global Recycle Standard (GRS) certified recycled nylon lace.
Additionally, Underprotection works with vetted suppliers within Europe that have Fair Trade, WRAP, BSCI, and/or GOTS certifications.
Bra Sizes: 30A – 40E
Underwear Sizes: XS – XL
8. Torlowei
Torlowei is a Black woman-owned luxury lingerie brand with exceptionally designed bras, briefs, corsets, nightwear and more — most of which are made from natural fibers (they’re working towards finding replacements for the remaining 20%).
The brand sources from responsible suppliers that have sustainability initiatives and follow ethical production standards. And, by using only durable materials and offering repairs, Torlowei’s lingerie is designed to last.
Bra Sizes: 32B – 36E
Underwear Sizes: US2 – US16 / UK6 – UK20
9. Brook There
Proving that beautiful lingerie can still be breathable and comfortable, Brook There has super soft slip dresses, bralettes, and a variety of bottoms ethically made in Massachusetts from GOTS-certified organic cotton.
In their collection you’ll find pieces to suit your aesthetic, from delicate pastels and bold bright colors to a diverse set of neutrals and even undyed options. Brook There’s bralettes are the comfiest I own! And I love that they ship in minimal, recycled packaging too.
Bra Sizes: 32A – 38D
Underwear Sizes: XS-XL
Slip Dress Sizes: XS-XXL
The post 9 Best Ethical Lingerie Brands Not Keeping Any Secrets appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
Curating a conscious home is a thoughtful process involving much consideration — who made my products, how they were made, and what are they made from — and this guide aims to support you on your journey towards finding ethical and sustainable home decor you truly love.
What is Sustainable Home Decor?
Sustainable home decor includes any home decor that is made in a way that takes into consideration both the makers and the planet. Sustainable home decor will be ethically made using eco-friendly and natural materials. Eco-friendly decor will also be produced using sustainable supply chain practices. This includes using renewable energy and recycled or compostable packaging.
While there are numerous sustainable home decor brands, some of which are featured below, first consider what’s already been made in order to prevent contributing to new waste. Secondhand, used, or DIY home decor options are typically more sustainable than buying new.
What is Ethical and Fair Trade Home Decor?
Ethical and Fair Trade home decor is produced in a way that adheres to Fair Trade standards and is, ideally, Fair Trade Certified. Fair Trade means paying artisans and makers a fair, living wage and providing ethical working conditions. Ethical home decor also includes supporting goods made by artisans using traditional heritage techniques and art forms. Many cultures around the world are at risk of losing their age-old artisanal crafts forever in the age of mass manufacturing.
It’s important to note that sometimes a major brand may use an “eco” fiber while still supporting irresponsible labor practices, and excessive production amounts that inevitably lead to a lot of waste. This is not true sustainability in my mind!
Most artisan-made home decor is ethically produced and directly supports the makers. However, it’s important to check if a brand or marketplace is transparent about their business practices to ensure they are ethical or Fair Trade.
Where Can You Find Sustainable Home Decor?
In terms of environmental sustainability, looking secondhand and vintage is always a great first place to look for sustainable home decor.
But if you’ve scoured those options and haven’t found what you’re looking for and/or if you’re looking to financially support artisans and traditional crafts around the globe, this shopping guide is designed for you. You’ll discover many brands with artfully designed and artisan handmade goods for furnishing any space among this list of decor brands.
All of the brands in this guide use natural and/or recycled fibers and avoid the use of virgin synthetics like polyester; however, some brands do use materials that are not the most environmentally-friendly option on the market, such as conventional cotton.
And of course, I wanted to choose brands that followed slow, thoughtful production practices, prioritizing artisan handmade over factory labor and quality over quantity.
So without further ado, here are my favorite small-batch, artisan-made, and ethical home decor brands.
Note that this guide includes affiliate links — as always, we only curate brands vetted for sustainability that we love (and that we think you’ll love too).
1. Urban Natural
Categories: Accent Pillows, Tabletop, Lighting, Wall Art & Mirrors, Blankets & Throws
Eco-friendly home retailer Urban Natural is on a mission to curate high-quality furniture (and other home goods) built with quality and free of toxic chemicals. Urban Natural carries several sustainable home decor brands, including artisan brands Ethnicraft and Jaipur Living as well as ethically USA-made brands Farmhouse Pottery and East Fork.
2. GOODEE
Categories: Pillows, Lighting, Wall Decor, Planters, Baskets, Blankets, Candles
GOODEE is an ethical marketplace featuring numerous sustainable artisan brands and designers. You’ll find a variety of beautifully crafted home decor goods to suit a wide range of styles. Goodee is a Climate Neutral and B Corp Certified company. They publish an annual impact report so you can easily ensure their business practices align with your values.
Our favorite brands on Goodee are Texidors, Baba Tree, Makaua, and Tensira.
3. Healthier Homes
Categories: Rugs, Lighting, Tabletop, Baskets, Wall Decor & Wallpaper
Founded after years running an award-winning healthy home building firm and publishing a book by the same name (Healthier Homes) this retailer is a go-to online destination for finding non-toxic home goods. The eco-friendly home decor on Healthier Homes is primarily made with natural materials like clay, cotton, seagrass, mango wood, and bamboo,
4. Will & Atlas
Categories: Baskets, Tabletop
Will & Atlas is a women-owned small business making most of their homewares from plant materials like jute, palm leaf, and hogla grass. Their natural fiber baskets are flexile but sturdy built to hold blankets, pillows, laundry, magazines, toys, or just to stand alone as a decor piece. You’ll also find jute coasters and placemats in their tabletop collection.
The brand is committed to ethical practices, partnering with nonprofit fair trade artisan groups in Bangladesh and craftspeople in the U.S. to build long-lasting production relationships.
5. Ten Thousand Villages
Categories: Baskets, Pillows, Throws, Candles, Wall Art, Planters & Vases
Founded 80 years ago, Ten Thousand Villages is the original fair trade store. Throughout the decades, the nonprofit business has continued their commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, as well as sustainability.
As a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization, with artisans around the world from under-resourced communities. Most of the products they carry are made from recycled, upcycled, and natural materials.
6. MagicLinen
Categories: Curtains, Kitchen Linens
Linen is an exceptional material for home decor — there’s a reason we say “kitchen linens!” It’s natural, beautiful, and is often high quality.
I purchased a set of linen curtains from Magic Linen one year ago and they remain one of my favorite home decor pieces. The fabric they use meets the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, meaning its been tested for harmful substances.
7. Passion Lilie
Categories: Pillow Covers, Table Linens
Passion Lilie is a fair trade fashion and lifestyle brand with ethically made home decor, too. The Fair Trade Verified brand has handwoven cotton blankets, organic cotton kitchen linens, unique ornaments, and hand-dyed throw pillow covers.
Each piece is made by Passion Lilie’s partners in India who pay living wages and ensure a safe working environment. Beyond this, the brand supports efforts to enable artisans to continually develop their skills and creates opportunities for community development.
