I have been slowly swapping out my clothes for those made with more natural fibers this past year and that includes my undergarments! The best part is that I have found the best organic cotton underwear brands to share with you.
Most underwear is made with polyester, and I don’t know about you but wearing plastic as underwear just doesn’t sound right. I have found that in making this swap I have become a more conscious consumer all around and aware of what I’m buying and where I’m buying from.
If you have been on the hunt for underwear made with organic fabrics and of the highest quality, check out my favorite sustainable underwear brands below!
*Affiliate Disclosure: I do have affiliate links in this blog post. If you purchase something from my link, I will receive a small commission from the sale. This comes at no cost to you, but is paid by the company. I do not take becoming an affiliate with any company lightly. If I am, it’s because I believe in the company and their product.
What types of fabrics are best for underwear?
If you have ever looked at clothing, you know there are so many options for what type of material underwear can be made of. And, it is so much more than what material is the most comfortable. You also want to consider what is best for your health and even for the environment.
Synthetic materials used to make underwear include:
- Polyester: A type of microplastic derived from petroleum. Studies show that every time a piece of polyester clothing is washed, it sheds small pieces of plastic called microplastics.
- Nylon: A synthetic plastic material that is produced by the chemical reaction from compounds readily available from air, water, and coal or petroleum. First developed in the 1930s, the creation of nylon led to the creation of even more synthetics.
- Spandex: A synthetic polymer made up of 85% polyurethane. Polyurethane is a plastic material found in anything from mattresses, couches, insulation, liquid coatings and paints, and more.
- Lace: While lace used to be made more of natural fibers like silk and linen, it is now more often made from synthetic fibers. Although cotton is used too.
Natural fabrics are not only going to be a better choice environmentally speaking, but you will also notice they have a different feel to them. Natural fibers for underwear include:
- Cotton: A natural material that is soft, durable, breathable, and does not conduct electricity so static is not an issue.
- Silk: Silk fibers are created by the silkworm insect. It is a material that is highly breathable, very soft, and doesn’t pill. Silk has very little stretch to it and is the strongest natural textile in the world.
- Hemp: This is a textile that is made using fibers from the stalks of the Cannabis sativa plant. It offers breathability with some stretch.
- Bamboo: Very breathable, with a lot of stretch and moisture-wicking ability. It is prone to pilling however.
In comparing the synthetic materials to the more natural choices, I know what I would pick when given a choice! The softness, breathability, and eco-friendly materials make it a no-brainer for me to choose more natural fabrics when possible.
Related Content: Best Organic Cotton Pajamas
Is organic cotton the best for underwear?
My short answer is, yes, organic cotton is one of the best fabrics for underwear. Organic cotton underwear is especially best in comparison to synthetic materials. For starters, synthetic fabrics can cause irritation and make temperature control more difficult versus the breathability and softness of a natural material.
And did you know that conventional cotton is one of the world’s dirtiest crops because it is sprayed with so many harmful chemicals?!
Glyphosate is just one of many chemicals used on cotton crops and it is considered a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization. The scariest part is that this isn’t even the worst offender when it comes to chemicals used on cotton crops, but I do believe it is the most well-known by the general public.
Aldicarb is the world’s second-biggest selling cotton pesticide (with $112 million spent). Unfortunately, it is also one of the most toxic chemicals used in agriculture.
So when you see how many chemicals are being used on cotton crops plus how toxic some of these chemicals are…it makes you think twice about clothing in general but especially your undergarments.
To ensure the brand you are purchasing from is doing what they say they are doing, always look for third-party certifications. One of these certifications to look for is the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS):
“if a product has the label grade ‘organic’ it must contain a minimum of 95% certified organic fibres. Organic fibres are natural fibres grown without the use of synthetic pesticides (such as insecticides), or herbicides and GMOs (Genetic Modified Organisms) according to the principles of organic agriculture. Organic agriculture is a production process that sustains the health of ecosystems, soils and people.”
I will say that I think regular cotton underwear (or even underwear made from another natural fiber) are a better choice than those made with synthetic materials. So, if you feel like organic cotton underwear isn’t in the budget, even 100% cotton underwear is an improvement in my opinion.
The Best Organic Cotton Underwear Brands
If you are wanting to become a more conscious consumer like myself, check out my picks for the best organic underwear brands. Once you try out these organic basics, you won’t look back!
ODDOBODY
ODDOBODY is a women-owned and run small business based in NYC started by two moms who were always told by the older women in their lives that cotton underwear was THE gold standard for vaginal health. All of their underwear and loungewear are made of a fine weave 100% organic Pima cotton.
What I Love About ODDOBODY: I love that this organic underwear brand is completely made of organic cotton – nothing else! (they do have elastic around the waist band and the leg opening but that is covered in organic cotton fabric) It’s been hard to find a underwear brand that didn’t also have some other material in it. ODDOBODY really takes it to the next level. Their underwear are so soft and I love that they come in a variety of styles depending on what I’m in the mood for. I also don’t get a stark line from the ODDOBODY underwear either. So many brands have elastic that is so tight or thick that it shows through clothes- not my favorite. ODDOBODY doesn’t at all. The high waisted offer so much coverage and are so comfy- especially during that time of the month. I also love their thongs.
What Other Customers Are Saying: Overall I see positive reviews on their website on the various styles- far outweighing any critiques of the underwear. Many comments were made about how comfortable and breathable the ODDOBODY underwear are. It was also noted by many that they liked that the underwear were lightweight and soft with a fit that is flattering. If a customer had issues it was reported that ODDOBODY had helpful customer service. There was a comment made that they didn’t like that they had to hand wash their underwear. ODDOBODY responded saying that hand washing isn’t necessary. In corresponding with ODDOBODY I was told the following: “our undies are machine washable, but to keep them in their best shape—we recommend people hand wash in warm water, then lay flat to dry… like most delicates you throw in the dryer, this will increase the wear more dramatically over time than if you hang dry.” There was also a couple comments that the fit wasn’t quite right for the customer, along with the gusset rolling down.
Style Offerings: Brief, String Bikini, Tanga, Thong, Sleep Short, French Cut, High Waisted, Woven Boxer, Hipster
Size Range: XS-XXXL
Prices: $22-$48 depending on the style, but ordering 3 or more pairs will get you an automatic 15% off.
Shop ODDOBODY here!
Pact
Pact is a truly unique company when it comes to being an organic and sustainable clothing brand. Pact’s cotton basics are made for the whole family, from casual wear to even bed and bath items. From the look of the clothing to the mission of the brand there is literally so much to love.
What I Love About Pact: I love that Pact carries so many styles of organic underwear. From bikini bottoms, to thongs and briefs, to high-waisted. They have really thought of everything. They are at a great price point too. They just feel like a no-nonsense underwear that are great for everyday wear. I really liked their thongs, but I am a thong wearer. I liked their lace waist thong and their regular thong.
Related Content: Pact Organic Clothing Review
What Other Customers Are Saying: With almost 400 reviews, the Pact Women’s Lace-waist thong has been rated a 3.8 out of 5 stars. A few things that are being said are that the underwear are “soft, comfortable and pretty.” They also fit true to size. The one con I kept reading is that due to the lace these need to be hand washed and if put in the washer the lace can come undone. The Classic Cut Bikini, with over 1300 reviews, has been rated a 4.2 out of 5 stars. These are described in the reviews as comfortable and full coverage. Most are saying they fit true to size, but there are some that say they fit loose in the buttock area. You can find reviews on all of the styles of organic underwear right on PACT’s website!
Style Offerings: French Cut Bikini, Classic Cut Bikini, Lace Waist Brief, Boy Short, High Rise Hipster, Thong, Lace Waist Thong and Cheeky Hipster
Size Range: XS-XXL
Price: Start at $14 when bought individually. There are also 6-packs available that start at $48.
Shop Pact here!
Brook There
Brook There was created by Brook who wanted a minimalist lingerie line and realized there were other women just like herself who also wanted a more minimalist approach to lingerie. She measures real women and has trained sewers to create the lingerie. It’s such a thoughtful process overall.
What I Love About Brook There: The line is very soft overall. I was impressed with how smooth the underwear felt on the skin. I loved the high brief that hits just below the belly button. These were especially great for postpartum. The one drawback in my opinion is that they aren’t seamless. The edging on the underwear is a little thicker in my opinion so you can see underwear lines which I don’t love.
Related Content: Brook There: An Organic Cotton Lingerie Brand
What Other Customers Are Saying: No available reviews on their website.
Style Offerings: Bikini, Hipster, Thong, Boy Short
Size Range: XS-XXL
Price: Start at $28 when bought individually. 3 packs available that start at $68
Shop Brook There here!
Knickey
Knickey really thinks of the whole process when it comes to creating their items. From how they’re grown, to how they’re shipped plastic free from their headquarters – they truly do use sustainable practices. I love how they take you through the journey on their website under “Behind the Seams.” It really shows this company’s dedication to ethical production and fair wages to every person in their production process. Side note – I love that they offer maternity underwear too!
What I Love About Knickey: Knickey really creates an exceptional organic underwear. The biggest difference I’ve noticed with Knickey Underwear is that they have a really good fit. Their organic undies don’t feel tight around your waist or thighs. It’s forgiving, which makes them incredibly comfortable, but also great for not showing lines when wearing. They have a nice stretch and feel a little luxurious every time I put them on. I love their thong and their high rise brief.
What Other Customers Are Saying: The reviews are very positive overall. For one of their bestsellers, the high-rise brief there are over 1,754 reviews! The things I kept reading were how soft the fabric was and how the underwear didn’t dig into their skin at all. People also mentioned several times how they didn’t ride up and could hardly feel they were wearing anything. Others said how they loved the coverage and that they didn’t feel like granny panties. Everyone mentioned how they were true to size. The Low-Rise Bikini has over 804 reviews. People loved the cut and how soft they felt and said they wanted to replace all their underwear with Knickey. Many people mentioned how great the quality is overall.
Style Offerings: Low-rise thongs, mid-rise bikinis, low-rise bikinis, high-rise bikinis, mid-rise briefs, high-waist briefs, maternity.
Size Range: XXS-XXXL
Price: Start at $17 when bought individually. 6 packs are available for $97.
Shop Knickey here!
WAMA
These are the first underwear that I tried that was made of mostly hemp, but also organic cotton and spandex. WAMA wanted to use hemp since it’s anti-bacterial, and anti-odor. The material is very breathable and gets softer with each wash. Hemp is also organic and an eco-friendly choice for the planet.
What I Love About WAMA:I love that hemp is breathable, which is great for working out in. They are well made and love the thicker band at the top. It helps to hold them in place. They are a little heavier material overall, but I did find the more I washed them, the softer they got. They aren’t the ones I gravitate towards every day, but more for workouts or for just a lounge type of underwear.
What Other Customers Are Saying: There are a lot of positive reviews on WAMA underwear. I continually see customers remark how soft and breathable they are. Many also comment that although the fabric isn’t ‘thick’ per se, it is definitely made to last. Per the reviews, this also appears to be a great choice of underwear for those with sensitive skin as it caused no skin irritation. I do also see a variety of comments on the fit of the underwear not being quite right, whether it be the loose fit of the leg holes, that there is either too much or too little fabric to cover the buttock, etc. However, positive reviews far outweigh any of the negative reviews.
Style Offerings: Hipsters, Bikinis, Thongs, Boy Shorts, High Waisted
Size Range: XS-4XL
Price: Start at $24 when bought individually. 3, 6, and 10 packs are available starting at $69.
Shop WAMA here!
MATE the Label
MATE the Label started out as a conventional clothing line. However, in 2017 the founder, Kayti, felt pulled to create change in the world. As she learned more about sustainability, toxins that are involved in the clothing industry and even ethical production methods, she decided to pivot her business model. This has included removing synthetics from her line, using organic cotton and even dyes that were ‘low impact.’ And now, just a handful of years later, they continue to make the cleanest product possible from ‘seed to skin.’
What I Love About MATE the Label: If you’ve followed me for a bit then you know my infatuation for MATE The Label runs deep. Their organic clothing line is top notch and so I was excited to try some of their organic underwear! I’m happy to report my predictions were correct. They are just as comfortable and well made as their clothing. I tried their Organic Comfort High Waist Briefs. It feels breathable and slightly sucks everything in creating a smooth silhouette. So comfy working out or just running errands. The seam is not super thick or visible which I love as well.
Related Content: MATE the Label Review
What Other Customers Are Saying: There are some reviews on MATE’s organic underwear on their website. More are positive than not. There were lots of comments on the comfort being so good! Color was true to what was expected. Sizing had varying reviews. Some thought the fit was spot on, while others thought the fit was too big or too small. So if you think you may be between sizes, maybe check out the reviews to help you decide. Thankfully it looks like MATE’s customer service stepped in to resolve the issues for those that didn’t get the right size.
Style Offerings: High Waist Brief, Thong
Size Range: XS-3X
Price: $30-$32
Shop MATE the Label here!
Let me know if I missed your favorite organic underwear brand in the comments below!
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I wish pact had a style that has the elastic covered. Some of the pact underwear I have has not held up well, but the newer ones seem better quality.
Really, I have had mine for a year now and they’ve held up well. Maybe mine are the newer ones?
mine do not hold up either! I am searching low and high for a better quality with the same lace comfort.
Hi Maggie,
I love my lace ones from Pact. They have held up for over a year now.
All of the brands listed here seem to be mixed organic cotton and some sort of spandex. Not truly organic cotton brands, however they are still better for the environment.
Hi Sher,
Yes, I haven’t found a brand that’s truly made of just cotton. You have to have some spandex in there for support from what I’ve read.
I have two brands that don’t have spandex: Oddobody and Pansy.
The Oddobody are definitely softer. I haven’t had them super long so don’t know how they’ll hold up. It’s really lightweight organic pima cotton. The Pansy ones are thicker fabric. I’ve had them longer but not super long so not sure if they’ll stretch out over time. Comfort-wise, I prefer the Oddobody. There’s actually a third brand, We Are Kent, that’s 100% organic cotton that I bought but don’t wear because the size wasn’t right and the elastic was way too tight.
Hi Robyn,
Thanks for letting me know! I’ll have to try them out- appreciate you telling me!
I’m so disappointed with Pact. I got a rash from the bra and it definitely isn’t 100 percent organic cotton. it is stretchy. Oddly enough Victoria Secret bras I didn’t get a rash from yet a lawsuit was won because of a rash costumers endured.
Hi Valerie,
So sorry you experienced that. I haven’t had any issues with them. I do know they have a small percentage of spandex in them.
None of these underwear are 100% organic cotton. This was not hard to find out, all I had to do was look at the materials section on the products mentioned. I feel intentionally deceived, why are you posting affiliate links to products that aren’t even what you mention in this post? Please post some actual cotton underwear please!
Hi Mak,
I apologize I’m not trying to deceive anyone. There aren’t many options out there that are 100% cotton. I am testing out one brand now and I will be adding them to my review soon. Thanks for the feedback!