One of the big trends in the business world right now is the shift towards sustainability. Companies are investing huge amounts of money to use fewer non-renewable resources, to make their products less environmentally harmful to take to market, and to make them more durable. One unlikely area that has successfully embraced the eco-friendly trend is the underwear business.
There are now more sustainable underwear options available for both men and women, and it only takes a little knowledge to be able to spot them. And this could really be somewhere worth putting in the effort to make more sustainable choices. Although underwear is not something people commonly give too much thought to, it is something that practically everyone buys many times during their life.
Here are some tips you can use to find underwear that is comfortable for you and friendly to the environment.
Choose sustainable materials
A good place to start assessing how sustainable undergarments are is with the materials they are made from. Ideally, they’ll be made from organic, natural materials. While in the past it was assumed that using the Earth’s resources was bad, research has since suggested that the man-made fibres that replaced them are worse, releasing microplastics into the environment when they are washed.
Hemp, cotton, and bamboo are all natural fibres that are very breathable and comfortable, making them great for undergarments. However, be sure to choose organic options when possible. These are grown without the use of harsh chemicals and pesticides, which makes them better for the environment and means that no residual chemicals are coming into contact with you either.
Go minimalist
You can also help make farming those natural fibres more efficient by choosing underwear styles that require less fabric to manufacture. This means that more garments can be produced per plant harvested, which is a definite environmental win. If you’re a guy, this could mean switching from baggy boxer shorts to trunks or briefs. Or, for those who are even more dedicated, there are mens thongs on sale online.
Favour quality and durability
Another way you can use less material is by not replacing your underwear as frequently. Obviously, these are items that you should replace fairly regularly for hygiene reasons, but you should try to avoid pairs that stretch, shrink, or tear easily, forcing you to replace them more often than is necessary.
As with any type of clothing, the material only tells you so much about how long a garment will last. What really matters when it comes to durability is the construction. Pay up for high-quality, finely stitched items rather than hastily manufactured ‘fast fashion’ ones. They’ll not only look and feel nicer, but they’ll last longer too.
Consider the care instructions
Items which require high washing temperatures and tumble drying use up more energy, so look for underwear that can be washed in cold water and air-dried.
Conclusion Sustainability is something that everybody should be considering when they purchase things today, and that includes our everyday necessities like underwear. It’s now easier than ever to choose sustainably, with many brands using natural fibres, avoiding harsh chemicals, and producing high-quality, lasting garments.
