I read somewhere that the British wear their underwear the longest. Not that it doesn’t get washed between each time it’s put on, just that they don’t throw them away for brand-new ones as often as other nationalities.
In many ways, that’s a good thing; wear it until it’s worn out… make do and mend and all that. It’s been recommended that you throw away underwear after a year – I think that’s excessive and downright wasteful! So long as they’re washed properly – a hot cycle where possible and with the recommended amount of detergent – there should be a lot more life left in them than that.
When they’re actually coming to the end of their useful lifespan, consider replacing them with ethical underwear. They may be dearer than that bulk pack that costs a couple of quid for half a dozen, but a clear conscience is as important as clean bra & knickers.
There are a growing number of manufacturers and retailers that are putting sustainability, the environment and workers’ rights at the forefront of their business. We’ve picked three of them for this week’s Price Points feature.
As well as their green credentials, I also admire the fact that their models come in all shapes, sizes and complexions. And the photos aren’t airbrushed to remove cellulite, stretch marks and other ‘imperfections’. They’re ‘real’ women!
- Lara hipster briefs (sizes 6-16): £20 & Ava non-wired bra (sizes A-GG): £48, Lara Intimates
Every Lara Bra is made in London by our team of 7 sewing machinists. Our fabrics are deadstock, and we recycle 100% of our fabric waste.
- SilverTech™ Active Sports Bra and a pair of SilverTech™ Active Hipsters (sizes XS-XXL): £63.00, Organic Basics
…we put sustainable thinking at the center of everything – that means we only choose fabrics that care for our environment and we only ever partner with factories that care about their impact, too. When we say sustainability is our core mission we don’t mean that sustainability is nice to have – we mean that it’s the only way we act.
- The High-Rise Bikini (sizes XXS-XL): £11.00 & The Bralette (sizes XXS-XL): £24.00, Everlane
Exceptional quality. Ethical factories. Radical transparency.
We believe our customers have a right to know how much their clothes cost to make. We reveal the true costs behind all of our products – from materials to labor to transportation – then offer them to you, minus the traditional retail markup.
shop ethical underwear
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Prices & links correct at time of publication.
