nude & not

Taking care of your lingerie is essential to ensuring its longevity and maintaining its eco-friendly qualities. Caring for sustainable lingerie requires different techniques than traditional garments, as organic fibers and natural fabrics can be more delicate. With proper care, you can extend the lifespan of your lingerie and continue to enjoy its comfort and sustainability for years to come.

Start by washing your lingerie with a gentle detergent that is free from harsh chemicals. Harsh detergents can break down the fibers of natural fabrics, diminishing their softness and durability. Whenever possible, hand wash your sustainable lingerie, or use a delicate cycle in the washing machine to prevent wear and tear.

Avoid fabric softeners and bleach, as these products can damage the fibers and negatively impact the sustainability of the garment. Additionally, air-drying your lingerie is much gentler than machine drying, as heat can shrink or weaken the fabric. Hang your lingerie to dry in a shaded area to preserve its shape and integrity.

By properly caring for sustainable lingerie, you not only increase its lifespan but also ensure that it continues to contribute to your eco-conscious lifestyle.

The impact of fast fashion on lingerie is significant, as mass production of cheap garments often leads to poor quality and unsustainable practices. Fast fashion relies on low-cost, low-quality materials and exploitative labor practices to produce clothing quickly and cheaply, including intimate wear. This not only affects the environment through the use of toxic chemicals and waste but also results in garments that are designed for short-term use and quick disposal.

When it comes to lingerie, fast fashion’s emphasis on mass production means that environmental considerations are often neglected. Cheap fabrics like polyester, which is non-biodegradable, are frequently used in production, contributing to landfill waste. Additionally, the carbon footprint associated with the transportation of these products around the world adds to the global pollution problem.

Sustainable lingerie, on the other hand, uses organic, eco-friendly materials that are produced under fair labor conditions. By choosing sustainable options, consumers can reduce the harmful effects of fast fashion on the environment and help promote ethical production practices. Supporting brands that prioritize quality, longevity, and environmental responsibility can make a huge difference in reducing the carbon footprint of the fashion industry.

By making conscious choices, you can help lessen the impact of fast fashion on lingerie and encourage the growth of a more sustainable fashion industry.

When it comes to intimate wear, the fabric you choose can make a huge difference in both comfort and health. Natural vs synthetic lingerie fabrics is a common debate, and understanding the impact of each option is key. Synthetic fibers, such as polyester and nylon, are not breathable and are often treated with chemicals that can irritate the skin. They are also harmful to the environment, being derived from petrochemicals and contributing to microplastic pollution.

Unlike synthetic fabrics, natural fibers like organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp offer breathability and moisture-wicking properties that help keep your skin dry and comfortable. These fabrics allow air to circulate, preventing the buildup of sweat and reducing the risk of bacterial growth, irritation, or infections. For sensitive skin, natural fabrics provide a gentler, hypoallergenic option.

Choosing natural fabrics for lingerie also means you’re making a more sustainable choice. Natural fibers are biodegradable and require fewer resources to produce, making them less harmful to the environment. By avoiding synthetic materials, you contribute to reducing pollution and support a more sustainable fashion industry.

The benefits of natural fabrics go beyond comfort—they are healthier for your skin and the planet. Opting for natural fibers in intimate wear helps prevent discomfort and irritation, while also supporting eco-friendly practices.

When it comes to lingerie, comfort is essential, and choosing the right fabric is key. Organic cotton lingerie benefits include breathability, softness, and a lower environmental impact. Unlike conventional cotton, which is grown using harmful pesticides and chemicals, organic cotton is produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers, making it a healthier choice for both your skin and the environment.

One of the primary reasons organic cotton is ideal for lingerie is its breathability. The fabric allows air to circulate, preventing sweat and moisture buildup, which helps keep your skin fresh and dry. This is especially important for intimate wear, as it minimizes the risk of irritation, rashes, or infections caused by trapped moisture.

Additionally, organic cotton is naturally hypoallergenic, making it a great option for individuals with sensitive skin. Since the cotton is grown without harmful chemicals, there’s a significantly lower chance of exposure to allergens, offering a safer and more comfortable alternative to conventional fabrics.

Choosing organic cotton for your lingerie is not only better for your skin but also better for the planet. Organic cotton farming requires fewer resources and produces less carbon emissions than conventional farming, making it a more sustainable choice. By opting for organic cotton, you are supporting eco-friendly practices while ensuring that your intimate wear is comfortable and safe.

Every piece of clothing you wear, including lingerie, contributes to your overall carbon footprint. The carbon footprint of lingerie is often overlooked, but the production of fabrics and the manufacturing processes behind it can have significant environmental impacts. Synthetic fibers, like polyester and nylon, are petroleum-based and require large amounts of energy to produce, which contributes to pollution and the depletion of natural resources.

On the other hand, natural fabrics like organic cotton and bamboo have a smaller carbon footprint. Organic cotton, for example, is grown without harmful pesticides and fertilizers, and its production requires fewer resources than conventional cotton farming. When choosing lingerie made from sustainable materials, you are helping to reduce the carbon emissions associated with your wardrobe.

Furthermore, sustainable lingerie is often produced by brands that prioritize ethical manufacturing processes, such as using renewable energy and ensuring fair labor practices. By supporting these brands, you contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the fashion industry and promote more sustainable practices across the supply chain.

Reducing the carbon footprint of your lingerie choices is a small but impactful step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. By opting for eco-friendly fabrics, you’re making a conscious decision to support the planet and encourage more responsible production in the fashion industry.

Lingerie is worn close to the skin, making it essential to choose fabrics that are not only comfortable but also hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic lingerie fabrics made from natural materials like organic cotton and bamboo can offer significant health benefits for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. These fabrics are free from the chemicals, dyes, and plastics commonly found in synthetic fibers, making them a safer and gentler option.

Hypoallergenic fabrics are naturally breathable, which helps to reduce the buildup of moisture that can lead to irritation or infections. Natural fibers like organic cotton are also soft and gentle on the skin, preventing chafing and discomfort. Unlike synthetic materials, which can trap sweat and bacteria, hypoallergenic fabrics allow your skin to breathe and remain dry, contributing to overall skin health.

Choosing hypoallergenic lingerie also helps you avoid the risk of allergic reactions, which can be triggered by the chemicals used in conventional fabric production. Natural fibers are not only better for your skin but also offer a more sustainable alternative, as they are biodegradable and require fewer resources to produce.

Opting for hypoallergenic lingerie fabrics made from organic materials ensures that you are supporting your skin’s health while also making a more eco-conscious choice. These fabrics provide comfort, safety, and sustainability, making them the ideal option for sensitive skin.

When shopping for sustainable lingerie, it’s crucial to look for certifications that guarantee the product’s ethical and environmental standards. One of the most important certifications to look for is the GOTS-certified lingerie label. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) ensures that the fabrics used are made from organic fibers and produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way.

GOTS certification covers the entire production process, from the harvesting of raw materials to the final garment. It ensures that the fabric is grown without harmful pesticides and chemicals, and the manufacturing process follows strict environmental guidelines to minimize waste and reduce energy consumption. GOTS also guarantees fair labor practices, so consumers can be confident that their lingerie was made under ethical conditions.

For consumers, choosing GOTS-certified lingerie means supporting sustainable and ethical practices. These garments are free from harmful chemicals and are produced with a smaller environmental footprint compared to non-certified alternatives. The certification offers peace of mind that your purchase aligns with your values, both in terms of personal health and environmental responsibility.

By selecting GOTS-certified lingerie, you are contributing to the growth of a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry. This certification plays a vital role in ensuring that your intimate wear is not only comfortable and safe but also produced in a way that supports the planet.

Microplastics in clothing are a hidden pollutant, often released when synthetic fabrics are washed. These particles enter water systems, impacting aquatic life and even accumulating in our bodies.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that break off from synthetic fabrics during washing and find their way into waterways, impacting marine life and ecosystems. Clothing made from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and acrylic is a primary contributor to microplastic pollution. Each wash cycle can release hundreds of thousands of these particles, which are too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants.

The problem with microplastics is that they accumulate in marine organisms, moving up the food chain and even reaching humans. Studies have shown that microplastics can be found in various tissues, including in aquatic life and seafood. For sustainable fashion advocates, reducing microplastics in clothing choices is crucial to supporting environmental health.

Natural fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo offer alternatives that don’t shed harmful microplastics. By choosing biodegradable fabrics, we can take a step toward reducing our environmental impact. Opting for sustainable lingerie that is free from synthetic fibers is a choice that benefits both personal health and the planet.

Fast fashion’s rapid production often comes at the expense of environmental sustainability, largely through its reliance on plastic-based fabrics. Recent research highlights the extent of Fast Fashion’s Plastic Problem: “Synthetic fibers, which rely on fossil fuels, have seen a dramatic increase in usage, doubling from 2000 to 2020,” says a report by the Royal Society for Arts (RSA) in the UK. As much as 88% of items from some of the largest fast fashion brands, including ASOS, Boohoo, Missguided, and PrettyLittleThing, contain new, or ‘virgin,’ plastics.

The impact of synthetic materials like polyester extends beyond production. Originally derived from polyethylene terephthalate—a petrochemical from crude oil—polyester can release toxic compounds when exposed to heat and moisture. From laundry to daily wear, polyester’s off-gassing and microplastic shedding impact not only our bodies but also the ecosystems we rely on. As outlined by the CDP in their 2019 report, Interwoven Risks, “The washing of synthetic textiles is one of the primary sources of microplastics in the aquatic environment, which can damage aquatic ecosystems and accumulate in human tissues.”

Switching to Non-Plastic Fashion

Consumer choices can drive meaningful change in fashion by opting for sustainable alternatives and becoming more conscious of the materials we choose. Here are a few natural fabrics to consider:

Natural Fabrics:

• Organic Cotton: Grown without synthetic pesticides, organic cotton promotes soil health and uses less water than conventional cotton, helping reduce pollution and conserve resources.
• Hemp: Known for its low environmental impact, hemp requires minimal water and pesticides and enriches the soil. It’s durable, making it a long-lasting fabric choice.
• Linen: Linen, made from flax, needs fewer pesticides and water, is biodegradable, and offers a lower-impact alternative to cotton.
• Wool: Renewable and biodegradable, wool sourced from ethically treated sheep supports sustainability, though animal welfare should be considered.
• Silk: Naturally luxurious, silk is breathable and biodegradable, though its production can have ethical and environmental concerns. Options like peace silk offer a more sustainable approach.
• Jute: Commonly used in bags and accessories, jute is strong, biodegradable, and grown with minimal pesticide use.

Synthetic Fabrics:

• Polyester: As a petroleum-based fabric, polyester production requires significant energy and contributes to microplastic pollution during washing.
• Nylon: Another petroleum-derived fabric, nylon is non-biodegradable, energy-intensive, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Acrylic: Derived from petrochemicals, acrylic’s production is energy-heavy and releases VOCs, posing environmental hazards.
• Spandex (Elastane): While synthetic, minimal elastane use in cotton or hemp garments can enhance durability, supporting circular fashion principles.
• Rayon (Viscose): Made from chemically processed wood pulp, rayon can contribute to deforestation if not sustainably sourced.
• Polyurethane (PU) Leather: Although it’s an alternative to traditional leather, PU leather production has environmental impacts, albeit potentially lower than animal leather.
• Tencel (Lyocell): Produced from wood pulp like eucalyptus, Tencel’s patented manufacturing process has sparked debate over its environmental impact.

Choosing sustainable fabrics, whether natural or thoughtfully managed synthetics, allows consumers to support eco-friendly fashion and contribute to reducing plastic’s presence in clothing.

For decades, speed (and profit) has ruled the actions and operations of clothing brands. Producing and selling tons of garments, in as little time and as cheaply as possible being the sole objective. Aptly deemed “fast fashion”. The term“slow fashion” started gaining momentum around 2007. Kate Fletcher, a British journalist beautifully summarises slow fashion:

“Slow fashion is about choice, information, cultural diversity and identity. Yet, critically, it is also about balance.”

Slow fashion takes all aspects of production into consideration: from the making of the products, to the eventual distribution and, finally, the experience of the wearer. The ultimate goal is to encourage a more environmentally and socially conscious approach to fashion.

Here’s how (and why).

Plastic
From raw material to packaging, fast fashion favours plastic. An MIT study found that the average polyester shirt produces 5.5kg of CO2, the same emissions as driving 13 miles in a passenger car. In 2015, polyester production was responsible for 700 million tonnes of CO2, the equivalent of the annual carbon emissions of Germany. Slow fashion favours a movement towards zero plastic, encouraging natural fabrics, paper packaging, et cetera.

 

Chemicals
Over 2000 chemicals are used in order to dye textiles – including mercury, lead, formaldehyde and chlorine. Not even 1/10th of the 1600 used just in textile dyeing are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Slow fashion movement has a commitment towards minimising these chemicals across the supply chain through organic farming, plant based dyes, worker hygiene programs, et cetera.

 

Sweatshop(s)
On 24 April 2013, the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh collapsed. More than 1,100 people died and another 2,500 were injured, making it the fourth largest industrial disaster in history. Rana Plaza was a factory complex in Bangladesh, where more than 5,000 people worked making clothes for some of the biggest global fashion brands. The victims were mostly young women. And the tragedy was preventable.

It’s almost 8 years since The Rana Plaza tragedy, not much has changed. The vast socio-economic (and geographic) difference between garment workers and consumers has led to sinfully opaque supply chains. Supply chains that often depend on forced labour and inhumane work conditions. Slow fashion movement aims to create a transparency across this supply chain, aiming to improve working conditions for people who make our garments.

Consumption Chaos
Constantly bombarded by imagery of the next “in” style, accompanied by cheap man-made fabrics, fast fashion convinces consumers that clothes from the previous seasons are now passé, aggressively promoting an endless cycle of overconsumption. Slow fashion aims to rather encourage simpler, smaller wardrobes, timeless designs.

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Choose slow. Shop responsibly.