‘Where can I buy ethical women’s undies?’ is one of my most asked questions by Moral Fibres readers, so I thought I’d put together a roundup of some of the options out there today. Guys, don’t feel left out, I have written a men’s ethical underwear post just for you!
Please note this article was written in 2013, and is now out of date. I’m no longer updating it, but I do have a new post on women’s ethical underwear updated for 2021 that you should visit instead!
When buying clothing I would normally always suggest buying secondhand where possible. However, the thought of wearing secondhand undies makes me feel a little green (and NOT in the eco sense!). Therefore it’s one area where you have my full consent to buy brand new.
The ethical undies market sells more than just large, white granny pants as you might imagine. All of the ethical underwear featured here today is fun, modern, and sexy, as well as practical.
Women’s Ethical Undies
Ciel
Ciel sell the most beautiful Liberty print knickers, from £24. With a rigorous ethical policy you can be sure that your undies are as ethical as they come.
Saumarez
Saumarez make some really sexy underwear, which will challenge any preconceptions you may have of ethical underwear. This Mya bra (left, £10) is both sexy and sophisticated. Meanwhile, this Nicola bra (right, £40) is full-on fun. They also have some great knickers that are worth taking a look at.
2017 edit – Saumarez appear to have ceased trading.
Luva Huva
Luva Huva have a great collection of fun and modern everyday ethical knickers. A triple set of knickers is currently £28, including the bottom left pair. The purple Juliet knickers are £14 and the cute frilly ones are £16. They do sell bras but they don’t seem to come in different sizes according to your back size, which for some might be a sticking point.
Who Made Your Pants
Who Made Your Pants buy their fabric from lingerie companies at the end of the season – saving the fabric from landfill. All pants are made in the UK – in Southampton – where all the makers are women who have come from troubled backgrounds. They say that the first job new employees learn is how to make the pants. They then hope that all jobs within the business can be filled by the women as they gain skills. So, if someone is interested in marketing or finance, they”ll arrange training. I think this is a fantastic business ethos.
2016 edit: sadly Who Made Your Pants have stopped trading.
Thunderpants
Also worth mentioning are Thunderpants UK, who sell lovely big ethical undies. Thunderpants say their pants will not go up your bum, which we all appreciate in a pant!
Lorna Drew
And finally, for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers Lorna Drew nursing bras, available from around £29, are practical and ethical, and expand over three cup sizes to accommodate your changing shape, making them great value too.
2017 edit – Lorna Drew appear to have ceased trading.
If you’re a DD+ cup size like me (thanks pregnancy and breastfeeding) then I am afraid I don’t think there is such a thing an ethical plus size bra. Despite a lot of searching I have not found one yet. My best advice is therefore to spend as much money as you can afford on a well made comfortable bra, and get properly fitted for it by a professional to ensure the longevity of your purchase. I buy all of mine from Marks and Spencer* because I know they fit, are supportive and comfortable and last. In my youth I tried cheaper bras from Topshop and inevitably they barely lasted a few months. I also memorably bought one from Primark that lasted one wear as when I washed it the underwiring popped right out! The cost per wear on that one was through the roof!
What a great article! Now if only I could get some of these easily in New Zealand!
If I come across any New Zealand based ethical underwear makers then I’ll send them your way!
Oh this is an awesome share on your part. I love the idea of buying items from women trying to improve their lives, and given the chance to do so! x Tamara
It’s such a great business model – I’m keen to support them as much as possible!
Any news on finding bras in a DD+ cup that are ethically produced? Sorry I do keep coming back to look at this and hoping for an update! I’m hoping to do the year of pants from WMYP in 2015 to replace all my less ethical pants slowly and prettily.
Hi Siobhan, I’m afraid I’ve had no joy in finding DD+ cup ethical bras. I’ve been on the hunt for some time (I’m in that camp too) so have had to stick to M&S so far – if I do find some I will update here though! Fingers crossed!
Have you tried Fleur of England? They don’t sell on ethics exactly, but everything is manufactured in the UK or EU and use much more natural fibres than most. More expensive than most, too, and their size range can get quite narrow at the top end.
https://www.harlowandfox.com/ Someone suggested this shop. I haven’t checked what their ethical claims are based on, though.
How about Buttress & Snatch? Again, they don’t sell on ethics specifically, but they do make everything to order (so no waste) in their London workshops (so good employee welfare) and buy everything from UK suppliers too. I can’t comment on the quality of the products themselves as they’re a little out of my price range at the moment, but they do come in an amazing range of sizes: http://www.buttressandsnatch.co.uk/.
Neon Moon sell bras that are sweatshop free and fit a range of sizes!
Thanks for sharing – they look lovely for smaller busted ladies! As a bigger busted lady I know I definitely need some underwire – the hunt continues for the holy grail of bras for me!
Sadly Pants to Poverty are no more
Hello hello! Have you got any recommendations for just basics? For the sorts of pants I could wear on a day-to-day basis… preferably not on consecutive days :D I love fancy things but could do with investing in my staples first
Thunderpants UK are big basic cotton undies – no lace in sight!