It’s getting easier and more affordable to factor the environment into our buying decisions, from the foods we eat to the clothes we wear.
With no shortage of creative minds leading the charge, the fashion industry is in a unique position to find bold new ways of doing the same old things. And while there’s certainly plenty of room to improve, every effort helps forge a “cleaner, safer, more just and sustainable world that protects and supports all of us.”
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day this April 22, Bare Necessities is taking a closer look at the brands and collections we carry that prioritize the planet. These are some of the lines you can already support in good conscience—and good style.
Many of our top brands have been leading the eco charge for years now, including Commando, Cosabella, Hanro, Natori, Panache and Wacoal. Ditto the parent companies of Bali, Hanes, Maidenform, Playtex, Calvin Klein, Warner’s and Olga. (Hopefully, that should make you feel even better about what you put on in the morning!)
Among the latest developements to know about…
Chantelle: The French lingerie house has been making a huge push to greenify all aspects of their operations. They’re working with their suppliers to develop recyclable materials, like the new Fiber J Lycra-alternative that’s used in the new Prime Comfort T-Shirt Bra.
Chantelle is also aiming for a 40 percent reduction in energy consumption at their production sites by the end of 2030. They’re also recycling unused raw materials and donating unsold products. In terms of packaging, Chantelle has prioritized sustainable materials; by next year, the goal is to ensure that the majority of it is produced from recycled and/or recyclable materials. And this year, Chantelle is on track to reduce all packaging by 25 percent.
Quality counts for something these days, too: By designing pieces to last, a classic Chantelle bra is guaranteed to stay “as new,” even after 50 washes.
Select Fantasie swimwear: We think it’s safe to say that sustainable swimwear has never looked so good. Fantasie’s new Bonito collection is created out of recycled materials. Specifically, the cutely-named SEAQUAL is knit from yarns made out of plastic from fisherman, NGOs and ocean clean-up programs, removing ocean waste to gorgeous effect, as in this colorful, on-trend leopard print. And the Fantasie Manila collection is rendered in Q-NOVA nylon, which is made by regenerating Italian textile scraps without chemicals. That puts out 80 percent less carbon dioxide and uses 90 percent less water than conventional processes. That’s what we call making a splash.
Felina Organics: The organic, non-GMO cotton used in this line of innerwear is grown without using pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. What it does use: 80 percent rainwater! Felina Organics pieces are plant-dyed using Utopia Green, which imparts to the fabrics antibacterial and anti-allergenic properties. Because the colors are derived from materials like herbs, clay, tumeric and sorghum, the naturally-inspired palette is prettily muted, too.
And Felina’s Izar loungewear line is made from a blend of cotton and Cupro, a regenerated cellulose fabric that’s a byproduct of cotton waste—it uses the tiny, silky cotton fibers that stick out of the seed and are usually too small to use. Cupro is made by dissolving the tiny fibers in a chemical solution of copper and ammonium, similar to Tencel or Modal, in a closed-loop system—that is to say, the chemicals and waste water are processed and reused. It’s vegan, biodegradable, has a silky-smooth feel, and drapes luxuriously. And did we mention it’s machine washable?
Hanky Panky Organic Cotton Collection: Everybody’s favorite panties are now even more praiseworthy. One-hundred percent organically-grown, combed cotton jersey is made from Texas-grown cotton that’s been certified organic by the Texas Department of Agriculture. All lace trims are made in the USA with over 70 percent REPREVE recycled nylon, created from pre-consumer nylon waste diverted out of landfills. Every pound of REPREVE recycled nylon used in place of virgin nylon is the equivalent of conserving .6 gallons of gasoline. And of course they’re as comfortable and beautiful as any other conventionally-made pair.
Oroblu Eco Cotton Socks: Locally sourced, regenerated fibers come together in the first cotton socks to be entirely recycled. They’re soft and comfy stretch cotton with flat seams, and they’re the perfect height and hue for everyday wear, be it casual or kicked up a notch. So now you can go green from head to toe.
