This Plastic-Free July Let’s Talk About Your Undies and Why Your Lady Parts Deserve Better!

Let’s be real—most of us are out here drinking oat milk, avoiding parabens, and separating our recycling like pros. But have you ever stopped to think about what’s literally hugging your most intimate bits all day long? We talk a lot about cotton bras here, but your underwear is just as important!

Yep, we’re going there: underwear. And if you wear knickers made from synthetics like polyester, nylon, or even “just a little spandex,” you might be putting your health—and the planet—on the line without even realising it.

It’s time to ditch the plastic briefs and let your 🍑 breathe with soft, 100% natural fibre underwear. In our humble view, cotton or Tencel. Here’s why your privates deserve the VIP treatment.

Synthetic Underwear Equals A Chemical Cocktail by Your Crotch

That sounds dramatic, but it’s the truth. Synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, and spandex are made from petroleum (exactly, the same stuff as gasoline). Everyday underwear made from synthetics don’t breathe well, they trap heat and moisture, and worst of all—they’re loaded with nasty, harmful chemical finishes like phthalates, flame retardants, and dyes that can mess with your skin and your hormones.

Many recent studies have found that certain chemicals in synthetic fabrics, and in particular BPA, are linked to endocrine disruption—that means potential hormonal imbalances, and nobody has time for that. Your privates are a highly absorbent area—basically a sponge with feelings—so do her a favour and keep the chemicals out of the equation. There are options out there for soft underwear and basics made from cotton and Tencel, material that breathe and have no chemical footprint.

The Hidden Health Risks of Synthetic Underwear

You might not realise it, but those silky-smooth nylon or polyester undies could be doing your nether regions more harm than good. Synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, and spandex may look sleek, but they can trap heat and moisture, creating the perfect environment for irritation and discomfort. For some, these materials can even lead to skin rashes or infections—definitely not what you want from your underwear.

Beyond personal comfort, the production of synthetic underwear is tough on the environment, releasing harmful chemicals and micro-plastics into our air and water. Switching to sustainable materials like organic cotton or Tencel is a game-changer. These natural fibres are soft, breathable, and gentle on your skin, helping to keep you cool and comfortable all day long. By choosing underwear made from cotton or Tencel, you’re not only protecting your skin from irritation—you’re also making a positive impact on the planet.

There's a great blog here from our friends at Ecocult, about the damage plastic clothing can be doing to your skin.

ORGANIC COTTON: Soft, Breathable, and Grown Without the Nasty Stuff

Let’s talk about the good stuff: organic cotton. Organic cotton is grown without pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, or GMO seeds, which is good news for your body and the planet. It’s breathable, hypoallergenic, and oh-so-soft—basically your lady parts’ new BFF. Plus, organic cotton is lightweight for all-day comfort and is considered one of the softest materials available for underwear. Its longevity means your underwear will last through many wears and washes without losing comfort or shape.

Even better? Organic cotton farming supports healthier ecosystems, so while your 🍑 stays comfy, the planet gets a break too. Win-win.

But Wait! Not all “100% Organic Cotton” Underwear is Created Equal!

Ready for the plot twist? Most underwear labeled “100% organic cotton” isn’t actually 100% natural. Sneaky, right?

That soft organic cotton? Probably sewn with polyester thread. The waistband? Usually synthetic elastic. Elastane/Spandex is another common synthetic fibre blended into underwear fabrics—even those labeled as pure cotton—to provide stretch and durability. And that little “just 3% spandex” on the label? Still plastic. Even worse, in the U.S., brands don’t have to disclose an amount of spandex less than 5% of the total garment in underwear. So even if the label says “100% cotton,” you might still be getting surprise synthetics down below.

Basically, unless you’re reading the fine print or buying from brands who spill all their fabric tea, you’re probably not escaping the plastic party.

TENCEL: The Smooth Operator You Will Love

Want another superstar fabric? Meet TENCEL, a sustainable fibre made from wood pulp (usually eucalyptus). It’s grown in eco-managed forests, processed in a closed-loop system (i.e., no nasty waste), and it feels like wearing a cloud.

It’s a soft, breathable, and sustainable fabric option often used in eco-friendly underwear, which has outstanding eco-credentials, particularly the Tencel we use, created by Lenzing to re-use 99% of the chemicals and water used in it’s production.

TENCEL is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and even has antibacterial properties—which, let’s be honest, is exactly what you want in your underwear. TENCEL helps keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, making it comfortable to wear all year round. It’s smooth, kind to sensitive skin, and won’t suffocate your nether regions. 10/10 would recommend. Our small range of Tencel underwear includes Big Knickers as well as a 3 pack of everyday underwear in a simple style with no leg elastic.

5. Why Ditching Plastic Undies Matters—for Real

Look, it’s easy to think “it’s just underwear,” but even tiny choices matter. Here’s why:

• Plastic = air pollution. Yes, the manufacture of synthetics pollutes our atmosphere at the outset.

• Plastic = micro-plastics. Every wash releases tiny fibres into the water system.

• Plastic = destined for landfill. Your thong could outlive you. Not cute.

• Plastic = daily exposure to chemicals on your most delicate skin.

Natural fibre underwear is gentler on your skin, and way better for the planet, our underwear can be eaten in a worm farm in 8 weeks! Plus, you won’t be walking around with petroleum between your legs. Not an attractive thought hey? Choosing natural fibres supports greater sustainability, benefiting both your personal health and the environment. And it's COOL! On a hot day, no-one wants to be wrapped in plastic, right?

6. How to Find Actually Natural Underwear

If you want to go full goddess and give up synthetics completely (bless you), here’s what to look for:

• Thread & Elastic Matter – Seek brands that use cotton thread and natural rubber elastic. Choose a brand that is transparent about its materials and ethical production practices, and clearly communicates its commitment to sustainability.

• Check the Fine Print – Don’t settle for vague claims like “cotton-rich.” Demand transparency. 'Cotton Rich' mostly means cotton blended with plastic.

• Certifications – Look for GOTS-certified organic fabrics or OEKO-TEX®-approved materials.

• Minimal or No Spandex – Even 1% is still plastic - these undies will still shed micro-plastics and end up in landfill.

The Many Styles of Sustainable Underwear

Gone are the days when sustainable underwear meant sacrificing style for substance. Today, you’ll find a full range of eco-friendly options to suit every body and every mood. Love a high rise underwear for that flattering fit and extra coverage? Prefer a high cut leg opening to show off your legs? Or maybe you’re a fan of classic briefs—there’s a sustainable pair for you. We are constantly working on expanding our range and we have many more in the pipeline right now.

High Waist, High Comfort: The Rise of the Modern Granny Panty

Forget everything you thought you knew about granny panties—high-waisted underwear, since Bridget Jones, has been having a very long moment. With a high waist that hugs your midsection and offers full coverage, these briefs are the secret weapon for comfort and confidence. Made from organic cotton and Tencel in our case, high-waisted styles are soft, breathable, and perfect for everyday wear.

Busting the Biggest Myths About Eco Underwear

Let’s clear the air: sustainable underwear isn’t just for eco-warriors with deep pockets or model bodies. One of the biggest myths out there is that cotton or Tencel underwear are always pricey or uncomfortable. Not true! Brands committed to ethical manufacturing and natural fibres may cost a little more, because good materials do cost more, but increasingly you can find everyday underwear at a range of price points—without sacrificing comfort or style.

Another myth? That sustainable underwear only comes in boring basics or limited sizes. We make a range of skin tones, with pops of colour and pattern that match our bras, and flattering fits for every body. Ok, we admit we cant make stuff with eyelash lace, or in fact any lace at this point, but we are always trying! We make in 5 sizes to match our bra sizes, to ensure comfort and fit for those who need larger sizes, and a range of styles that celebrate your curves—whether you love to wear a high waist, or a classic brief. These undies are designed to support real women, real bodies, and real lives.

And let’s not forget: by choosing underwear made from organic cotton or Tencel, you’re not just doing your skin a favour—you’re supporting a healthier environment and fairer working conditions for the people who make your undies, from the yarn upwards. So go ahead, stock your drawer with sustainable styles and feel good about every pair you wear.

Let's Talk about The Very Good Underwear!

We are all about bras, we know, and that's why most of you visit, but we also make a range of soft briefs to offer flattering choices in your preferred coverage.

If you like high rise, we make Big Knickers and Very Big Knickers depending on how much coverage you prefer. These styles are designed to sit comfortably at the hips, providing a secure fit.

Our Regular Briefs are more like a bikini brief, again, great everyday underwear you can wear comfortably all day. We also make boy leg briefs in 3 packs.

We have a popular high-leg brief which will be returning this year in new colours. These briefs are constructed to prevent riding up during wear, ensuring all-day comfort. All this, plus we make in family owned and run factories with regular audits, ensuring ethical manufacturing seals the deal.

Why so few in stock?

I have to admit, we were so focussed on bras and we didn't sell so much underwear, that I have never really made enough! In 2025 thats changing, we are doubling our quantities of underwear so that you can always wear a pair to match your bras. No longer will you have to match synthetic briefs to your Very Good Bras. We are sorry, but we live and learn.

Our Materials

Body Fabric - As above, we make solely in 100% organic cotton, and Lenzing tencel. Absolutely no spandex, not even one tiny percent! Our materials are minimally process using organic and OekoTex dyes

Elastics - Made from natural tree rubber knitted into organic cotton. No nasties and 100% natural

Sewing thread - 100% cellulosic fibres only

Labels - pad printed into our garments using OekoTex inks

Packaging - wrapped in acid-free tissue paper with a compostable label and shipped in a compostable mailer

What Happens to Underwear When it Dies?

Well here's the thing, if it contains even 1% of spandex, or synthetic elastic or sewing thread, it isn't recyclable or compostable. It's only avenue is landfill, where it will sit in an anaerobic system for 200 years giving off methane gas. Essentially, once in landfill it behaves entirely like a synthetic garment.

What Happens to Very Good Bras and Underwear When They Die?

We're glad you asked! Worms will eat our bras and underwear in no time at all!

The Problem with VPL: Why Your Undies Might Be Outing You

Let’s be real: nothing ruins the vibe of your favourite leggings faster than visible panty lines. We’ve all done the awkward mirror check, twisting and turning to see if our underwear is making a surprise appearance. The culprit? Usually, it’s the wrong style or material.

Quality underwear designed with a flattering fit and your nether regions in mind can help you finally stop worrying about panty lines and start focusing on what really matters—feeling confident, comfy, and ready to take on the world. Thin fabrics help underwear remain invisible under clothing, without sacrificing comfort or support. Because your underwear should support you, not out you.

The Best Very Good Bra Underwear to suit your needs

Big Knickers and high leg briefs are game changers for coverage and support, helping to smooth your silhouette and keep those lines in check. Our everyday underwear made from soft, breathable organic cotton and Tencel aims to hug your curves without digging in or creating harsh seams that show through your clothes. These styles have been thoroughly tested for comfort, fit, and durability. For the most seamless option, our Very Good Briefs in Vintage Peach, and our 3 pack Black Tencel undies have no leg elastic, meaning they never dig in.

9. How to Show Your Undies Some Love (Care Tips for Lasting Comfort)

Want your underwear to stay soft, comfy, and looking cute wash after wash? It’s all about the TLC. First up: always wash your undies in cold water—hot water can shrink cotton, fade colours, and break down those sustainable materials you love. Hand wash is the gold standard (your undies will thank you) but really, who has the time?

Skip the harsh detergents which can irritate your skin and wear out the fabric faster. Home made detergents can also be too astringent for our delicate natural materials. Both of these break down our lovely natural elastic in double time! Instead, opt for a gentle, ideally fragrance-free soap. When it’s time to dry, air drying is your BFF—tossing your undies in the dryer can cause shrinkage and damage the elastic, cutting their lifespan short.

By caring for your undies the right way, you’ll keep them feeling soft against your skin and looking fresh for longer. Plus, high-quality, sustainable materials are made to last, so you’ll spend less time shopping and more time enjoying your favourite pairs. With proper care, your underwear will stay soft and comfy through dozens of washes. Treat your undies (and your body) right, and they’ll return the favour every day.

In Conclusion: Let Your Bits Breathe!

Your body deserves better than sweaty synthetics. Choosing underwear made from 100% natural fibres is one of the easiest ways to level up your health, respect your skin, and show some love to the planet.

Because honestly? If you’re out here saving the bees, avoiding micro-plastics, and caring about your cycle health—then you’ve got no business letting a polyester thong ruin the party.

So go forth. Shop smarter. Love your lady parts. And ditch the plastic panties for good.

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