Organic Basics Review – Sustainable and Ethical Underwear Review
When it comes to sustainable fashion, secondhand fashion is always a better alternative than buying new. However, the idea of secondhand underwear or swimwear can be difficult to embrace. The next best option would be to consciously replace worn-out garments with new ones from small, ethical, and sustainable brands.
Organic Basics is one of the most credible sustainable fashion brands for sustainably and ethically produced underwear. The European company produces simple clothing, underwear, activewear, and swimwear.
I tested some of their underwear and here is my honest opinion of the brand.
Soft and cozy: This square-neck bralette hugs your body perfectly. Made from a sustainable viscose blend, this thick and stretchy fabric takes relaxation to a new level.
– Features a square neckline and low back.
– Thick underband with contrasting piping.
– Made from a slightly thick and stretchy fabric that hugs your body perfectly.
Oh, we love open backs! This elegant swimsuit features a scoop neck, adjustable straps for light support, and a low, open back for a subtly sexy touch.
The classic string bikini style you know and love, in a shimmering finish. Featuring triangle cups, adjustable tie straps, and plenty of room for cleavage at the front and sides. Size up or down for your desired coverage in our soft and elegant tie-front bikini top.
Sustainability:
The products are made from organic cotton, Tencel, and other recycled materials, selected based on their environmental footprint and durability. All textiles used are listed on the website to facilitate research.
Ethics:
Organic Basics works exclusively with trusted and certified factory partners who strive to reduce their ecological footprint and ensure ethical and respectful treatment of all textile workers. Each factory is listed on the website with information on certifications, working conditions, and employee benefits. You can learn more about each factory here.
Review:
The great thing about Organic Basics is that they offer sets, or clothing bundles. If you need to replace several items in your wardrobe, you can save money by buying a set.
Tencel Starter Pack Lite Bralette
I started with the Tencel Starter Pack, which includes one of their Tencel Lite bralettes and two of their Tencel Lite thongs.
Tencel Lite Bralette in Black & Dusty Pink
Definitely one of my absolute favorite bralettes. I have a small bust (34A), and bralettes are my favorite bra (if I wear them at all). This piece is lightweight and comfortable, and the Tencel fabric is very soft and breathable. I like that the elastic at the bottom is a bit thicker, and the cutouts are super cute, too. I loved it so much I bought the exact same bralette in dusty pink.
I’ve had this one for over a year and a half now and wear it maybe twice a week. As a result, the straps are slowly wearing out and loosening, often slipping off my shoulders. But that’s easily remedied for now by tightening them. I think I’ll have to cut them off and reseal them in the future.
Tencel Lite Thongs in Black
Okay, I have two pairs of these black Tencel Lite thongs in a set. I like them… except the back rides up a bit and digs into my butt. This thong is also made of Tencel, so it’s very smooth and soft, and the thicker elastic provides some contrast and support. The only downside is that it shows on my butt and is uncomfortable under form-fitting clothing. I usually wear it under flowy skirts or wide-legged pants.
Invisible Cheeky Thong in Rose Nude
This invisible cheeky thong in rose nude is the perfect underwear to wear under light-colored or sheer pants. It fits much better than a thong and lies flat against the body. It’s made from recycled nylon and spandex and is significantly smoother than the Tencel one. This might be too much information, but I have to say that for some reason, I’ve noticed an increased infection rate when wearing it. Perhaps it’s because the synthetic material is a little less breathable or traps more sweat, but I try to wear it for shorter periods and during the drier phases of my cycle.
Bottom line:
Organic Basics is a brand that goes to great lengths when it comes to ethics and sustainability, and I commend them for that. They have a men’s department, publish transparency reports, and their website is environmentally friendly. Therefore, this brand is at the top of my list of sustainable brands I like to buy.
My experience with the underwear, however, was rather mediocre, almost negative. However, since they offer many other models, I would definitely try them again in the future. I would also like to try their activewear and the newly launched swimwear line.