What is Sustainable Underwear?
Currently there is a growing emphasis on sustainable fashion, with consumers increasingly searching for environmentally friendly and ethically produced clothing. Sustainable fashion has emerged as a transformative movement. It goes beyond just trends and aesthetics, including ethical production, conscious consumption, and innovative practices that aim to minimize harm to people and the planet. One particular category that has gained attention in this movement is sustainable underwear.
Underwear is something that is commonly worn by a significant number of people worldwide on a daily basis, encompassing diverse cultures and regions and thus is an essential part of our daily routine and an intimate garment that directly touches our skin. But what exactly is sustainable underwear?
We want to share more about the key elements that define sustainable underwear and explore why it matters for both the planet and our well-being.
It is important to note that the term 'sustainable' has gained a lot of traction in recent years as a buzzword associated with environmental consciousness and responsible practices. However, ‘sustainable’ is a word that is quickly becoming ambiguous, and lacks universally accepted standards or definitions. The growing popularity of this term has also led to its misuse, dilution, and greenwashing. For the purpose of this blog we will discuss sustainability in the framework of how it relates to our practices and ethos specifically at TIZZ & TONIC.
Material Selection & Chemical-Free Production
At the core of sustainable underwear production is the careful choice of materials. Sustainable brands like ours opt for organic, or regenerated fibers such as organic cotton, modal, or hemp, which have a lower impact on the environment compared to conventional materials. These fibers are often grown without the use of harmful pesticides, require less water, and are biodegradable or recyclable. Check out our cotton blog here and our modal blog here.
Along with choosing good materials, clean production processes that minimize the use of chemicals and toxins are also prioritized. They adhere to strict environmental standards, ensuring that dyes, finishes, and treatments used in the manufacturing process are eco-friendly and safe for both the maker, the wearer and the planet. This focus on chemical-free production reduces harm to the environment and promotes healthier choices for our bodies.
Ethical & Low Impact Manufacturing
Sustainability goes beyond materials and chemicals—it also encompasses ethical manufacturing practices. This includes prioritizing fair labor conditions, ensuring that the workers involved in the production process are paid fair wages, and work in safe environments. In our case, we collaborate with factories and suppliers that adhere to recognized ethical standards and certifications. Although we ourselves are not certified (as at this time it is too costly for a small brand), it is important to us that our suppliers carry some reputable certifications.
As future oriented entrepreneurs and makers of our own products we know that a lot can go into the production side of things in order to minimize or reduce the negative environmental and social effects associated with the manufacturing process. This is low impact production. It focuses on implementing strategies and practices that conserve resources, reduce waste generation, and minimize unneeded materials throughout the entire manufacturing lifecycle. This is something we take very seriously and has been a part of our business ideology since the beginning.
Eco Design: Longevity & Durability
A key aspect of sustainable fashion is to create garments that stand the test of time. Sustainable brands usually design their products with durability in mind, using high-quality materials and employing expert craftsmanship. This is also known as 'eco design'.
Eco design is an approach to design that incorporates environmental considerations and principles of sustainability. It involves creating products, and systems that minimize negative impacts on the environment throughout their entire lifecycle. Eco design focuses on integrating ecological thinking into the design process, with the aim to reduce the frequency of replacements, minimizing waste and resource consumption. This design mindset can help designers and manufacturers play a vital role in promoting sustainable practices and responsible consumption.
Recycled & Compostable Packaging
Brands that make sustainable products extend their commitment to sustainability by considering packaging practices. Like us, we think it is important for eco-friendly brands to opt for eco-friendly packaging materials, such as recycled paper or biodegradable alternatives, and minimize excessive packaging. Read more about our packaging here.
So to wrap it all up in a nice (sustainable) package, we think that sustainable underwear and garments integrate a holistic approach to ethical and environmentally responsible practices. From the selection of materials to the manufacturing process, and even packaging considerations, we strive to make a positive impact.
By choosing sustainable underwear, you can support brands that prioritize the well-being of both people and the planet. Together, we can contribute to a more sustainable future, starting from the very basics we wear every day.
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