Creating a wardrobe of ethically made staples should start with the basics. Thankfully, Australian manufacturers not only have the ability to make high quality ethical underwear, they also have access to some incredible locally made fabrics as well – such as our own sustainably grown cotton and locally sourced merino. These Australian (and New Zealand!) made brands have your intimates covered – from the sexiest of bodysuits to the practical underpants we all know and love.
1. Bushy
Bushy’s men’s and women’s underwear are made from the super soft natural cellulose fibre TENCEL™ – sourced from sustainably harvested, FSC© certified Eucalyptus trees. The brand makes its underwear in Australia (with manufacturing certified by Ethical Clothing Australia and Australian Made) in a range of cuts including bikini and thong, shorts, and a crop top in the women’s range. Bushy values transparency and local manufacturing and publishes detailed information about its supply chain on its website.
2. Valerie Lingerie
Locally made is really something to celebrate and Valerie Lingerie gives us more reasons than one! Crafted with care in the brand’s Wellington, New Zealand Studio, Valerie Lingerie creates inclusive size underwear – made to fit, made to last and created to make you feel beautiful. The range of classic cut underwear and bras are made from majority organic cotton – good for your private parts and good for the planet.
3. Merino Country
The designers behind Merino Country are former sheep farmers, so it’s no surprise that their go-to fabric is high quality Australian merino wool. The Brisbane-based brand’s ethical underwear line covers men’s and women’s styles in a range of cuts – from high-waist to hipster and even some lacy numbers. Merino underwear is great for sensitive skin and is naturally comfortable (ie. breathable) all year round. It’s ideal for activewear as it is quick drying and thermoregulating. Merino Country’s garments are ethically made in their factory in Queensland.
4. Wonderpants
Wonderpants opts for natural fibres such as organic cotton and merino wool for its range of underwear that is all ethically made here in Aus. The brand’s undergarments are made entirely from the same fabric – no elastic, no binding, no part tight or uncomfortable. They say that the bands around the waist and leg allow for comfort and ease, whilst maintaining stability and security. Stop wondering and see for yourself. Wonderpants come in blaze red, black, grey, charcoal and yellow.
5. Organic Crew
Organic Crew is an ethical and organic apparel brand based in Melbourne. The brand says it doesn’t compromise on quality, and focuses on producing luxurious designs, without polluting the planet. Organic Crew is certified by GOTS (global organic textile standards) and Fair trade. The brand’s garments are made ethically using 100% organic cotton in Melbourne, Australia and Kolkata, India.
6. Knobby
Queensland-born underwear brand Knobby believes your intimates shouldn’t be boring. The brand’s collection of men’s and women’s underwear come in various cuts and colourful special edition prints to brighten your day. Knobby opts for environmentally friendly fabrics for its undergarments including BottleBlend®, made from plastic water bottle waste, Tencel, a biodegradable fabric made from sustainably sourced beech wood, and premium Australian merino wool. Head’s up – only the brand’s Merino wool collection is locally made in Australia. You can buy Knobby garments online or join the club to get undies on subscription.
7. Iole Lingerie
Melbourne-based label Iole Lingerie brings luxury intimates to this list. Its bespoke pieces include g-strings, briefs, bikinis and boylegs as well as traditional underwire bras and wire-free bras. The brand’s intimates are all ethically made (and some made to order) in its Collingwood factory in Melbourne. Iole Lingerie’s onshore production is certified by Ethical Clothing Australia. Shop for feminine intimates and sexy staples such as bodysuits, slips and suspenders!
8. Farm to Hanger
Farm to Hanger’s vision is to create sustainable change one garment at a time. The brand is focused on slow fashion and creating quality garments that are made to last. For its eco underwear line, Farm to Hanger uses sustainably sourced, Australian grown cotton which is naturally breathable and hypoallergenic. The no-frills range includes high waist, natural waist, mid rise and low rise cuts made from sustainably sourced cotton. Farm to Hanger’s garments are made in Australia with manufacturing certified by Ethical Clothing Australia.
9. UndiCloth
UndiCloth is making quality basics with comfort in mind. The range of men’s and women’s underwear is made from certified organic and fair-trade cotton ensuring breathability. Shop for briefs and boxes in grey and black – the staples your underwear drawer needs. Importantly, it’s all ethically made in Australia.
