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 made brands have your intimates covered – from the sexiest of bodysuits to the practical underpants we all know and love.
1. Vege Threads
Creator of ethically made and environmentally friendly basics, Vege Threads has launched an underwear collection. The intimates range includes a bralette and underwear in a high waist, full cut brief, made from a modal/lycra blend that’s knitted in Melbourne. The undies are dyed with ACO (Australian Certifed Organic) dyes and made in South Australia, with production certified by Ethical Clothing Australia.
Photos by Tane Meiring.
2. 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.
3. Hara
Melbourne maker HARA opts for sustainably sourced bamboo for its underwear. The intimates range includes briefs, bras and g-strings in a number of fun and bright colours. HARA’s products are all naturally dyed, cut, sewn, packaged and shipped from the brand’s home town, where the brand abides by Australia’s industry awards to ensure employees are treated fairly and have safe working conditions. HARA has teamed up with the EJFoundation to support projects in remote areas of the world that are under environmental stress.
4. 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!
5. Bushy
We’re all for a bit of bush in our underwear. 🤭 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.
6. Farm to Hanger
Farm to Hanger’s vision is to create sustainable change one garment at a time. The brand is focussed 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.
7. 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.
8. Organic Crew
Ethical apparel brand Organic Crew is known for its soft staples, so it’s no surprise that an organic cotton brief makes the mix. The brand aims to produce luxurious designs, without compromising the planet. For its underwear range, Organic Crew produces a small range of briefs in white, grey and black, made with certified organic cotton in Melbourne, Australia. Organic Crew’s Australian manufacturing is certified by Ethical Clothing Australia.
