Tips For Buying Bras & Undies

Ah, the joy of buying new lingerie — that simple pleasure that never fails to make us feel fabulous! What could possibly be more empowering than slipping into the matching perfectly fitted bras and undies that flawlessly wrap around your body and highlight your curves? However, as enthusiastic as we are about our sartorial satisfaction, it’s imperative to stop for a minute and consider the broader implications of our shopping behaviours. 

As responsible consumers, we’re becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of our decisions, even when it comes to even our most personal and intimate attire. So, what can YOU do to ensure that your love for lingerie doesn’t outweigh your commitment to sustainability? 

Today, we share 7 sustainable shopping tips for buying bras and undies, so that you can embrace eco-consciousness without sacrificing style or comfort.

• Find Your Perfect Fit In-store

Let’s face it —  most of us are addicted to online shopping. The convenience of casually perusing countless possibilities from the comfort of our homes can be pretty difficult to pass up. But when it comes to purchasing underwear, online shopping can sometimes disappoint. We’ve all been there — something you purchase arrives, only to be too small, too large, or simply just not what you were hoping for. Not to mention, the effort and carbon footprint associated with shipping and returning products can be exhausting and staggering. 

That’s where an in-store bra fitting can really make a difference. Not only does it guarantee a perfect fit, but it also reduces carbon emissions and virtually eliminates the waste of too much packaging. The next time a new set of lingerie is on your mind, tackle the brick-and-mortar stores. Yes, it will take more time and effort, but the confidence and convenience of a well-fitted set of undies is truly invaluable — and better for the environment, too.

• Quality Over Quantity

You probably already guessed it, but the least unethical way to consume is to… well, consume less. This is where quality over quantity can be your BFF. Forget about shoving your drawers with a plethora of fast-fashion intimates only to see them fall apart after one wash cycle, and instead, spend more to invest in a few quality pieces. It's all about shifting mindset from chasing the latest trends to prioritising durability and longevity.

Moreover, high-quality materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, or TENCEL™ not only feel luxurious against your skin, but also have a much lesser environmental impact compared to traditional synthetic fabrics. Essentially, when you invest in quality, you waste much less money in the long run. So, before you click on “add to cart” on that practically free lingerie set, ask yourself if it’s worth it. After all, “less” is one of the central principles of sustainability. 

• Choose Sustainable Fabrics

While we’re on the topic of quality fabrics, here’s another thing to consider: Whenever you can, choose sustainable materials for your lingerie. This is because fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, or TENCEL™ come with a bunch of environmental benefits that their traditional synthetic counterparts can’t compete with. 

Organic cotton, for example, is grown using natural methods that keep the soil healthy and support biodiversity, while the bamboo trees are a fast-growing, renewable resource that doesn't require much water or any pesticides to thrive . Similarly, TENCEL™ is taken from wood pulp that’s sustainably sourced, and is produced in a closed-loop production process that leads to minimum waste and water usage . 

Not only will you enjoy how these fabrics feel on your skin, but you also won’t have the added worry of exposure to harsh chemicals. Therefore, whenever possible, choose lingerie made from sustainable materials, as it’s both stylish and an environmentally conscious choice. What’s not to love?

• Embrace Versatility

While it’s always a nice treat to have a special set for those intimate moments, integrating versatility into your lingerie drawer opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Think about investing in some pieces that can pull double duty — for instance, a lacy bralette that could easily peek out from under a sheer blouse or be worn over a plain tee, transforming your bog-standard jeans and t-shirts into a runway worthy look. Versatile lingerie allows you to get the most out of each piece, resulting in a more sustainable lifestyle. 

Additionally, versatile lingerie offers endless styling options, allowing you to express your personality and creativity in new ways. Whether you’re off to the latest rooftop bar with your besties or having a chill movie night at home, double-duty pieces will keep you feeling confident in your own skin. So, don't limit yourself and choose items that are just as versatile as you are.

• Support Ethical Brands

An obvious way of making a positive impact with the purchase of your lingerie is to support ethical brands. Ethical brands are those that ensure their products are made using fair labour practices, sustainable and transparent supply chains, and are environmentally friendly . By choosing to spend your money on such brands, you’re not just investing in high-quality lingerie but also supporting an ethical and responsible fashion industry as a whole. 

The message you send is that ethical and sustainable consumption is important to the industry, which in turn, can lead more businesses to employ such production practices, creating a “trickle-up” effect benefiting people and the planet. Most ethical lingerie brands also donate a certain percentage of their profits to a charitable cause or community support organisation as an added bonus. So, do some research (i.e. by reading through our Australian ethical fashion guides) next time you need a new set and find brands with values that align with yours.

• Extend The Lifespan Of Your Pieces

Are you someone who simply throws your bras and undies into the washing machine with the rest of your clothes and hopes for the best? While that may be the most convenient thing to do, the truth is that improper care for your pieces will most likely result in premature wear and tear. So, if you want your intimate investments to last longer and whilst also being kind to our planet, it’s time to rethink your attitude toward laundering your lingerie.

For starters, instead of subjecting your pieces to a whirlwind ride in your washing machine, opt for gentle hand washing with a mild detergent instead. This way, not only will the fabric remain intact and retain its original structure and elasticity — they’ll also stretch less. Additionally, air drying instead of tumble-drying can also help preserve the quality of your bras and undies. 

Lastly, stay away from harsh chemicals like bleach and fabric softeners. These products can degrade the fabric over time, causing it to become rough and less comfortable against your skin. Instead, opt for natural alternatives or specialised lingerie detergents that are specifically formulated to gently clean delicate fabrics without causing damage. By following these simple tips, you can be sure that most of your lingerie will last and will require a minimal number of replacements, reducing its negative impact on the environment.

• Donate or Recycle

Last, but not least, instead of throwing your old lingerie in the trash, consider donating or recycling it once it has reached the end of its lifespan. Many organisations either don’t accept undergarments or only accept gently worn bras and underwear to provide essential items to people in need, whether that be women’s shelters or domestic violence survivors organisations. By donating new bras and underwear, you can help ensure that these products are available to those in need while also preventing them from ending up in landfills in the long run.

For bras and undies that are damaged beyond repair, however, we highly recommend searching for textile and garment recycling programs in your region that may be able to take your old clothing and fabrics. Textile recyclers can convert the materials from your old lingerie into new objects like insulation and carpet padding. This will help to ensure that your old lingerie is put to good use while also reducing the environmental effect of your discarded items.

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At the end of the day, treating yourself to a new set of underwear doesn’t have to be a “guilty” pleasure. By taking some of these sustainable shopping tips onboard, you can buy all the beautiful intimates you want without feeling guilty about the environmental implications.

So go ahead, treat yourself to that lace bralette or comfy organic cotton undies — you deserve it, and so does the planet. After all, being eco-conscious is always in style.