Women's Organic Undergarments

Over the past several years, the organic movement has begun to gain steam in the United States. More and more people are buying into the idea that pesticides and good health don’t mix. If you are feeling good about the organic choices you’re making with your food, consider this: what we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put in them.

At the end of the day, our skin is still our biggest organ, and when we wear chemical-laden, synthetic fabrics, our skin can’t breathe properly and ends up absorbing the dangerous poisons that are used to produce what we are wearing.

If you’re going to go organic in just one area, doesn’t it make sense to start with the garments that are closest to your body? Fortunately, taking this step no longer involves settling for those often unattractive camping undies that are made for wearing days at at time. (Ew.) Check out these green and stylish organic finds.

Hanky Panky Organic Cotton Thong

Women's Organic Underwear: Hanky Panky Organic Cotton Thong

Hanky Panky is a brand that has long been loved by women looking for an ultra-comfortable, ultra-cute seamless panty. Now that the beloved brand has started making the Hanky Panky Organic Cotton Thong, fashion-minded women can go green without losing style (or having visible panty lines.)

This Hanky Panky is available at Amazon.

Hanky Panky Maternity Organic Cotton Thong

As if gaining 40-pounds isn’t enough, those huge, incredibly unattractive maternity panties are like adding insult to injury. Fortunately, Hanky Panky thought of the expecting gals too, making their classic thongs appropriate for that ever-expanding baby bump. They are make of organic cotton and come packaged in a BPA-free baby bottle, to boot.

Maternity Hanky Panky Thongs are available at Amazon, three pairs for $50.00

Ecoland Women’s Organic Cotton Hipster Underwear

Women's Organic Undergarments: Ecoland Women's Organic Cotton Underwear

If you’re more of a brief kind of girl, the Ecoland Organic Cotton Hipster Underwear gets rave reviews from Amazon raters for its incredible comfort and suitability for sensitive skin. The only complaint? It seems that these undies run a little small, so if you decide to buy, order a size up. On the bright side, they’re constructed of 95% organic cotton, 5% spandex and are made in a sweatshop-free factory. It’s a win-win!

These Hipsters are available from Amazon for $19.95 for a two-pack.

Blue Canoe Lace Cross-Over Bra

Women's Organic Underwear: Blue Canoe Lace Cross-Over Bra

Although it’s probably best for women who don’t need as much support, the Blue Canoe Lace Cross-Over Bra is made of comfy 90% organic cotton and 10% lycra and features a pull-on style. With lace trim and satin-finish elastic straps, it’s as pretty as it is eco-friendly.

This bra is available from Sierra Trading Post for $18.66.

Ecoland Organic Cotton Underwire Soft-Cup Bra

Women's Organic Underwear: Ecoland Organic Cotton Underwire Soft-Cup Bra

For the ladies who are well-endowed and need a bit more of a “real” bra, the Ecoland Organic Cotton Underwire Soft-Cup Bra might be just the ticket. Made from 95% organic cotton, 5% spandex, a non-metal wire and produced in a sweatshop-free factory, this bra hits all the high notes in terms of being eco-friendly and fair trade. The box is even made from 100% recycled materials.

Amazon raters gave this bra mixed reviews, loving its soft, smooth comfort but saying that (for the larger ladies) it was not quite supportive enough.

This Ecoland Soft-Cup Bra is available at Amazon for $24.95.

Majamas Organic Easy Bra

Women's Organic Underwear: Majamas Organic Easy Bra

While this bra was designed to be an easy-access nursing bra, the Majamas Organic Easy Bra seems to be a hit with even non-nursing women. One Amazon reviewer calls it her “weekend bra.” It is praised for its smooth, soft comfort, 91% organic cotton and 9% lycra construction and pullover style.

This bra isn’t treated with chemicals, which is a relief if you are nursing. No more worrying about chemicals leaching into baby’s milk.

The Majamas Bra can be purchased on Amazon for $27.00 and is available in a variety of colors.

Looptworks Hoptu Laptop Sleeve

I’ve been testing some Looptwork products, and they are amazing. Here’s why: the company makes all their products from 100% industrial “excess” materials. That means every zipper, button and thread used in their designs was about to be thrown out. For example, the Hoptu Laptop Sleeve shown above is made with 100% upcycled nylon neoprene which was recovered from a wetsuit factory. All Looptwork products are limited edition runs. This is because production only continues until the reclaimed material runs out, as explained in the Looptworks FAQ:

We never know how much of any one material we’ll find. But we use what we find until it runs out. Production runs go as low as 100 pieces and up to 500, and each garment is hand numbered by either color or style. It’s a reminder that when you buy a LooptWorks product you get a one of a kind item, literally preventing the materials used to make it from going into a landfill.

Looptworks also offers a collection of men’s and women’s clothes. The Men’s Kawasan Jacket shown below is made of 61% organic cotton and 39% cotton canvas recovered fabric. It sells for $95.

Looptworks Kawasan Jacket

Organic Maternity Clothing

Nothing makes you want to save the earth for future generations more than creating your own future generation. As your belly grows, and your wardrobe along with it, purchasing organic maternity clothes is a giant step in the right direction when it comes to keeping pesticides and herbicides out of the environment.

What’s equally as important is that, by going organic during this important time, you keep pesticides and herbicides out of baby’s environment as well. Check out these great organic finds to accommodate that ever-expanding bump.

Organic Cotton Maternity and Nursing Wrap Top

Organic Cotton Maternity Clothing: Maternity and Nursing Wrap Top

When it comes to maternity style, nothing flatters your tummy more than a wrap top. This Organic Cotton Maternity and Nursing Wrap Top is extra long and contains a bit of spandex to accommodate a growing baby. You can wear it all the way through your pregnancy and, better yet, it doubles as a nursing top after baby arrives, with a neckline that pulls easily to either side.

This top is available from Amazon for $39.99.

Pretty Pushers Organic Cotton Delivery Gown

Pretty Pushers Organic Cotton Delivery Gown

Admittedly, your biggest concern about delivering your little one probably isn’t what you’re going to wear. It never hurts to look your best, though. If you want to make sure your baby arrives in style, this Pretty Pushers Organic Cotton Delivery Gown certainly beats those unattractive hospital gowns.

With a ruffle on the neckline and the bottom back and ties at the front and back, this gown is as pretty as it is practical. Another plus? It’s made right here in the USA with American-grown organic cotton.

This delivery gown is available from Amazon for $38.50.

BellaBand Organic

Organic Cotton Maternity Clothing: BellaBand Organic

If you’re at that stage where you’re not quite ready to dive into the full-on maternity gear, but you can’t quite get your favorite pants buttoned, a BellaBand Organic is mandatory. This ingenious strip of stretchy fabric, made of 95% organic cotton, can be placed over the waistband of your unbuttoned regular jeans so that they fit around your expanding midsection. Later on, they keep too-big, then too-tight maternity pants secured.

BellaBand Organic is available at Amazon for $32.00.

Handmade Organic Cotton Poncho

Organic Cotton Maternity Clothing: Handmade Organic Cotton Poncho

Ponchos. They aren’t just for hippies anymore. Nothing covers a baby bump (no matter how big it is!) better than this Handmade Organic Cotton Poncho by Patricia Avenue, an artisan family business. Throw it over maternity jeans, skinny pants or carry it along in case you get chilly. The oat color goes with everything.

This poncho is available at Amazon for $59.99.

Fierce Mamas by Christian Siriano Nifty Nautical Dress

Organic Cotton Maternity Clothing: Fierce Mamas by Christian Siriano Nifty Nautical Dress

Project Runway winner Christian Siriano is loaning his talent to the pregnant gals with a new, hip line of maternity clothing. Made of organic cotton, his Nifty Nautical Dress is the perfect thing to wear for baby showers, nights on the town or just hanging out. An empire waist flatters expanding waistlines, while a conservative v-neck flatters larger-than-normal bustlines.

This dress is available from Stella Maternity for $124.95 — it’s on sale!

Tummy Ts Women’s Maternity “Tiny Toes” Organic Tee

Organic Cotton Maternity Clothing: TummyTs Women's Maternity Tiny Toes Organic Tee

If you’re looking for a fun way to quell the whispers of “Is she pregnant?” this TummyTs Women’s Maternity “Tiny Toes” Organic Tee is a clingy, comfy way to show off that your protruding belly is not just from a big lunch. This tee is crafted of 100% organic cotton and the little hands and feet graphic is specially made to grow as you grow. It’s guaranteed not to crack. One size will fit all the way through your pregnancy.

This shirt is available from Overstock for $39.99.

Women's Organic Cotton Jeans

From a lazy Sunday to a night out on the town, nothing is more versatile than your favorite jeans. Accordingly, they are probably the most-worn item in your wardrobe. If they’re going to spend that much time hugging your thighs in all the right spots, shouldn’t you make sure that hug doesn’t involve a chemical cloud?

These days, green is the thing and jean makers — even the premium designers! — are starting to catch on to the idea that we think our planet is worth saving. And so are our bodies. Check out these stylish finds that prove that making smart decisions doesn’t have to be a sacrifice.

Joe’s Jeans Organic Muse Jeans

Women's Organic Cotton Jeans: JOE'S Jeans Organic Muse Jean in Olivia

Wide leg. High waist. Organic cotton. The sophisticated Joe’s Jeans Organic Muse Jean flatters your body without a chemically sprayed fiber in sight. What could be better than that?

They are available from Revolve Clothing for $193.00.

prAna Stretch Organic Cotton Jeans

Women's Organic Cotton Jeans: prAna Stretch Organic Jean

prAna, the clothing line known for its peerless yoga gear and outdoor attire, always crafted with sustainability in mind, brings us these prAna Stretch Organic Cotton Jeans. A low waist, five-pocket design, straight leg and organic cotton construction make these jeans a durable essential that will hang around for years.

These pants are available at Sierra Trading Post for $37.46. Sierra Trading Post reviewers gave them four stars.

Paige Premium Denim Rising Glen Organic Jeans

Women's Organic Cotton Jeans: Paige Premium Denim Rising Glen Organic Jeans

A dark blue wash, regular rise and straight leg define these Paige Premium Denim Rising Glen Organic Jeans. Organic cotton construction and the brown leather “Paige Premium” patch don’t hurt either.

Make them yours for a bargain $46.97 — they’re usually $195.00 — at Amazon.

See Thru Soul Women’s 5-pocket Basic Organic Jeans

Women's Organic Cotton Jeans: See Thru Soul Women's 5-pocket Organic Jeans

The washed look and casual style of these See Thru Soul Women’s 5-pocket Basic Organic Jeans will make them a wardrobe staple.

These jeans are available at Overstock, where reviewers gave them 4.8 stars.

Faded Glory Women’s Organic Cotton Wide-Leg Trouser

Faded Glory Women's Organic Cotton Wide-Leg Trouser Jeans

If you are looking for the bargain of all bargains, Wal-Mart’s $10 Faded Glory Women’s Organic Cotton Wide-Leg Trouser is the pant for you. The reviewers thought they ran a little long, but for ten bucks, you can afford to hire a tailor.

These Faded Glories are available at Wal-Mart for — it can’t be said enough — $10.00.

Del Forte Bluebelle Jeans

Women's Organic Cotton Jeans: Del Forte Bluebelle Jeans

Fitted through the hip and thigh and flared below the knee, these Del Forte Bluebelle Jeans are as cool as they are good for the environment. Made from organic cotton in the USA, these jeans stand up to Del Forte’s high standards. Clothes can’t just look good. They have to be good for the environment, as well.

These jeans are available at Verdessence for $162.00.

Icebreaker Women's Merino Wool Top

Chances are, when you hit the gym, the yoga studio or the pavement, you’re trying to do something good for yourself. Why not do something good for the planet at the same time? By simply buying organic the next time you restock your workout drawer, you can reduce the amount of toxins absorbed by your body and the amount of pesticides and chemicals used to grow or make the clothes now drenched in your sweat.

The safe and sustainable practices used to grow organic fibers keep the soil from depleting and aren’t poisonous to birds and other wildlife. Some even claim that clothing made from organic cotton lasts longer. And, what’s better, the new organic cotton women’s athletic clothing offers the same performance and style of traditional work-out duds. Check out these great finds.

Icebreaker Organic Merino Wool

Icebreaker, a New Zealand company, is proving that wool can be worn in warm weather. They have released a new line of  “ultra-fine” merino wool T-shirts. Wool performs really well in the heat — it keeps you cool, and retains less odor than a cotton shirt. I am prone to be aggravated by materials that make you itch – but I didn’t find Icebreaker’s merino wool itchy.

Merino wool is a sustainable material, and Icebreaker is launching a garment traceability program called BAACODE that will allow consumers access to the company’s sustainable and ethical practices through-out their entire supply chain. BAACODE will also track individual garments back to the New Zealand merino station where the wool was procured.

Available from REI and Amazon.

Organic Cotton Women’s Shirred Hoody

Women's Organic Athletic Wear: Organic Cotton Women's Shirred Hoody

Worldstock, a company that creates handcrafted goods from work groups living south of Peru, brings us this 100% organic, fair trade Organic Cotton Women’s Shirred Hoody made of low-impact dyes. The v-neck and shirred front detail make this jacket a piece that can carry you from the gym to your errands around town effortlessly and with style. And the pale pink color is a plus.

This top is available from Overstock for $47.49.

Patagonia Serenity Tights

Women's Organic Athletic Wear: Patagonia Serenity Tights

If you’re like me, few things in your wardrobe get the wear-and-wash treatment more than your yoga pants. So why not invest in a quality pair such as the Patagonia Serenity Tights? These pants, made of 85% organic cotton and 15% spandex, are breathable and have a non-elastic waist so they won’t roll up whether you’re doing a sun-salutation or tackling a a cliff.

One reviewer at REI gave these tights five stars, saying that she has fifteen pairs in her wardrobe. Wow!

These pants are available at REI for $65.00.

Patagonia Gravitee Tank Top

Women's Organic Athletic Wear: Patagonia Gravitee Tank Top

For a cute top that you could wear to the gym or out and about, look no further than the Patagonia Gravitee Tank Top. This top, made from 54% cotton is super cute no matter what your body type, even if you’re trying to flatter a tiny baby bump.

The elastic ban sits snugly on the hips, so it won’t ride up on your run. One reviewer at REI, who gave this top five stars, said it was “extremely versatile” and she loved “everything about this tank!” You will too.

The Gravitee Tank is available at REI for $45.00.

Alo Organic Cotton Stretch Pants

Women's Organic Athletic Wear: Alo Organic Cotton Stretch Pants

Another great pick in the pants department is the Alo Organic Cotton Stretch Pant. If you’re looking for a pant that doesn’t cling to your hips and thighs, you’ll love the relaxed fit of this pant that is perfect for the mat or just hanging around.

Comprised of 87% organic cotton and 13% spandex, the Alo pant is available at Sierra Trading Post for $39.95.

Mountain Hardwear Dihedral Tank Top

Women's Organic Athletic Wear: Mountain Hardwear Dihedral Tank Top

For your more athletic activities, it’s nice to have a top that offers a little more support. The Mountain Hardwear Dihedral Tank Top, delivers that support in the form of a shelf bra built in to the 90% organic cotton and 10% spandex top. With a racerback style, flatlock seams to eliminate chafing and three color choices, this top is a fabulous find for anyone who is going to get sweaty. Plus, it looks just as great outside the gym.

For $25.46 on Sierra Trading Post, this tank offers top quality at a bargain price.

Blue Canoe Energy 2 Sports Bra

Women's Organic Athletic Wear: Blue Canoe Energy 2 Sports Bra

The Blue Canoe Energy 2 Sports Bra features an elastic band, super-soft 90% organic cotton and criss-cross back straps. Its double-thick front provides extra support for running or other high-impact activities and three color choices insure you look good whether sporting this bra under a top or alone — after, of course, you’ve toned that six pack.

The Energy 2 Sports Bra is available from Sierra Trading Post for $18.36.

Blue Canoe Metro Zip Up

Women's Organic Athletic Wear: Blue Canoe Metro Zip Up

Blue Canoe, a company that prides itself on creating organic clothing that helps you “get dressed once and go through the day,” offers this beautiful, stylish two-way Metro Zip Up that is tunic length and can easily transition from the gym the rest of your day.

It is available from Blue Canoe for $119.00.

Blue Canoe Cotton Yoga Bra

Women's Organic Athletic Wear: Blue Canoe Organic Cotton Yoga Bra

Another great find from Blue Canoe is the company’s Organic Cotton Yoga Bra. Made in  the USA from 90% organic cotton, this bra features spaghetti straps and a double-thick band. One Amazon reviewer said this bra absorbs moisture better than any others and that she plans to replace all her bras with ones from Blue Canoe.

This Yoga Bra is available from Amazon for $31.00.

Craftsters can turn paper into snowflakes or partridges, and hikers can search for natural pine cones. But if you’ve got a naked Christmas tree and two left thumbs, here are some affordable and eco-friendly tree ornaments to pick from:

Felt birds

These simply chic birds are cut from 100% eco-certified felted wool and shipped flat for efficient delivery. A set of two birds — one each in white and red — costs $18 at Branch.

Wrapper ornament

Upcycled from discarded potato chip wrappers, these fairly traded ornaments are crafted by artisans in Nepal. Available in silver or multicolored variations, ornaments come in a circle or star shape. Get them at BTC Elements for $10 each.

Gourd ornaments

Made of gourds grown in the coastal valleys of Peru, these fairly-traded gourds allow Peruvian carvers to continue a traditional craft. Each ornament’s unique and will vary in size and shape. A set of three gourd ornaments costs $18 at Global Exchange.

Amenity Ornaments

Amenity ornaments are printed on a hemp-and-organic-cotton blend fabric with nontoxic inks, then filled with spun recycled plastic bottles. Pick from a bird, circle, moon, or star in gold, silver, moss, or espresso at Amenity for $9 an ornament.

Tin Can Angels

These upcycled angels are made from used beverage cans by a fair trade co-op in Guatemala. (via Belle Vivir) A set of four costs just $29 at VivaTerra.

Just a couple years ago, a simple organic cotton T-shirt wasn’t so easy to find. Now, with Quicksilver, H&M, and even Forever 21 getting into the green fashion business, eco-friendly T-shirts are a dime a dozen. Still, finding well-fitting and stylish T-shirts made using fair labour can take some work — especially if you’re interested in the latest in eco-friendly and innovative materials and design. Here’s a look at five of the most efficient T-shirts available now:

Revenge Is… a Plastic Bottle T-shirt

The Revenge Is Plastic Bottle T-shirt‘s made of an innovative new fabric — a blend of organic cotton and recycled PET (recycled plastic bottles) — that’s soft, stretchy, and comfortable. A Los Angeles-based company that’s committed to using local labor, Revenge Is prints the company’s eco-angst-y name on the front of each T-shirt. For the back, customers can take their pick of a few progressive messages — i.e. “energy independence” or “taking back our country.” The shirts cost $38 at Revenge Is.

Artevist Community-Designed T-shirt

Threadless fans with a socio-progressive bent can source their outfits at Artevist, a new site that lets designers submit — and members vote on — T-shirt designs with a message. Winning designs — like “Destroy and Deny,” pictured above — get printed on T.S. Designs and Bamboosa T-shirts, all made in the U.S. out of bamboo and organic cotton. T-shirts cost between $27 – $34 at Artevist.

Sub Urban Riot Organic Cotton T-shirt

Sub Urban Riot, a company founded by Pacific Northwest replants who settled in Venice., Calif., offers some unique twists to the regular organic cotton T-shirts, like the extra length and asymmetrical V-neck line in the pink Guns and Roses T-shirt above. The designs often have an ecological message that’s more hip than preachy; they’re available for $14.99 – $39 at Sub Urban Riot and BTC Elements.

Under the Canopy Organic Cotton T-shirt

While Under the Canopy‘s T-shirts are fairly basic, these soft organic cotton tops have the best fit of any T-shirt I’ve ever tried on. Under the Canopy’s use of innovative materials is a topic we’ve written about before here. The T-shirts generally cost $28-$34 at Under the Canopy, but the men’s Vote Ecologically T-shirt‘s on sale for a mere $9.99 at the moment.

Cubist Literature Reclaimed T-shirt

Pre-loved thrift store T-shirts turned inside out + off the wall design + wry slogan = Cubist Literature’s eco-friendly T-shirts. Craig Hunter, who makes these eco-T-shirts, says he likes “the recycling/upcycling factor involved in giving old clothing new life.” Cubist Literature’s upcycled T-shirts are efficient because they avoid the energy-intensive process of re-manufacturing a T-shirt. Plus, since this Etsy store puts the customer directly in touch with the creator-seller, the T-shirts avoid the travel carbon footprint of regular T-shirts. The T-shirts cost between $16 – $35 at Cubist Literature.

A couple other Etsy sellers upcycling pre-loved T-shirts are KMStitchery and devotees.

Efficient jeans are still hard to find. Conventionally grown cotton requires more pesticides to grow than any other crop. The more efficient method is to grow organic cotton or hemp. The surf company Reef makes some good organic cotton jeans, like their Heritage Jeans (shown above), their Philosopher Jeans and Heritage Cords. The outdoor clothing company Patagonia offers organic cotton jeans. Hemp is the most optimal material with which to make jeans, but few hemp jeans are available. You can find some at Hempest.

Fair Hemp has released some new women’s tees priced at $14.95. The shirt are made with 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton, and colored with eco-friendly dyes. They are soft, stylish and comfortable, and sweatshop and pesticide free. Fair Hemp says the fabric is pre-washed for broken-in softness and shrinkage control, so these shirts won’t shrink up and the side seams won’t twist out of shape over time. Available from GoodHemp.

Target has begun selling bamboo sheets and towels. They are reasonably priced at $40 for a sheet set, and $20 for two towels. Unfortunately, the bamboo content is not all that high — 60% for the sheets and 40% for the towels, and the rest of the fabric is conventional cotton (which requires large amounts of pesticides to grow). Organic cotton or hemp fiber would have been more efficient.

See more information in this article from the Green Guide.