Guides

6 Ethical and Sustainable Underwear Brands for Men

Primo Natura

06 Dec 2025 — 5 min read

Looking for a new pair of underwear with high ethical standards, made from eco-friendly materials? Here are my top recommendations – from the brands that use organic cotton, to ethically sourced bamboo.

Underwear is something that needs to fit right and be comfortable, and with so many choices it can be difficult to work out which is the best. Many of the leading brands use cotton, however the brands listed today have taken it up a notch to use organic bamboo, organic cotton or other fibres. You might be thinking that ethical underwear will cost more than conventional brands, and you might be right. Unlabelled own brands of underwear from brands such as M&S in the UK will work out cheaper, however ethical underwear can be cost comparative with branded labels.

FAQ

What is Bamboo Underwear?

Bamboo is a fast growing material often grown in China. Bamboo has thermo-regulating properties which will help keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. Lastly bamboo is moisture-wicking and antibacterial.

What is Organic Cotton Underwear?

Organic cotton is better for the farmers and the ecosystem in which it is produced. Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides which helps to protect biodiversity. Organic farming creates healthy soils, which act like sponges, soaking up water during floods and holding it for longer in times of drought.

Rapanui

Rapanui is a British business run on the Isle of Wight selling organic cotton and PFAS free clothing on their waterproof coats. The brand opts to use as little plastic as possible and all their products come in paper packaging which can be coloured in. Rapanui also runs Teemill which is a platform where anyone can run their shop using their products, which charities such as WWF use.

Rapanui produce underwear in packs of one, three, five, and seven as well as in multipacks with their range of socks. Buying a larger size can save up to 30% on the individual cost. As a side note, this is the brand I wear, and I have no complaints, Rapanui have a small green tag inside the underwear to state the size however this softens or could be cut out.

Buy From Rapanui

Boody

Boody garments are produced using organically grown bamboo and adhere to the highest standards for both the planet and their workers. This is shown with their range of certifications listed here. Their products are approved by PETA to show they are vegan compliant and Ecocert approved to guarantee Boody meets the best environmentally friendly and socially conscious practices.

Boody is also a certified B-Corp. meaning they have been verified independently to meet the high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Boody's underwear support inclusive sizing on certain styles, going up to 4XL. All of their underwear is black or grey, which are perfect if you prefer pattern free underwear. With briefs, boxers, and long boxers, there is something for every preference.

Buy From Boody

Patagonia

Patagonia garments are produced in fair trade certified factories, with their underwear made using Tencel and Elastan. Tencel lyocell is a high-tenacity cellulosic fiber, which gives high strength properties to the fabric. They also use Elastan in their garments which allows them to be form fitting, and provide freedom of movement. They state that they want to seek alternatives to this material that help provide function and are recyclable.

Patagonia is a certified B-Corp, meaning they have been verified independently to meet the high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

The underwear comes in various sizes going up to 2XL with the option of plain or patterned designs and can be bought in two lengths, 3 and 6 inches (15.24 cm). There are currently no options to purchase multipacks like the other brands support.

Buy From Patagonia

Pico

Pico produce just two coloured options of their underwear, cream and charcoal. Despite this, every pair is cut and sewn by the team at Mila factory in southern India using organic cotton sourced from farmers’ cooperatives.

Additionally, the dyes used are OEKO-TEX certified, perhaps why there are only two colour options? But the certification means that the dyes also contain no harmful substances. This commitment is expanded on because Pico recycles all of its dye water, to ensure that no water is wasted. Currently, both colour options have an average rating of five stars, indicating they are of good quality and feel.

Buy From Project Pico

Organic Basics

Organic Basics produce underwear, tops, jackets and more, with the widest selection of styles in this guide. Additionally, there is a range of colours too on offer allowing you to express yourself. While you cannot buy individual pairs, you can buy up to nine pairs, helping save money.

Each pair of their underwear is made using GOTS Organic Cotton, which makes 95% of each pair, with 5% being elastane. Organic Basics states that each pair are 'treated with Real Cool™ Cotton and ReaLasting™ Cotton technology to make your second skin feel even better.'

Buy From Organic Basics

Pockies

Want underwear that is funky and unique? Pockets are the place, with 3 different styles available with multiple pairs granting discounts. From watermelon (as demoed above) to burgers, clouds and more, there is a design for everyone.

Each pair of their underwear is crafted using 95% Organic Cotton and 5% Elastane. However, their unique feature is pockets, one either side, to keep small items close by (probably a pun in this somewhere). While the pockets are small, they could be useful for carrying money in safety. Each pair also arrives with carbon-neutral shipping.

Buy From Pockies