Sustainable Silk: Is It Worth It?

Hello there, sustainable-minded friend! The first layer we put on everyday can have an impact on our moods, outfits — and also the planet. When you choose materials and production practices that consider sustainability, you are making an environmentally-friendly choice every day. Your body, your wallet, and the planet will thank you!

At Uwila Warrior, we are committed to discovering and to incorporating sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices in our products. Our goal is to make our underwear a great choice for anyone who wants to reduce their environmental impact while still enjoying high-quality, comfortable underwear.

You can avoid wedgies and know we are working to make better ethical choices as we adopt more sustainable fabrics and practices. Here are some tips to make it happen and choose sustainable underwear and other intimates that last for the long haul.

Invest in High Quality Materials that Last

At Uwila Warrior, we focus on high-performance fabrics and then search for the most earth-friendly solutions commercially available. “It’s about balancing what will function and last, what will a customer reach for in her underwear drawer over and over again, and which material will do the least harm,” explains Samantha Benassai, Uwila Warrior’s Product Development manager.

Some of the typically sustainable materials just aren’t compatible with underwear design, like flax. Others, such as cotton, are common, but not the best performers for issues like moisture wicking.

“If the underwear is made with a so-called sustainable fiber, but then is uncomfortable, doesn’t perform well or last long in her drawer, the environmental impact of producing it and then disposing of it doubles its overall impact, making it an even worse choice,” Samantha notes.

So what fits the bill for us? We are big fans of silk, as it is naturally moisture wicking and durable. We also have also used Naia™ fabrics, which are responsibly sourced from sustainably managed pine and eucalyptus forests and plantations. Not only is the fabric produced in a closed-loop process, they’re also super soft and supple.

We are proud to have partnered with CiCLO® to create new versions of our beloved Soft Seamless undies, which allows synthetic textiles to behave more like natural fibers in a landfill environment, without compromising on durability. We are in the process of phasing in those fabrics into all our Soft Seamless products, but you can start with our charming Embroidered Soft Seamless Briefs and Thongs to experience it. 

Price Reflects the Quality and the Labor 

Intimate apparel is one sector of the fashion industry where a higher price correlates to a better quality garment, meaning that it lasts longer. “If you are purchasing underwear at a $10 price point, realistically the materials used in it are going to be very cheap, low-grade quality that may wear through more quickly,” Samantha points out. In addition, the labor paid for such a garment would have been very low, meaning both that workers may not be making a living wage, and that construction may degrade sooner than you anticipated. Think: threads pulling, stitching unraveling, and seams bursting open. In this case, higher cost equates to better quality.  

Make the Right Choice when You Shop for Undies

Every morning when you reach for your underwear drawer, you have the power to enact change. Mindful shopping, which includes investing in garments that you can care for and wear for years, is one of the most sustainable options available to us. This is especially true for underwear, which has limits to its ability to be recycled, become circular or enter into the second hand resale market. So what are you waiting for?

Soft Silk, $45

These briefs pair beauty and function to make one amazing pair of underwear. Made of 100% silk, our best-selling panties come with seams on the side to better fit under your clothes and around your curves. Silk is the ultimate moisture-wicking fabric, making these ideal for any occasion that demands underwear that stays in place and dries fast.  

High-Waisted Silk Brief, $68

These high-waisted 100% silk briefs will keep your tummy smooth on period days, during the postpartum period, or any other time you just aren’t feeling a band sitting across your stomach. The soft-lace waistband doesn’t pinch or itch, and the seams on the side fit under your clothes and around your curves.  

Soft Seamless Briefs with Embroidery, $45

Secrets, secrets: only you will know just how charming (and comfortable!) the embroidery on your super-soft, seamless underwear is. This pair has all the benefits of our bonded seams and laser-cut edges with elevated details.

Discover more sustainable underwear and camisoles on Uwila Warrior!