I write a lot about my wardrobe staples, so it’s time I change topics to what’s underneath my clothes; Organic Basics.
You can watch my IGTV video for and up close look and the fabric as well as fit of their iconic White T shirt.
Organic Basics must have thought the same when they reached out to me to try their sustainably produced underwear. Read below for my review and discount code exclusive to Ten Key Pieces readers.
Based in Copenhagen, Organic Basics specializes in ethically manufactured basics. Popular items include organic cotton T’s, socks, bras and underwear. Their sleek Activewear also comes in a range of more sustainable fabrics like Tencil (Lyocell), and recycled Nylon. Organic Basics also employs innovative technologies in its signature SilverTech, a sustainably sourced silver thread knitted into organic cotton jersey with heat-regulating, antibacterial and odorless properties.
Because what goes next to your skin is just as important as what others see, I decided to test drive the Triangle Bra, Bikini Briefs, and Women’s Tee.
The Triangle Bra & Bikini Briefs – composed of 95% GOTS organic cotton and 5% Elastane for stretch are a dream fit and perfect for a seamless look under your clothing. Similarly the briefs have the perfect amount of stretch for an active lifestyle. I would go for their Seamless line if you are worried about panty lines. I took the size small in both. I’m a 5’-5” 125 lbs and size 34A on top.
The Women’ Cotton T – also GOTS certified is a true to size fit. I took the small as well. White T’s like a button down are one of my favorite essentials to dress up or down. Plus I wanted to share some photos of the Organic Basics brand on social while still being modest. Not quite ready to be an underwear model!
Real Talk: the Organic Basics site features women of all colors, shapes, and ages, with stretch marks un-airbrushed. Thus OG gets get extra points for body positivity and inclusivity.
While OB gets points for sustainability it should be noted that synthetic fabrics still have downsides when it comes to being environmentally friendly. For example, microplastics, an unavoidable byproduct of the manufacturing process can wash into the waterways when laundering.
To do their part, Organic Basics sells the patented Guppyfriend wash bag to prevent microplastics from entering waterways. Just pop synthetics into the bag along with your laundry. The bag captures the microplastics which you can then dispose of with your regular waste. And you can use the bag for all your synthetic garments, not just OB’s.
As if this weren’t enough, the OB site is a wealth of information about the sustainable manufacturing industry. This includes an easy to read environmental Impact Index report outlining their sustainable manufacturing goals, metrics, and obstacles to achieving them.
This type of transparency makes it easier for consumers to commit to buying sustainable, given that ethical fashion comes at a higher price point.
OB doesn’t just stop at transparent pricing. They provide detailed working conditions, work hours, and vacation packages of employees at their factories. What is missing at this stage is data on the suppliers of the raw material itself. OB recognizes that fact in their Impact Index.
What we do know is that Organic Cotton (if certified) guarantees pesticide free environments for cotton farmers* (*aboutorganiccotton.org) OB organic Cotton is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified. My hope is that they can fill in the blanks in the very near future, as consumers like us turn away from fast fashion and push for change.
Next time, and there will be a next time, you need to stock up on under-essentials be sure to check out Organic Basics.
