WAMA Sustainable Underwear [REVIEW]

Skeptical of hemp clothing, well don’t be! Why WAMA hemp underwear is a sustainable, healthy, and perfectly legal alternative.

Today, I’m reviewing my first experience with hemp underwear by sustainable brand WAMA.

This post is sponsored by WAMA Underwear; the opinions contained in this review are my own.

If you’ve ever been skeptical of Hemp, join the club. Sure I knew the basics: hemp is not marijuana, it’s used to make rope, and so on. When it came to hemp as clothing, I thumbed my nose. 

As a teen growing up in the Bay Area I hung out almost every weekend on Telegraph Ave in Berkeley. Its eclectic mix of people and infamous vintage clothing haunts (Mars, Wasteland, Aardvarks) and record stores (Leopolds, Rasputins) kept me amused and out of trouble. 

Although I immersed myself in the liberal environment of “Berzerkeley” I was completely turned off by the hemp clothing being sold by the street vendors. The rough looking texture and muted natural dyes looked unfinished and raw. I was a hemp snob.

Thanks to WAMA Underwear I now have a better understanding of hemp clothing and its benefits.

What is WAMA Hemp Underwear?

WAMA is a sustainable clothing brand dedicated to making high quality hemp underwear for men and women. They specialize in a select number of styles and their blog is a wealth of information on the benefits of hemp.

What is Hemp?

Simply put, Hemp is classified as any cannabis plant cultivated with less than 0.3% THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). Whereas marijuana contains greater than 0.3% THC and produces pyschotropic effects. Hemp cultivation became legal in the US with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill.

How is it Used?

Hemp is most known for its industrial uses, i.e. rope, netting, and specialty papers. Hemp oils can be extracted from the seeds and added to foods such as salad dressings and smoothies. High in antioxidants, hemp has been used medicinally for millennia and is fast becoming a popular additive to beauty and skincare products. In the late 1980’s when I was in high school, hemp clothing began to be produced.

Why Hemp Underwear?

The benefits of hemp underwear are not complicated and shouldn’t be. Often we expect so much from our clothing, after all we spend thousands of dollars on undergarments over the span of a few decades. Remember brands like Victoria Secret (the marketing costs of their fashion shows?) And don’t forget truly luxury brands such as La Perla. While there is definitely a place for lingerie, practical and basic underwear is enjoying a resurgence. Particularly eco-friendly products.

Aside from being visually pleasing, underwear should be simple, functional, and above all healthy. Hemp fabric is breathable, soft, eco-friendly and antibacterial. Making it the perfect and uncomplicated layer to place next to your most complex parts.

The Racerback Bralette (My Size = M)

I test drove the Racerback Bralette ($38) because I was really struggling with a comfortable option for a sports bra. Like may of us these days I work out from the comfort of home or at nearby trails. The downside to my getting dressed-for-sports routine was wrestling with my sports bras. The lycra content of most sports bras are very high and I often found myself getting twisted up. I even tore one of the straps and practically dislocated a shoulder trying to locate the arm hole. Who needs that?

The WAMA racerback bralette made from 53% hemp / 44% organic cotton / 3% spandex is super soft and not stiff like I originally expected. With a 2 inch wide waist band, the bralette stayed put on me during my workouts. The only improvement I would make is the placement of the arm holes. From reading other reviews I determined that I should size up to a Medium from my usual Small. Sizing up worked well for me. However the front strap is a little too far back. As a result, where my pectoral muscle meets the front of my armpit rubs against the strap. While my shoulders are on the broad side, my chest measures a typical 34 inches. It was most noticeable when I first put the bra on, and I became less aware of it as the day continued. The racerback bralette is still far more comfortable and easier to get in and out of, than a traditional sports bra.

The Triangle Bralette (My Size = S)

I’m very happy with this piece especially during these times where I work from home and nipple coverage isn’t as critical. Years ago I switched bras without underwire and the WAMA Triangle Bralette ($38) is a great addition to my underwear drawer. Again the hemp and cotton combo fabric is super-comfy. The elastic waist band stays put and the straps don’t twist and slip off. I especially like the fact that it folds easily into my Marie-Kondo underwear organizer. 

The Thong (My Size = M)

You probably have a love-hate relationships with thongs (your partner loves them and you hate them, lol!) Kidding aside, thongs are essential for hiding panty lines, however they can ride up and become visible if you’re not a fan of high-waisted jeans. A major downside of thongs, as your gynecologist has probably warned you, is that they can transmit bacteria to the urinary tract, increasing the risk of bladder infections. While I can’t commit that the WAMA Thong ($20) will solve for this, I can say that hemp’s antibacterial properties can’t hurt. WAMA Hemp/cotton underwear is breathable, giving it greater hygienic qualities than any polyester or synthetic undie. What impressed me most about the WAMA thong is the fit. The waist band fit me right where it should and didn’t slide around or bunch. The ample fabric also provides just the right amount of coverage too.

The Boy Short (My Size = M)

I couldn’t resist trying the Boy Short ($20) because it is the ultimate in comfort and is so flattering around the hips and thighs. It also doubles as lounge wear when coupled with any of the WAMA Bralettes. Add a lightweight hemp kimono or T-shirt, and cozy socks and you have the ultimate girls night in look. I hope WAMA takes note of these hints I’m dropping!

While the boy short fit true to size, I should have trusted my gut and taken a size Small. Because my “gut” has grown during these more sedentary times I mistakenly sized up although the size chart indicated that I’d fit the Small. As a result there is now a bit too much fabric in the crotch area and the waist band is a slightly too loose. Still, I was able to wear these comfortably in looser fitting pants or alone for lounging.

Final Thoughts on WAMA Underwear

I have tried (and reviewed) other organic, sustainably made underwear and my overall assessment of WAMA is their product is high quality and a great key piece for your capsule underwear closet. 

Finding fit in any underwear brand is challenging, especially when done online. And WAMA will gladly help you find the correct fit on your first order. If you are not happy with your first pair of hemp underwear WAMA promises to make everything right.

Lastly, while I’m a fan of black underwear I would love to see WAMA expand their colors to include a “T-shirt” white, as well as skin tones. As these colors are extremely of the moment. The folks at WAMA tell me that new colors are due to be launched shortly, so stay tuned for more.

I give WAMA a thongs (thumbs) up! Shop for WAMA Underwear here.