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If you were graced with sensitive skin like me, you’re probably looking rot the best plastic-free bra brands to keep you comfy and supported. The SKL team made a list of the softest, most non-toxic bras made of natural materials, plant-based dyes, finishes, and treatments.
There’s this common misconception floating around that allergy-free bras and underwear are somehow less cute or lack variety in styles. That couldn’t be further from the truth!
Have you seen the adorable bralettes, comfy sports bras, and stylish nursing bras that are flooding the market these days?
From vibrant prints and playful patterns to classic designs and elegant lace details, chemical-free bras come in a wide range of styles to suit every taste and preference.
Read on to find the best plastic-free underwear brands of 2024.
For more amazing options, check out these non-toxic & organic sports bras and non-toxic nursing bras.
SKL top picks, in a nutshell…
- Overall best plastic-free bra: The Very Good Bra
- Best luxury non-toxic bra: Julie May
- Best organic cotton bras: Cottonique
- Most affordable plastic-free bra: Cottonique
Best Plastic-Free Bras for Allergy-Free Comfort
Ever worn a polyester bra and ended up itching like crazy? Been there, done that! I have a polyester allergy, and my skin breaks out in hives pretty regularly. That’s what drove me to find the best organic activewear brands and plastic-free bra brands on the eco market. And unfortunately, I’m not alone – it’s actually pretty common.
According to doctors, you’re more likely to get textile dermatitis from clothes made with synthetics such as polyester, rayon, nylon, spandex, or rubber. If you didn’t know, polyester is a plastic derived from petroleum – the same stuff we use to make gasoline.
In addition to being extremely harmful to the skin, The production process of polyester fabric uses a lot of energy and water and releases pollutants. Plus, every time you wash polyester fabrics, they shed tiny plastic particles called microplastics. These microplastics end up in our waterways through our washing machines, affecting marine life and even getting into our food.
So, what can we do? Start by choosing chemical-free bras and undies made from natural, plastic-free materials like organic cotton, Tencel, or bamboo. Not only are these materials kinder to your skin, but they’re also much better for the environment. And trust me, once you make the switch, you’ll never want to go back.
The Environmental Impact of Underwear
It’s no secret that the fashion industry, including the production of underwear, contributes significantly to global waste generation.
According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is wasted every second globally, and underwear contributes to this waste stream. When underwear reaches the end of its life cycle, it often ends up in landfills, contributing to environmental pollution.
Unlike plastic-free bras, bralettes, and undies, the production of conventional underwear involves the use of various chemicals in fiber production, dyeing, and finishing processes. These chemicals can have harmful effects on human health and the environment.
For example, synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon are derived from petroleum-based chemicals and may release harmful pollutants during manufacturing. Additionally, the dyes and finishing agents used in underwear production can contain toxic substances that pose risks to both workers and ecosystems.
If that wasn’t bad enough, synthetic fibers used in underwear, shed microplastics during washing. These microplastics are tiny particles that can easily enter waterways and oceans, posing risks to marine life and ecosystems.
A study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found that a single synthetic garment can release thousands of microplastic fibers in a single wash cycle.
That’s why it’s so important to opt for chemical-free bras and undies made of natural materials.
Can Plastic-Free Bras Help With Skin Allergies?
Yes, if you are prone to developing rashes, plastic-free bras are the best option. Natural materials such as organic cotton are free from synthetic chemicals and additives often found in traditional bras made from polyester or nylon.
As a result, they’re much gentler on sensitive skin, reducing the risk of irritation, redness, and itching.
Ever noticed how your skin feels suffocated in certain bras? That’s because synthetic fabrics don’t breathe well, trapping moisture and heat against your skin. This can create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, leading to skin irritation and even infections.
Plastic-free bras, on the other hand, are more breathable, allowing air to circulate freely and keeping your skin cool and dry.
Best Allergy-Free & Plastic-Free Bra Brands in 2024
The Very Good Bra, an Australian plastic-free underwear brand brand dedicated to reducing landfill waste, pioneered the creation of 100% plastic-free bras and undies, crafted to be completely compostable. We know how much we appreciate size inclusivity at SKL.
So, we are happy to report that, Unlike many underwear brands that offer limited sizing, this B-certified corporation provides 34 proper bra sizes.
Their allergy-free bras and bralettes are made from natural, botanically sourced materials like organic cotton, natural rubber, and cellulose sewing thread.
This means no nasty toxins from manufacturing and no synthetic materials like spandex, polyester, or nylon. And the colors are so cute!
Lastly, the lineup includes nursing bras with front-fastening, wrap-over style with pull-down cups.
Price
From $59+
materials
100% organic cotton
location/shipping
Australia, ships worldwide
Use discount code JULIEMAY to save 10%
If you have to deal with eczema psoriasis, skin rashes, hives, and itchy skin regularly, you need to check out Julie May’s gorgeous, plastic-free bra collection.
Julie May is your go-to ethical brand for non-toxic and sustainable bras that cater to everybody and their preference. From sustainable bralettes and non-toxic bras with underwire to post-surgery and front-fastening bras, the company has something for everyone.
They use certified organic pima cotton and pure silk, creating a dreamy blend that is perfect for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
Julie May doesn’t compromise on style either. Whether you love delicate embroidery and romantic floral prints or prefer classic designs with lace detailing, their collection has plenty of beautiful options to choose from.
Price
From $89+
materials
Organic Pima cotton, silk & elastic
location/shipping
United Kingdom, ships worldwide
Are you looking for a plastic-free sports bra that’s perfect for everything from running and yoga to pilates or daily wear? Tripulse should be on your list.
This bra is made with 86% TENCEL™ lyocell, offering breathable, smooth, and stretchy comfort, and 14% ROICA EF385, a recycled elastane sourced from pre-consumer materials.
Designed in Sweden and ethically crafted in Portugal, it provides medium support with a racerback design for enhanced bust stability.
The bra also boasts non-see-through, double-layered fabric, a hidden chest opening for insertable pads, and an inner back pocket for your keys, cards, or phone.
Plus, it’s EU Ecolabel, FSC®, PEFC™, OEKO-TEX®, and REACH certified, ensuring the highest standards of sustainability.
Price
$77
materials
86% TENCEL™ lyocell & 14% ROICA EF385 (recycled elastane from pre-consumer materials)
location/shipping
Sweden, ships worldwide
As the name suggests, Cottonique is the world’s leading allergy-free apparel brand that uses 100% organic cotton to create bras and bralettes with itch-free coverage, reliable support, and a comfortable experience with every wear.
If you’re looking for ultimate support, go with the Front Closure Support Bra. It is ultra comfy and Underwire-free which means that it won’t restrict your movement at all.
Another great option is the Slimfit Pullover Bra – a comfortable pullover bra that fits well and gives your bust a flattering shape without allergies or itchiness.
What makes these allergy-free bras so unique is not only the design but also Cottonique’s very own patented (CHTP®) hydro-thermal fabric finishing technology, which stabilizes the fabric using just heat and water, making them chemical-free, soft, and highly absorbent. How amazing is that?
Price
From $20+
materials
GOTS Certified organic cotton & elastane
Materials
United States, ships worldwide
I have my fair share of Organic Basics pieces, including their smooth bralette and eco-friendly leggings. Let’s just say that they’ve exceeded my expectations.
Beyond colorful bralettes, Organic Basics offers a range of GOTS-certified organic cotton undies and sweat-wicking recycled crop tops that double as sports bras and many different wireless bras to make it easy to mix and match your sustainable lingerie wardrobe.
What I love the most about this collection is the Adjustable straps and hook-and-eye closures – because there is nothing I hate more than ill-fitting undies!
Plus, all their non-toxic bras are ethically made in Portugal and arrive at our doorstep in recyclable packaging.
Price
From $26+
materials
GOTS Certified organic cotton, Tencel & elastane
location/shipping
Denmark, ships worldwide
Use code SKL15 to save 15%
Pact, one of the favorite sustainable fashion brands of 2024, ethically creates an array of chemical-free bras and lacey, plastic-free bralettes from utterly soft fabrics that will last a lifetime.
The entire collection is as sustainable as it can get! Pact Women’s Bras are made with organic cotton in a fair trade factory.
Unlike conventional cotton, this GMO-free crop uses 81% less water and 62% less energy. Take your pick from the 10+ different colors. The company also offers splurge-worthy packs of 3 to get your favorite non-toxic bras
At a very discounted price. To top it all off, the packaging is a 100% recycled poly mailer or a biodegradable paper box.
Price
From $30+
materials
GOTS Certified organic cotton & elastane
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
Subset’s essential underware runs the gamut from organic cotton soft bras to ultra-comfy Bralettes that meet the support you’d expect from an underwire.
You can find triangle bras, keyhole bras, as well as scoop, and tank bralettes with adjustable shoulder straps and a 3-row hook & eye closure at the back for more adjustability.
To create those “forever” basics, Subset uses Fair Trade, GOTS, and OEKO-TEX-certified organic cotton and recycled polyester. The hardware is manufactured from recycled alloy and zinc.
So, rest assured that your minimalist chemical-free bra is ideal for sensitive skin.
Want to save while stocking up on your favorites? Subset offers great deals when you bundle, making it even easier to refresh your lingerie drawer with sustainable options.
Price
From $48+
materials
GOTS Certified organic cotton & elastane
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
The Minimalist lingerie and undergarments brand Brook There is best known for their non-toxic convertible bras!
The company makes every design locally in the USA using certified organic cotton to make sure that the clean, simple, and figure-flattering silhouettes are created responsibly.
Their collection includes comfy plastic-free bralettes and bras with options for light or maximum support, along with a variety of undies like bikinis, briefs, hipsters, and thongs.
Whether you prefer neutral tones or vibrant hues, Brook There has something to match your style.
What’s more, the orders are packaged in Eco-Enclose recycled poly bags and recycled tissue paper to minimize waste even more.
Price
From $76+
materials
Organic cotton & spandex
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
Known as one of the best plastic-free underwear brands in 2024, Little Spruce Organics creates bras, bralettes, and sports bras from pure, GOTS-certified organic cotton.
This is the biggest variety of colors, styles, and prints we’ve come across so far. The collection boasts lacey designs, workout-approved and exceptional supported bras, and triangle-style bralettes.
You can also find hypoallergenic Organic Cotton Nursing bras with adjustable shoulder straps and back fastening as well as small clips to allow the cups to be opened easily.
Browse their catalog to find your next, favorite piece – the options are so many!
Price
From $30+
materials
GOTS Certified organic cotton & elastane
location/shipping
United States, ships to Canada
How Do I Care for Plastic-Free Underwear?
Plastic-free underwear made from natural fibers like organic cotton should be washed using gentle and natural detergents. To maintain the quality of your plastic-free undies, consider handwashing them with lukewarm water. If using a washing machine, select the delicate cycle with cold water to prevent shrinkage or damage to the fibers.
Make sure to steer clear of bleach and fabric softeners when washing your plastic-free underwear. These harsh chemicals can weaken the fabric and irritate sensitive skin. After washing, air dry your underwear by laying them flat or hanging them on a clothesline.
This was your complete guide to plastic-free bras!
We hope this list helped you find a new, super comfy, plastic-free bra to add to your underwear rotation. Unlike polyester-based fabrics, natural, allergy-free bras
Are made from sustainable, biodegradable materials that minimize waste and reduce pollution – so you can feel good about what you’re wearing! What’s more, synthetic bras are notorious for shedding microplastics every time you wash them, which can end up polluting our oceans and harming marine life.
Plus, they can trap moisture and heat against your skin, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi – yikes! But with chemical-free bras, you get breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that keep your skin cool, dry, and oh-so-happy with zero microplastics.