Bringing eco sexy back

While the virtues of organic cotton have been well documented from a farming standpoint, the virtues of wearing organic cotton have been slightly less touted. In my quest for a less chemically-laden life, purchasing organic cotton whenever possible is a priority.

Why waste my time with natural cosmetics and household cleaners and then cover myself in cotton that's coated in chemicals, right?

One area where I insist on organic materials is in those garments that come closest to my skin: my lingerie. Back in the day, organic cotton bras and panties were almost exclusively in the granny-panty category: beige, utilitarian, and totally unflattering.

Thankfully, today even the sexiest environmentalista can find beautiful organic lingerie.

Here are some of my favorites:

Charme No-Wire Bra and Panty
Appropriately named, this charming French bra is everything a girl could want in an undergarment: sexy, cute, and comfortable.

The bra is adorable, but even better, it is as comfy as it is pretty, with adjustable straps and a double-hook back closure. The bra’s cups feature double fabric for opacity and support without padding.

Pair this with the Charme Bikini Panty, and you have a matching set that is about as far from frumpy as you can get.

Both pieces are made of 100-percent, Turkish-grown, organic cotton made under certified Fair Trade labor standards. Imported from France, the bra and panty retail for $40 and $20 respectively, and are available at FaeriesDance.com.

Cottonfield Bra Top and Jersey Bikini
This sports-style bra with flattering princess seams and a double-layer front is super comfortable and offers support for smaller busted ladies. Both pieces come in natural and black (the bra top is also available in cranberry) and are made of extra-soft, 100-percent organic combed cotton. The bikini is lower cut with full back coverage.

The bra top and panty, which retail for $26 and $25 respectively, are available on the company’s website.

PACT Oceana Boyshort
One of my new favorite panties, this design has done swimmingly well for PACT since day one. Inspired by a Japanese woodcut print, the artwork has been modified for textile printing.

With this design, PACT has partnered with Oceana, a global organization that protects oceans and marine life. With the purchase of panties in this print, 10 percent of your purchase is donated to the cause.

PACT’s Oceana boy short retails for $22.

Blue Canoe Crossover Bra and Matching Lace-Top Panty
When you want to feel braless (but not be) try the flattering Crossover Bra by Blue Canoe. The wireless bralette and matching panty both have a feminine touch of lace. With minimal support, the bra is best for A-C cups.

The pieces, which retail $32.50 and $19.50 respectively, are 90-percent organic Peruvian-grown cotton and 10-percent Lycra. Both pieces, which are available at FaeriesDance.com, are 
made in the USA and are machine washable.

Couture Cottons Bikini
These organic bamboo panties have a cute little peekaboo back, which adds a sexy twist to a classic style. In addition to being a sustainable resource grown without pesticides, bamboo makes for a fabric that is soft and breathable.

The panties, which are available on the company’s website, retail for $27.

Blue Canoe - Jill Bra Top
With thick straps and a wide soft band, this is one of the most comfortable sports bras I’ve worn. The thick organic cotton is absorbent during rigorous exercise, and the center front gathers prevent the pancake look that other sports bras often create.

The bra top, which comes in three colors, is available on the Blue Canoe website. It retails for $35.

Find out the top 5 reasons to buy organic cotton.

Learn more about the fair trade system and products.

Heather O’Neill is the founder of Eco to the People, a green living blog. Email her at: heather@ecotothepeople.com.

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