When it comes to daily decisions that make an impact on the planet, your underwear matters more than you might think.The story today is grim. Fast fashion prioritizes profits above all else, meaning most pairs of boxers are cheaply made and might only last a month or two before you toss them in the trash. Underwear’s intimate nature means that the material is rarely reused or recycled, leading to unnecessary waste.
Table of Contents
- Key Certifications for Organic Underwear to Watch For
- The best organic boxer brief brands to upgrade your wardrobe with
Even worse, most conventional brands manufacture their products using potentially toxic compounds such as softeners, dyes, bleaches, and more, some of which may irritate your skin or are known carcinogens.
Our top pick
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Runner up
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Third pick
Boody Bamboo Boxer Briefs
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Key Certifications for Organic Underwear to Watch For
Organic underwear has many selling points, but here are some of the most important certifications to look for.
- GOTS-Certification: The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a top processing standard for all textiles made from organic materials. Farms must show proof of organic certification to earn it.
- Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX: All textiles certified by OEKO-TEX have tested negative for over 100 potentially harmful manufacturing compounds.
- Certified Fairtrade: Any product with this certification must meet rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards regarding working conditions, environmental protection, and fair wages for the workers.
- B Corps Certified: B Corps businesses promise to balance both purpose and profit by making choices that positively impact their workers, community, and overall environment.
- ECOCERT Certified: This standard guarantees that a company has passed on-site inspections to ensure that the product it sells complies with the requirements in its industry for environmentally friendly and socially conscious practices.
- Green America Certified Business: This certification highlights companies working towards positive social change, operating in environmentally responsible ways, and are transparent about their business practices.
The best organic boxer brief brands to upgrade your wardrobe with
1
iLoveBad Hemp & Organic Cotton Boxer Briefs
Leaf Score
Highlights: iLoveBad underwear blends hemp and GOTS-certified organic cotton fibers for breathable yet durable underwear you’ll be happy to wear every day.
Primary Materials: 64% Organic Cotton, 28% Hemp, 8% Lycra
Sizing: S-XL
iLoveBad specializes in all-natural apparel items where comfort, ethics, and the environment are the top priority. The brand works with sustainable suppliers worldwide to source its natural hemp and GOTS-certified organic cotton. Each pair is then made by a small team in Southern California using low-impact dyes and flatlock stitching for cozier fits without bulk.
Stylistically, iLoveBad avoids jumping on trends in favor of creating timeless apparel you can wear long-term. The brand’s fabrics are ECOCERT Certified by the Organic Content Standard. Hemp makes up more than a quarter of the blend, which adds both breathability and natural durability to every pair that helps them last longer than traditional cotton briefs.
Each pair is shipped out in biodegradable cardboard packaging, and 10% of all proceeds go to charities supporting animals, children, and other needs. While most customers award this underwear glowing reviews for comfort and durability, note that each pair might be too heavy for extreme sporting activities. If you’re unhappy, returns are accepted for 100 days after delivery.
2
Etiko Organic & Fairtrade Boxer Briefs
Leaf Score
Highlights: This Australian-based loungewear brand has been a trendsetter for sustainability and fair worker treatment since its start. It offers comfortable, affordable boxer briefs that could quickly become your favorite pair.
Primary Materials: 95% organic cotton, 5% elastane
Sizing: S-XXL
As the first fashion brand in the southern hemisphere to become Fairtrade certified, Etiko has been a trailblazer for sustainable practices since the beginning. This family-owned Australian apparel company sells organic men’s underwear in four colors (striped, peaco*ck, heather grey, and black). Each pair includes wide elastic for a secure fit and a comfortable pouch front opening.
While Etiko has a lower carbon footprint (66.48 tons of greenhouse gas emissions) than other apparel brands, it is also on track to achieve net-zero carbon emissions well before the Australian fashion industry’s goal of 2050. The company does so by purchasing carbon credits from Timor-Leste through Carbon Social, a non-profit that works with subsistence farmers to replant trees and improve their livelihoods.
The brand also uses Forest Steward Council-certified cardboard and paper products for packaging, as well as biodegradable and compostable plastic.
Every underwear style earns five-star reviews for fit and breathability on the company website. If your experience differs, you can return any unworn Etiko product within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.
3
Boody Bamboo Boxer Briefs
Leaf Score
Highlights: The idea of bamboo-based underwear might take some getting used to, but Boody briefs are soft, comfortable, and surprisingly affordable.
Primary Materials: Bamboo
Sizing: S-L
The Boody brand is based in Australia, where it manufactures underwear and loungewear for men, women, and babies. All Boody products are constructed from one primary material—bamboo. Specifically, the company uses a viscose blend of bamboo grown organically in China by the Hebei Jigao Chemical Fiber Company.
Bamboo’s vigorous growth habit and minimal need for inputs make it an eco-friendly fiber that promotes sustainable land use. The crop is transformed into a soft, durable yarn in a patented process that uses only a fraction of the water necessary for growing cotton. Every stalk is guaranteed to be 100% natural growth and free of any chemical pesticides.
The result? Ultra-soft, hypoallergenic underwear that should hold up to heavy use. Each pair of underwear is made through a closed-loop system where the used solvents are continuously recycled for less waste. Even the sewing process is designed to minimize wastage, as each garment is knitted in tubes rather than the traditional cut and sew approach. Each pair is ECOCERT and OEKO-TEX certified.
Boody customers regularly rave about this brand, with many claiming it makes the best underwear they’ve ever tried. Each pair is soft out of the package and offers a near-seamless fit for all-day comfort. The company even includes instructions on how to remove the inside tag to further minimize irritation. If you aren’t convinced, it’s possible to return your pair after 30 days of purchase for a refund.
4
WAMA Organic Cotton & Hemp Boxer Briefs
Leaf Score
Highlights: This hemp-based underwear brand gives you comfortable, durable underwear at a great price. It’s also the most size-inclusive option on our list.
Primary Materials: 53% hemp, 44% cotton, 3% spandex
Sizing: S-XXXXL
WAMA is a California company that specializes in intimate apparel made from a fabric blend that’s more than 50% hemp. This ultra-durable textile is considered to be the world’s strongest natural fiber. Not only is hemp naturally anti-bacterial, but it also holds onto dye better than cotton and doesn’t degrade in sunlight. When combined with cotton, you get a robust and breathable fabric that wicks away moisture and gets softer the more you wash it.
All WAMA hemp is grown on small family farms in China. Though not certified organic, this hemp is better for the environment than other materials because the plants grow quickly, don’t need pesticides or herbicides, and require half as much water as cotton—all while actively improving the soil’s health over time. The rest of the material consists of GOTS-certified organic cotton and enough spandex for elasticity.
Customer reviews show most buyers love this underwear for its comfortable fit and material quality. Best of all, WAMA covers every first purchase with a First Pair Guarantee, which lets you request a new size, style, or color for free if you’re initially unhappy. Just note it tends to run small, so consider ordering up a size.
5
Linoto Linen Boxer Briefs
Leaf Score
Highlights: Linoto specializes in linen sheets, and the fabric remnants are used to make these unique boxer briefs that are both breathable and durable.
Primary Materials: Linen
Sizing: XS-XXL
Though Linoto is best known for its 100% linen bath and bedroom products, the brand also sells pre-washed linen boxers. Each pair is made from recovered and leftover Linoto fabric (some of which is certified organic), meaning that they help the company cut down on waste. These boxers (and all other Linoto products) are sewn in New York and come in over a dozen color options.
Linen as a fabric is both durable and one of the most biodegradable options available. Linoto boxers boast breathability and lots of space in the front for extra comfort and cooling. Best of all, this durable fabric gets softer with regular washing. In fact, the company also recommends these boxers for use as pajamas or yoga shorts. Each pair arrives in plastic-free recycled packaging, and the company recommends you go down a size if you prefer a tighter fit.
Customer reviews show most shoppers find Linoto underwear is a good buy. Each pair is breathable, durable, and tends to get softer after each wash. Some found them to be slightly too long for comfort, and others didn’t like how wrinkled they got after washing. One common complaint is slow shipping time, so keep in mind you may need to wait a month or longer to receive your pair after ordering.
Note that all Linoto boxer short sales are final and that the company won’t accept returns or refunds.
6
Organic Basics Organic Cotton Boxer Briefs
Leaf Score
Highlights: Organic Basics offers three stellar organic fabrics for its popular underwear, and the company wins points for being transparent about its environmental impact.
Primary Materials: 95% GOTS organic cotton, 5% elastane
Sizing: S-XXL
Organic Basics is an intimate apparel company based in Denmark. The brand sells men’s underwear made from three fabric types: GOTS-certified organic cotton grown along the Aegean Sea, Tencel, an eco-friendly fiber derived from wood pulp, and SilverTechTM, a 93% blend of recycled nylon and 7% elastane. This nylon blend is treated with a recycled salt known as Polygiene®, which purportedly keeps clothing smelling fresh longer to prevent you from washing them as frequently—consequently saving energy in the long run.
Organic Basics puts sustainability at the forefront of its goals. The company is a certified B Corp and boasts a transparent and ethical supply chain, with most of its apparel manufactured in factories throughout Europe. According to the brand’s Impact Report, its recycling initiatives have kept close to 2.5 tons of material out of landfills compared to its competitors’ practices.
Customer reviews show men love Organic Basics underwear, though some found it expensive for the relatively basic design. But over the long run, many were impressed how much use they got from each pair and thought they quickly paid for themselves. Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase, so long as you pay for shipping.
7
Bhumi Organic Cotton Boxer Briefs
Leaf Score
Highlights: Organic, Fairtrade-certified underwear doesn’t get much better than Bhumi. Each pair is comfortable enough to become your go-to underwear brand.
Primary Materials: 95% Certified Organic Cotton, 5% recycled elastane
Sizing: S-XL
This Australian-based company specializes in Fairtrade, organic cotton apparel, bedding, and bath products—including men’s underwear. You can choose from two-packs of briefs, trunks, mid-length trunks, and boxers, all of which is ethically made in certified Fairtrade factories in India.
Bhumi means “mother earth” in Sanskrit, and the company strives to live up to its name by ensuring every product has a positive environmental and social impact. The underwear itself is crafted from an organic cotton blend that is guaranteed free from chlorine bleach, toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, and aromatic solvents that could irritate your skin and potentially cause more severe problems.
Customer reviews show men love this underwear’s soft fabric and are consistently impressed with how well it wears, even after dozens of trips through the washing machine. Many praised the durable elastic waistbands, but recommended buyers go up a size for a better fit. If your experience is less positive, the company offers a 30-day refund guarantee for underwear in original condition.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of sustainable and organic practices in the fashion industry, I find it crucial to shed light on the often-overlooked environmental impact of daily choices, such as selecting underwear. The article you've presented delves into the environmental consequences of fast fashion, emphasizing the importance of opting for organic and sustainable options. The evidence provided includes insights into the manufacturing processes of various underwear brands and the certifications they hold, ensuring their commitment to ethical and eco-friendly practices.
Let's break down the key concepts and certifications discussed in the article:
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GOTS-Certification (Global Organic Textile Standard):
- Definition: GOTS is a top processing standard for textiles made from organic materials.
- Significance: Farms must prove organic certification to earn this certification.
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OEKO-TEX Standard 100:
- Definition: Textiles certified by OEKO-TEX have tested negative for over 100 potentially harmful manufacturing compounds.
- Significance: Ensures the absence of harmful substances in the manufacturing process.
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Certified Fairtrade:
- Definition: Products with this certification must meet rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards regarding working conditions, environmental protection, and fair wages for workers.
- Significance: Ensures ethical and fair treatment throughout the supply chain.
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B Corps Certified:
- Definition: B Corps businesses balance purpose and profit by making choices that positively impact workers, community, and the environment.
- Significance: Demonstrates a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
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ECOCERT Certified:
- Definition: Guarantees that a company complies with environmentally friendly and socially conscious practices.
- Significance: Ensures adherence to sustainable and eco-friendly production practices.
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Green America Certified Business:
- Definition: Highlights companies working towards positive social change, operating in environmentally responsible ways, and being transparent about their business practices.
- Significance: Recognizes companies contributing to social and environmental improvements.
Now, let's briefly touch upon the featured organic boxer brief brands:
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iLoveBad Hemp & Organic Cotton Boxer Briefs:
- Materials: 64% Organic Cotton, 28% Hemp, 8% Lycra.
- Highlights: Blends hemp and GOTS-certified organic cotton for breathable and durable underwear. Emphasizes comfort, ethics, and environmental consciousness.
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Etiko Organic & Fairtrade Boxer Briefs:
- Materials: 95% Organic Cotton, 5% Elastane.
- Highlights: Australian-based brand with a focus on sustainability and fair worker treatment. Achieves Fairtrade certification and actively reduces carbon emissions.
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Boody Bamboo Boxer Briefs:
- Materials: Bamboo.
- Highlights: Australian brand using bamboo for soft, comfortable, and affordable underwear. Emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including closed-loop systems.
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WAMA Organic Cotton & Hemp Boxer Briefs:
- Materials: 53% Hemp, 44% Cotton, 3% Spandex.
- Highlights: California-based brand specializing in hemp-based underwear. Prioritizes comfort, durability, and environmental friendliness.
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Linoto Linen Boxer Briefs:
- Materials: Linen.
- Highlights: Linoto repurposes fabric remnants to create breathable and durable linen boxer briefs. Focuses on minimizing waste and utilizing leftover materials.
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Organic Basics Organic Cotton Boxer Briefs:
- Materials: 95% GOTS Organic Cotton, 5% Elastane.
- Highlights: Danish brand offering underwear made from various eco-friendly fabrics. Transparent about environmental impact and recycling initiatives.
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Bhumi Organic Cotton Boxer Briefs:
- Materials: 95% Certified Organic Cotton, 5% Recycled Elastane.
- Highlights: Australian brand specializing in Fairtrade, organic cotton apparel. Emphasizes positive environmental and social impacts.
These brands showcase a commitment to sustainable and ethical practices, providing consumers with eco-friendly alternatives for their daily essentials.
