Last week we delved into socially conscious skivvies, namely our bras and panties. As the new and growing movement of Ethical Sartorialists, it’s our responsibility to morally manage every aspect of our wardrobe. Thus, we continue this week with the critical other half – boxers and [my personal favorite!] socks!
So let’s dive right in, shall we?
~ Boxers ~
I wrote about Patagonia last week, but let’s recap. This southern California-based retailer is at the forefront of sustainability in textiles. Their mission statement reads: “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, and use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.” Their position on corporate social responsibility can be found here.
- Tighty-whiteys and boxer briefs, made primarily from recycled polyester.
- Regular baggy boxers, again from recycled polyester.
The progressive Cottonfield USA is an organic company, using cotton grown in America, milled in America, and made in America. All their dyes are also free of heavy metals. Their commitment to organic products is laid out on their website.
- They have two styles of briefs, the classic and the sport.
- They offer one style of boxer briefs.
- And these are their boxers, though honestly they don’t look very comfortable (or stylish).
I absolutely love Faeries Dance for their affordable options. They’re all sweatshop-free, made with environmentally sensitive fabrics and low-impact dyes. You can read about their policies on their website.
- Of course, they have tons of underwear options!
Rawganique is a ‘human scale family business’ that specializes in organic hemp and other natural fibers. Their products are all sweatshop free, and made in the US, Canada, Europe, and Thailand. You can read a lengthy explanation of their business plan on their about page.
- They have quite a variety of offerings, from briefs to boxers to boxer briefs.
And again . . . *sigh* . . . if worse comes to worst you can always get organic cotton briefs from American Apparel. Also available in a 3-pack. (but read about why I don’t like to support them, here, in italics)
~Socks~
My absolute number one favorite online sock source is the amazing, the incomparable, Sock Dreams. Not all of them are organic, or sweat free, or even vegan, but there are plenty of options that are. And all of the Sock Dreams label are made right here in Oregon. Here are some of my favorite choices:
- Here’s their eco-friendly page, with TONS of styles.
- Some simple organics, nothing fancy.
- There’s lots and lots more, and they’re really well-priced, so check ‘em out!
Patagonia, pricey as they may be, has a small but significant selection.
- The lightweight everyday version, organic cotton and nylon.
- The lightweight ski liner socks are mostly recycled polyester.
- The lightweight hiking crew liner is the same.
Good old Cottonfield USA has such a comprehensive collection of apparel.
- They only offer one option, but it’s pretty reasonably priced.
Faeries Dance comes through again!
- Check out their entire selection with tons of cheap choices to choose from!
No Sweat Apparel was one of the first socially conscious companies I discovered, way back in the day (I asked for an awesome pair of red high top ‘chucks’ for Chanukah). They’re a great company that have been doing good for a long long time, and they seem to be hurting in this economic climate. So why not support them?!
- The women’s cotton crew socks are made in the US and vegan. Unfortunately the men’s classic is a wool blend. *sad trombone*
And that about wraps it up, my dears. Please do continue to share your own ideas and discoveries. I’m always looking for more alternatives!
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http://www.rockstarknits.wordpress.com Shana
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