The main function of a pair of underwear is, ideally, to cover and protect. Breathable underwear is the best bet for keeping things healthy and sweat-free “down there” and in most cases, that means underwear made out of natural fabrics (like WAMA’s hemp underwear ).

Unfortunately, a lot of what’s available on the mainstream market is not made out of 100% natural fibers. Polyester underwear and undies made of any synthetic blends tend to be the most accessible product for many people... and the most harmful.

That said, what exactly makes certain types of underwear so detrimental to your health? And what qualifies a pair of undies as non-toxic? Well, that’s what we’re here to explore so let’s get right into it!

Before we can start talking about non toxic underwear, we need to understand what all this means and why it’s important. The simplest definition of non-toxic is something that doesn’t contain poisonous substances. It’s something free of anything that can harm a person through inhalation, ingestion, or absorption. Non-toxic also often means free of substances that are harmful to the planet.

When it comes to non toxic underwear, the term usually implies underwear that’s free of PFAS. What are those? Let’s take a closer look. 

PFAS are fun little things known as “forever chemicals” and they can be found virtually anywhere. Yes, even in our food! The term PFAS refers to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are chemicals that have been in commercial use since the 1940s mostly for treating surfaces and garments to make them resistant to oils, stains, water, and heat.

In the world of underwear, PFAS can most commonly be found in undergarments that are marketed to be absorbent or moisture-wicking. Think along the lines of workout underwear for men and leakproof products like period underwear.

Overexposure to PFAS can have a negative impact on your health and may even lead to the development of certain cancers . Studies have found potential links between exposure to PFAS and testicular, kidney, bladder, and ovarian cancers. Avoiding PFAS in your underwear is especially important because your genitals provide an easy passage for all the nastiness to be absorbed through.

Based on what we just learned, I’m sure you’re eager to know how to avoid toxicity in your underwear. Luckily, non toxic underwear is not hard to find, you just need to know what to look for (and what to avoid). Here are a few guidelines to keep you on the right path:

The number one tip for non-toxic underwear shopping is Stick! To! Natural! Fabrics! This is the golden rule for underwear, in general. Synthetic fabrics are responsible for most of the issues that can make underwear uncomfortable or have ill effects on your health (such as yeast infections caused by trapped moisture, skin irritation from chafing, and exposure to risky chemicals). Natural fabrics don’t come with such a daring list of credentials. Hemp, organic cotton, and silk, to name a few, are all breathable and antibacterial, so they can actually help support your genital he

Brands that care about the planet are certainly less likely to include toxic substances in their products. Sure, many fast fashion brands make cotton underwear but it’s often blended with other synthetic materials (plus, there’s a big difference between organic cotton vs cotton ). Sustainable brands are also more likely to use low impact dyes and processes that don’t involve any chemical treatments (like those used for making synthetic underwear moisture-wicking). 

The unfortunate truth of the fast fashion market is that the worst option (in terms of quality) is often the most affordable. However, it’s also true that you can get much more use out of a quality item if you know how to take care of it. Underwear is a delicate garment that gets a lot of use. Washing it frequently with harsh detergents will wear down the fabric and cause the underwear to sag. Learn how to hand wash underwear to help it keep its shape for longer. 

If you’re looking for multifunctional non toxic men’s underwear, your best bet is a pair of hemp mens boxer briefs . Why? Well, they’re supportive, breathable, and naturally moisture-wicking which makes them great for use as workout underwear . These are all the promised reasons why men are drawn to polyester.

The issue with synthetic fabrics, specifically in relation to testicular health, is that they actually trap heat and moisture which has been proven to lead to fertility issues . That, along with potential traces of PFAS makes for a combination you wouldn’t want anywhere near your crown jewels.

Now, if you’re really worried about your sperm production levels, you can stick to loose-fitting mens boxers . However, opting for a natural fabric and buying from trusted, certified brands will make wearing any mens underwear types a healthy and comfortable experience. 

Non toxic womens underwear follows the same guidelines as safe undies for the boys! For women, breathability and moisture wicking qualities are especially important traits for undies to have. Vaginas are supposed to exude a warm, moist air and trapping all that into synthetic undies that may also be exposing you to harmful chemicals is not the move. 

As is customary, women have some extra nonsense to deal with in regards to avoiding chemical exposure to their privates. According to this review , studies suggest that all traditional period products contain traces of environmental chemicals (though the exposure risks are inconclusive).

Period underwear has gained popularity as a sustainable alternative to single-use menstrual products, but it’s not guaranteed to be a non-toxic option. (This is evidenced by the class-action lawsuit recently settled by a leading period underwear brand for the presence of PFAS in their products).

Period underwear is the ideal menstrual product for those who want something eco-friendly and prefer to go about their lives like their period doesn’t exist. However, a reusable, absorbent pair of underwear like that is sure to contain at least some synthetic materials so I don’t have a reliable suggestion for those looking for sustainable period undies for a heavy flow. But, I do have some tips for dealing with your period in eco-friendly ways:

• For a light flow or use with a menstrual cup, hemp undies, especially WAMA’s high waisted underwear , feel like the closest thing to sustainable, non-toxic period underwear out there. They’re super cozy yet durable enough to survive repeated scrubbing to remove blood stains. Oh, and they’re extremely breathable which is an absolute must to keep you from feeling like you have a bloody, smelly bog down there.

• Learning how to get blood out of underwear properly will help prolong the life of your undies. It also helps to have a few pairs that you own specifically to wear during your period (whether you’re using other products like cups or tampons or you’re letting yourself bleed freely). That way, a little bit of staining will just be par for the course.

• If you’re confused about what to do with old underwear , simply keep the looser, worn-down pairs for use during your period! It shouldn’t matter if they have stains or holes, or no longer fit perfectly so long as they provide a barrier between the red river and your clothing or bedsheets. 

The term non toxic underwear may seem flashy and special, but really it just means underwear that’s the best for your genital (and overall!) health. All underwear should be non-toxic. Period. Since that’s unfortunately not the case, I hope that everything we’ve gone over today has helped you become better equipped to find the best non toxic underwear!

Did you know that underwear could contain harmful chemicals? Does that completely deter you from purchasing undies made of synthetic fabrics? I would love to know your thoughts. Share them in the comments!