Underwear serves as that unassuming yet crucial shield for our body's delicate regions. It primarily protects us from the environment and unwanted abrasion, but it also maintains a sense of comfort throughout the day. Whether we're tackling switchbacks on the mountain or crowded aisles at the grocery store, there's a good chance we're sporting a pair of underwear.

But because underwear comes in direct contact with your body's most sensitive regions, it's imperative that you consider not only how it looks and feels, but also what it's made of.

As proponents of net-positive textiles, we strongly believe that underwear made from natural fibers not only benefits us, it also supports a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle because, ultimately, natural fibers are more than a fashion statement. They're a conscious decision to embrace sustainability, support ethical practices, and connect with the natural world. But perhaps most importantly, they serve as an opportunity to adopt a novel means of improving our personal well-being.

As simple as it may sound, investing in underwear made from natural fibers like alpaca allows us to retire old synthetics that don't serve our body. Because alpaca is devoid of the harsh chemicals and toxins commonly found in synthetic fabrics, it reduces exposure to potential irritants and allergens, but it also influences our long-term health as well. We can ditch the synthetic squeeze and let natural fibers set us free.

The Problem With Synthetic Underwear

While most modern underwear, from briefs to boxers to thongs, is made with synthetic fabrics, we now have the ability to make use of natural alternatives beyond cotton that offer better wicking, temperature-regulating, and odor-eliminating properties.

Of course, synthetic fabrics have their place in the world of textiles, but these materials aren't free from flaws. For example, they often contain toxins that can be traced back to the production process, and they trap heat and moisture that causes potential irritation. Scientific studies have found the presence of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals," in various consumer products since the late 1940s, and much of the underwear market contains these chemicals.

What's more, recent research has unveiled a concerning link between environmental chemicals, which may be present in synthetic underwear, and significant negative impacts on fertility. The genital area, being one of the most sensitive parts of the human body, exhibits high susceptibility to chemical absorption—it's up to 20 times more permeable to chemicals compared to other areas of our skin. This means everything from bleaches to softeners and heavy metals to harsh petroleum scours may very well end up in your underwear, where your body is likely to absorb them. And constant exposure to these chemicals has been associated with difficulties in both male and female fertility along with potential increased risk of cancer, and hormone disruption.

With these alarming realities in mind, we knew there had to be a better underwear alternative. And we knew that our experience with alpaca fiber could help us create safe and comfortable underwear, that allowed you to “sync into nature” every time you pull on your most basic piece of clothing.

Introducing "Nature's Essentials": Safe, Comfortable, And Non-Toxic Alternatives

As a brand dedicated to both people and the planet, we ultimately want you to feel more connected to your clothing. And while sweaters, socks, and insulated jackets will always serve us well, we realized that our lineup was missing the one garment you throw on day after day that comes in direct contact with your skin: underwear.

And so, our inspired product team of natural fiber aficionados set off to harness the exceptional properties of alpaca fiber to craft an underwear collection that transcends the boundaries of conventional comfort.

We said goodbye to synthetic woes and embraced a new era of softness, breathability, and unparalleled coziness with alpaca fiber underwear that delicately hugs your skin and dries with ease, offering an experience that stands in stark contrast to traditional underwear. With moisture-wicking abilities that rival the most prestigious synthetics and an eco-friendly spirit that leaves a minimal footprint, our Nature's Essentials line ushers in a new standard of undergarment excellence.

Made with an ultralight blend of Traceable Alpaca, Eucalyptus Pulp, and Organic Pima Cotton, every piece is designed to cover sensitive skin with nothing but nature. In fact, that's why you'll find the phrase "Sync into Nature" on every new garment to come from this revolutionary collection. Because your relationship with your underwear is so personal yet so equally tied to the world around you, we want you to connect with every pair the moment you pull it on.

As you embark on your quest for the perfect undergarment, let us leave you with this final thought: When it comes to your most sensitive regions, compromise isn't an option. That's why we use nature's finest fibers to cradle your nether regions with unmatched tenderness and care. With this new collection, you not only have the opportunity to elevate your personal comfort, but you can also make a conscious choice that's a little easier on the planet, too. At the end of the day, your body deserves nothing but the very best, and that's precisely what this new collection offers.

Links:

Health concerns:
Endocrine Disruptor Potential (2021)

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their effects on the ovary (2020)

PFAS Exposure and Risk of Cancer (2017)

PFAS Exposure and Male Fertility (2021)

PFAS:
CDC Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) Factsheet (2023)

Why Action on 'Forever Chemicals' are a Big Problem Now (2019)

Chemical Documents Analysis of Industry Influence on PFAS Science (2023)

Read about Patagonia actively working to remove PFAS:
Inside the Race to Get Forever Chemicals Out of Raincoats (2023)

Learn about recent PFAS lawsuit:
New Independent Study Confirms PFAS in Thinx (2021)

What to Know about PFAS in Period Underwear (2023)