Do you have a comfortable old nightgown that you love to wear most of the time?
Is your favorite underwear baggy, comfortable and a little unflattering?
Does your go-to bathrobe need to go to the recycle bin?
Unfortunately for my husband, I have to answer “Yes” to all of the above.
So for a combination belated birthday and Valentine’s day gift, my hubby opened my
cluttered lingerie drawer, pointed at the dismal contents, then smiled at me and said:
“Honey, why don’t you treat yourself to some pretty, new lingerie and sleepwear
at Victoria’s Secret?
Get whatever you want!
That will be my gift to you!”
I was delighted to have the opportunity to upgrade my look, so off I dashed, gift card
in hand, to a nearby Victoria’s Secret store.
Like many visitors, as I walked through the door, I was dazzled by the lights, colors,
mannequins and endless displays of lacy bras, panties and nightgowns.
I felt like a kid in a candy store!
Buoyed by the gift card that was burning a hole in my pocket, I dutifully strolled from
one dizzying display of lacy, racy undies and nighties to another.
After a while, I began to feel slightly dizzy and overwhelmed by the onslaught of lights,
music and the smell of nylon and polyester.
It was too much!
I couldn’t find a single item that was made of natural fibers such as organic cotton,
bamboo or hemp.
Everything was made from some kind of potentially toxic synthetic fabric.
We can absorb chemicals when we wear toxic textiles therefore it is important to
minimize our exposure to unsafe fabrics.
So I pushed on, examining the fabric contents of every item that appealed to me.
There must be something that I could buy in this fabled temple of femininity.
Unfortunately–even with the help of a harried sales clerk–I found nothing that I
wanted to wear close to my skin.
After nearly three hours, I left Victoria’s Secret with three canvas Victoria’s Secret PINK
tote bags–as gifts for girlfriends who are crazy about this store–but no new nighties or
undies for me!
*Note that this is not an indictment of Victoria’s Secret, I simply prefer to wear textiles
that are healthier, natural and organic–especially underwear and sleepwear.
There are very sound reasons for avoiding chemically-treated fabrics.
According to The Top 6 Fabrics You Should Avoid Wearing and Why:
“Chemically treated natural and synthetic fabrics are a source of toxins that
adversely affect your health and the health of the planet.
Top toxic fabrics to avoid:
1. Polyester is the worst fabric you can buy. It is made from synthetic polymers
that are made from esters of dihydric alcohol and terpthalic acid.
2. Acrylic fabrics are polycrylonitriles and may cause cancer, according to the EPA.
3. Rayon is recycled wood pulp that must be treated with chemicals like caustic soda,
ammonia, acetone and sulphuric acid to survive regular washing and wearing.
4. Acetate and Triacetate are made from wood fibers called cellulose and undergo
extensive chemical processing to produce the finished product.
5. Nylon is made from petroleum and is often given a permanent chemical finish
that can be harmful.
6. Anything static resistant, stain resistant, permanent press, wrinkle-free, stain
proof or moth repellant.
Many of the stain resistant and wrinkle-free fabrics are treated with perfluorinated
chemicals (PFCs), like Teflon.”
7. Avoid textiles with flame retardants such as formaldehyde.
According to How to Avoid Toxic Chemicals on Textiles:
“1. Choose natural-fiber clothes without chemical finishes:
The safest alternative is to choose textiles like silk, hemp, organic cotton, and wool that are
cruelty-free.
2. Buy organic textiles to avoid formaldehyde:
Textiles that follow certifications such as Global Organic Textile Standards are processed
without harmful scouring or descaling chemicals as well as flame retardants, and the dyes
must be natural and free of toxic finish.
3. Choose certified low-toxin clothing: The Oeko-Tex Standard is a certification that limits
the use of a list of toxins in everything from raw materials to finished clothes.
SMART Sustainable Product Standards promotes sustainability in everything from fabrics to
apparel to flooring with environmental, social, end economic standards.”
*Note that while natural fibers still might be processed to some extent, they are often a
better choice than synthetics.
After my disastrous shopping spree, I fortified myself with a cup of coffee and
headed home with nothing much to show for my efforts.
Of course, my hopeful husband couldn’t wait to see what pretty things I bought.
Sadly, I had to disappoint him.
But not for long.
I knew what do.
I plopped down to my PC to search for organic cotton lingerie and sleepwear, and
selected some lovely nightgowns, pajamas, robes, underpants, bras, camisoles and
leggings to upgrade my look in a healthier, more natural and eco-friendly way.
Of course, I am planning ways to recycle or repurpose my old ratty gowns,
pjs and robes.
Below are a few of my favorite organic cotton online finds.
And my husband loves them too!
At least, I’ll look decent for Valentine’s Day. (Smile)
Simply click on each photo below to more the details…
Look Cute Naturally with Organic Lingerie and Sleepwear
Only Hearts Women’s Organic Cotton Gown
Only Hearts Women’s Organic Cotton Lace Trimmed Chemise
Only Hearts Women’s Organic Cotton Lace Trimmed Black Chemise
Only Hearts Women’s Organic Cotton Long Sleeve Shorty Pajama
Only Hearts Women’s Organic Cotton Piped Short Robe
Pure Fiber Organic Knitted Sage Green Bathrobe
Only Hearts Women’s Heritage Heart Print Pajamas
Light Blue Jaya Laney PJ Set, 100% Organic Cotton,Hand Block Printed
Qianxiu Women Breast Pocket Organic Cotton Button Long Night Shirt Pajamas
Tonsee Sweet Heart Bamboo Fiber Underwear Briefs Sexy Seamless Panties
PACT Women’s Organic Cotton Boy Shorts
PACT Women’s Windmill Boy Short
Hanky Panky Organic Cotton Boyshort with Lace
Nukleus Ladies’ Panties Women’s Boy Shorts Organic Cotton
Only Hearts Women’s Organic Cotton 2 Ply Bralette
Sweet Mommy 100% Organic Cotton Nursing Bra
Pure Karma Women’s Organic Cotton White Cami Bra
Organic Antimicrobial Laced Soft Bra & Panty Set
Organic Antimicrobial Cushioned Bra & Panty Set
Inner Sense Organic Antimicrobial Triangular Padded Bra Panty Set
Only Hearts Women’s Organic Cotton Lace Trimmed Silver/Blue Cami
Only Hearts Women’s Organic Cotton Black Drawstring Pants
Miui Women’s Pajama, Comfort Fit Top
Fair Indigo Organic Fair Trade Teal Leggings
PACT Women’s Organic Cotton Long Leggings
PACT Women’s Everyday Long Black Legging
(This post contains affiliate links for products that I use, wear or believe in.)
PIN & SHARE!
What do think about the issue of toxic fabrics?
Do you need to upgrade your lingerie and sleepwear to natural fibers?
Which items would you wear? Which ones are your favorites?
Do you have a favorite source for organic clothing?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
“Shared on Kind & Healthy Fridays”
“Shared on the Weekend Retreat Link Party”
Thanks for linking this post too. It’s so important! It’s easy to remember to try to eat organic, but slips our minds to wear organic stuff next to our skin!
Yes, during my research I learned how harmful many of the chemical in our fabrics can be. There are even some books and articles on the subject as well that link toxins in bras to breast cancer.
Such a great post. I always knew in my mind that undergarments must have some harmful effects to our bodies, I just never knew what as I did not take the time to look into it. Thanks so much for explaining and providing all these alternatives. Don’t forget to come by today to link up 🙂
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