The World's Healthiest Materials

In this article, we'll delve into the healthiest materials you can wear to maintain low levels of toxicity and ensure hygiene. While we focus on the bodily benefits of healthy fibers, this blog post will also guide you through the most sustainable fabric choices currently available.

What defines 'healthy materials'?

Primarily, it's fibers closest to nature and dyes gentle on your skin, ensuring no harm when absorbed.

Healthy Materials

• Natural cellulose fibers derived from plants, such as hemp, bamboo, cotton, coir, flex, jute, Tencel ™ and the list goes on.

- from the list above, we vote for Tencel™ or Lyocell Bamboo.

Healthy Dyes

• Plant based: Turmeric, indigo, madder, myrobalan, cochineal, logwood, henna - just a few notable plants. 
• Man-made: Procion MX

Now, let's concentrate on healthy materials most relevant to lingerie: Bamboo, and not just any bamboo—Lyocell Bamboo.

So, what's the big deal with Lyocell Bamboo?

It's not just a big deal; it's the name of the game when it comes to wearing ultra-healthy fabric closest to our bodies' most intimate parts.

Bamboo Benefits

• Antibacterial and skin friendly
• Odour and sweat wicking properties
• Breathable
• Uses 80% less water than conventional cotton
• Fast growing properties
• Requires zero pesticides to grow
• Reduced carbon footprint by 35%

Image ref.: 1

Lyocell Method

There are two ways to extract plant fibers—one being the Viscose method, which is a highly polluting process utilizing harsh chemicals, and the other being Lyocell.

The Lyocell technique is a closed-loop process that uses only non-toxic solvents and amine oxide to break down the bamboo pulp.

Additionally, there is a noticeable difference in the softness between Lyocell and Viscose Bamboo—Lyocell is softer and less prone to pilling. In contrast, Viscose, due to the harsh chemicals used in its extraction, has weaker fiber DNA, making it more prone to pilling and less comfortable against the skin.

Now that we have a better understanding of what truly good quality intimate fabric should be, let's look at the dyes. But first, let's consider the human body.

The Human Sponge

The human body is like a giant sponge, absorbing anything and everything that comes into direct contact with it. Different areas of your body have different absorption rates. See the illustration below:

Image ref.: 2

Commercial dyes are not only harmful to the environment but also readily absorbed through your skin's pores, especially when you're active and sweating.

These dyes contain various hazardous chemicals and heavy metals that negatively impact your health, causing hormonal imbalances, skin irritation, and certain types of cancer. Remember, your skin is the largest organ in your body and absorbs many substances.

A few notable chemicals to be aware of include antimony, cadmium, lead, mercury, and chromium VI. These heavy metals, once absorbed, can accumulate in the liver or kidneys, causing serious health problems.

For this reason, we always advise choosing wisely. Opt for natural fabrics and, most importantly, undergarments or clothing dyed with OEKO-TEX100 certified dyes. Be vigilant against greenwashing!

Thankfully, more and more small artisan brands are emerging, embracing ethical practices and sustainable, innovative methods to produce clothing.

Being kind to your body is a high priority, and a little effort can go a long way in protecting both your health and the environment. Respect and take care of your bodily temple and yourself.

Referencing
Image ref.: 1- Evie S. (2018) NIKON CORPORATION, NIKON D3200. Available at: https://unsplash.com/photos/close-view-flowering-plant-7YFnqO8lF0M (Accessed 7 March 2024).

Image ref.: 2- Janosch Lino (2018) NIKON CORPORATION, Nikon D7200. Available at: https://unsplash.com/photos/persons-left-foot-ESlOYaAkJRA (Accessed 7 March 2024).