Beneath the Surface: Why What You Wear Underneath Really Matters

When it comes to fashion, we obsess over the perfect jeans or the trendiest shoes—but how often do we think about our underwear? It’s the first thing we put on, the last thing we take off, and the fabric closest to our most sensitive skin. Yet most of us give it the least thought.

At Net Positive, we believe your underwear should be more than a pretty pair. It should protect, empower, and reflect your values. In this blog, we’ll uncover the truth about what’s beneath—and how conscious choices can change everything from your comfort to your confidence and even the planet.

The Truth About Conventional Underwear

Let’s start with what’s hiding in your underwear drawer:

• Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and elastane

• Toxic dyes and finishes containing heavy metals, formaldehyde, and PFAS

• Poor breathability, leading to irritation and infections

• Fast fashion practices that exploit labor and harm the planet

These materials don’t just sit on your skin—they interact with it. Your skin is porous. It absorbs what you wear. That’s why it’s time to question: what are your undies really made of?

Why Underwear Deserves More Respect

Underwear is your second skin. It deserves:

• Comfort without compromise

• Support that doesn't sacrifice health

• Materials that breathe and move with you

• Fabric that aligns with your ethics

And yet, 90% of mainstream underwear falls short. At Net Positive, we see this as an invitation for radical change.

Skin Deep: How Toxic Underwear Affects Your Body

Did you know that certain fabrics and dyes can:

• Trigger vaginal irritation, yeast infections, or UTIs

• Disrupt hormones via endocrine-disrupting chemicals (like BPA, phthalates, PFAS)

• Cause skin rashes, allergies, and inflammation

• Lead to long-term health issues when worn daily

Many women suffer silently, thinking it's “just their body”—when in fact, it's their underwear.

The Problem with Fast Fashion Undies

Fast fashion loves synthetic blends because they’re cheap, stretchy, and easy to mass produce. But they come at a cost:

• Petroleum-based fibers that don’t biodegrade

• Toxic dyes that pollute waterways and irritate skin

• Sweat-trapping fabrics that cause odor and bacteria buildup

• Disposable designs with short lifespans and high environmental impact

If your underwear doesn’t last, it wasn’t designed for you—it was designed for profit.

A Better Way Starts with Better Fabric

The most powerful shift you can make? Switching to natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable fabrics like:

• Hemp: Breathable, antibacterial, moisture-wicking, and naturally odor-resistant

• Organic cotton: Soft, gentle on skin, and grown without harmful pesticides

• TENCEL™: Made from responsibly sourced wood pulp with a closed-loop production process

At Net Positive, we focus on hemp because it checks every box for health, comfort, and sustainability. Plus, it lasts longer and feels better with time.

Why Dyes Matter Too

You may already look at fabric tags, but have you ever thought about the dye?

Conventional dyes often contain:

• Heavy metals like lead and chromium

• Formaldehyde to lock in color

• Carcinogenic azo compounds

• Residues that never fully wash out

Net Positive uses low-impact, non-toxic dyes that are:

• Free from heavy metals and known irritants

• Biodegradable and safe for waterways

• Designed to adhere better, reducing water and energy use

Because color should never come at the cost of your well-being.

Underwear That Matches Your Values

When you choose non-toxic, sustainably made underwear, you’re not just upgrading your closet—you’re:

• Reducing landfill waste

• Lowering chemical runoff in ecosystems

• Supporting ethical labor practices

• Promoting body-positive, conscious living

It’s more than a fabric change. It’s a mindset shift.

 Real Talk: What Women Want From Their Undies

We asked our community what they want most in underwear, and the answers were loud and clear:

• “No more itching down there!”

• “I want to feel supported but not suffocated.”

• “I’m tired of replacing cheap pairs every month.”

• “I want to feel proud of what I’m wearing—even if no one else sees it.”

This is why we design every pair with softness, breathability, durability, and sustainability in mind. Because your underwear should feel like a hug, not a hazard.

How to Care for Your Non-Toxic Underwear

Want your better undies to last longer? Follow these tips:

1. Wash in cold water with natural detergent

2. Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets

3. Air dry when possible to preserve elasticity

4. Rotate pairs to reduce wear and tear

Treat them with love, and they’ll return the favor.

What to Look For in Truly Non-Toxic Underwear

Not all “natural” underwear is created equal. Before you buy, check for:

• Certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX, or Fair Trade

• Transparent sourcing and dye practices

• Fiber content: look for 95–100% natural fibers

• Avoid vague labels like “eco-friendly” without proof

And if you’re ever unsure, ask the brand. Ethical companies will always tell you the truth.

Your Underwear, Your Energy

What you wear underneath influences more than your skin. It impacts how you walk, how you sit, how you feel.

• When it fits right, you stand taller.

• When it’s soft, your body relaxes.

• When it’s safe, your mind is at ease.

This isn’t just about fashion—it’s about alignment. And Net Positive is here to support you, one layer at a time.

Final Thoughts: Start Where You Are

You don’t need to throw out your entire drawer overnight. Just start small:

• Swap one pair for a natural one

• Learn about labels

• Share what you’ve discovered

• Prioritize comfort and consciousness in your next purchase

The more informed your decisions, the more powerful your impact.