Normally this article would be behind a paywall, but MATE the Label has generously sponsored this article so we can bring you this vital information. And now until 12/4, all of their Organic Intimate styles are 30% off.
Often when I tell people about all the ways our clothing could be poisoning us, they ask me if they should go through their closet and throw everything out and start over. And no, you do not need to do that. (If you could even afford to do that.)
Instead, if you’re concerned about toxic fashion and your health, start with swapping out the basics. That means intimate apparel: underwear and bras.
There are several very good reasons why it’s very important to ensure your underwear is made of natural fibers and are non-toxic.
1. Because you want to keep your vaginal microbiome healthy
Turns out it’s really important for your vaginal health to have a balanced microbiome. Research has linked an unhealthy vaginal microbiome to an increase in sexually transmitted infections, infertility and preterm birth. And you know how healthy vaginas have the right pH balance? Well, it’s beneficial bacteria creating the acidic conditions that protect you against infections.
The vagina is pretty good at taking care of itself, and rebalancing its microbiota and pH after a disruption of some sort. But not if you wrap it in plastic, which is what polyester and nylon are. These synthetic materials trap heat and moisture (from healthy vaginal discharge and sweat) to create a moist, dark environment, leading to yeast infections and even bacterial vaginosis.
In fact, almost all cases of toxic shock syndrome involve tampons that contain some amount of synthetic material.
So experts agree that cotton is the very best material for underwear, especially your everyday panties. Of course, a cotton gusset inside a synthetic pair of panties is better than direct contact with synthetics, but it still doesn’t allow air flow and drying.
MATE the Label never uses polyester, nylon, or polyamide in its underwear. Instead, their GOTS-certified Organic Comfort Collection is made with 95% certified organic cotton, 5% elastane for stretch, and non-toxic dyes. Elastane is required to make intimates stretchy, but they’re hoping to have a bio alternative soon. (Pssst their Intimates Collection is 30% off right now.)
In fact, some gynecologists recommend you save lacy underwear for special occasions where, ahem, it will come off quickly. But don’t worry, research shows that cotton thongs are perfectly fine!
2. Because your skin down there is really absorbent.
Scientists have long known that vaginas and vulvas are more sensitive and absorbent than regular skin, especially of hormones and antimicrobials.
At the same time, synthetic materials are more likely than natural materials to contain hazardous and allergenic substances, especially BPA, an endocrine disruptor linked to fertility issues and birth defects. Sports bras made of polyester and spandex have been found to contain BPA at levels 22 times over California safe limit. You don’t want this near the delicate skin of your vulva and vagina!
Even if you buy cotton underwear, you don’t want to buy it from just any brand. MATE the Label upholds a strict list of restricted substances to ensure that carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and other toxins are nowhere near your body.
3. Because synthetics can cause buttne and backne.
Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are always dyed with disperse dyes. And dermatologists know that certain disperse dyes, like Blue 106 and 124, are common skin sensitizers, meaning they can cause rashes and hives. For example, if you go to your dermatologist with persistent skin problems, they’ll include those disperse dyes in a patch test on your skin. One European study of people who got dermatological patch tests found that almost 7% of people tested had a disperse dye allergy.
But it’s not just those two colors. When researchers at Duke purified and cataloged 12 azo disperse dyes, they proved that all 12 could initiate a skin allergy. And the more azo disperse dye in a fabric, the higher the potential for a reaction.
The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) ran a biomedical study in 2018 that connected skin reactions in fifty patients to specific chemicals found in their clothing. In 2022, based on these results, it called for disperse dyes to be banned.
This is not what you want pressed up tight against your skin for 24 hours, whether in your underwear or your bra.
On the other hand, the dyes used for cotton and other natural fibers are much less likely to cause skin issues. MATE the Label uses only GOTS-certified organic cotton and non-toxic dyes, so your skin stays happy. If you want to go really nourishing and pure for your sensitive skin, you can get white, unbleached underwear.
Check MATE out at www.matethelabel.com.
Trending Products
