The fabric used in the manufacture of organic bras is made up of non-toxic materials; usually it’s cotton or hemp. The elastic can be a problem for some people because it has petrochemicals in either the rubber (or spandex) of it. For others it is hardly noticeable, if at all. And for most people it goes away after a few washes (oh, all right, a lot of washes for the severely sensitive). An organic bra is a great choice for someone sensitive to chemicals because:
- the fabric won’t have been treated with chemical based dyes
- the product won’t have been washed in harsh chemical detergents
- it’s less likely to cause problems and won’t need to be washed (and aired) many times by the owner before it can be worn.
Not only are these all great reasons to buy a bra made from organic materials but it’s also an excellent ethical and environmental choice too!
Styles
Most styles, traditionally, have been designed as a cross-over bra, or yoga top. But as demand has increased the finer, lacier details are coming available. Generally, they don’t have underwire, so if you’re larger than a D cup, the search could be on! But you could try Jane’s plus cup.
What (and where) to Buy
Rawganique: The Organic Pima Cotton Lady Lace Bra is designed with a lace insert for those desiring a more feminine style. 100% cotton fabric and it has adjustable straps and band and is machine washable.
The Organic Cotton Bralette can be worn on its own as a yoga-style top. It’s made from 90% organic cotton and 10% spandex; it comes in sizes S-M-L and is machine washable and made in the USA. It comes in natural, two-tone jade, and terracotta.
The Organic Cotton Energy Sports Bra is one of the few sports bras available made with organic fabric. It has doubles straps that cross and weave at the back in an attractive pattern and it is made from 90% organic cotton and 10% spandex. Available in Black and Bluestone, and Cocoa in sizes S-M-L.
Cottonfiled US: options are the Bra Top 100% organic cotton knit sports-style bra, with a latex-free elastic band in black or natural. It’s made in the US. This, just maybe, is the perfect bra for someone who is severely chemically sensitive, or has Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).
Or, the Graceful Sports Bra: 92% organic cotton, 8% lycra (elastic and latex free).
Blue Canoe: in the US (they ship internationally) (see below for AUS distributor) have a huge variety of styles: nursing, crossover, cami, yoga and simple bras in an assortment of colours. For women who require more room Jane’s plus cup goes up to an extra large.
Blessed Earth: are the Australian distributors for Blue Canoe bras.
Queen Bee: sold in Australia, organic nursing bra with discreet inseam pockets on the inside to put breast pads in.
Gaiam: traditional Yoga style bra Australia, ships internationally.
Cheers and good luck!
Where do you get your bras? Have you ever had problems with the materials? Any tips for us people–sensitive to chemicals–still finding our way?
Have you read ‘Take off your bra!’ yet?
Image: www.freeimages.co.uk
I don’t have sensitivities but I like the idea of a bra that isn’t all plastic.
Yes, it’s wonderful once you set your ta ta’s free 🙂
lmao!
Interesting information. I bet the yoga style is very comfortable (that’s always a plus).
For me organic fabric can cause me to get my mold reaction. I know organic is better but for me it hasn’t been a good idea. I am tempted to try again.
I know what you mean, my first mattress was cotton (not organic) and I had incredible breathing pain in my lungs and ended up putting it in another room for a year. When I think back on it, and the symptoms, it was definitely mouldy. I found out it was eventually because, desperate to use it, I sealed it in heavy duty foil, and this ‘lack of air’ set the mould off so that it was actually visible when we unwrapped it to find out why it was heating up. It was awful. And it nearly put me off buying cotton mattress; however, now I buy most of my cotton bedding from Organature, the owner, himself, has chemical sensitivities so he is really careful about moulds (and other contaminants); he even sends it wrapped in cotton (instead of plastic, reeking of petrochemicals, like most suppliers do). You could email him an ask if he knows of a US supplier who can show the same diligence in care of the cotton? I’ll do a post about my new mattress and how I solved one of the mould problems soon.