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As a conscious Canadian working in the fashion industry from Copenhagen to Los Angeles, Stacy Anderson realized that while fashion is moving toward sustainable models one piece of clothing is being left out of the eco-friendly race- underwear. And, as the first piece of clothing that we put on our skin, that is a problem. Most of those stretchy, colorful or lacy pieces that we slip on in the morning are made from synthetic materials and synthetic dyes that can cause harm to our planet and bodies. And, when we’re finished with them they get thrown out in the end. After collaborations with organizations like LA Compost and feedback from 1,000 women, KENT, Stacy’s line of organic underwear, sustainably made to be composted was born.
We believe, wearing super natural, never synthetic means we have the opportunity to look good, feel good and do good everyday.
Stacy Anderson
Even for those of us who grew up composting, underwear (usually made with spandex and chemical dyes) never made it to the pile because they weren’t biodegradable or all-natural. Yet, Stacy ensures us that her panties are made to go back to mother earth at the end of their life. She also shared a few facts from her research prior to launching her brand and explained why organic products truly can save the planet that we live on.
What are some of the health & eco benefits of organic cotton?
We LOVE 100% organic cotton for health benefits to both our bodies and our planet. For our bodies, 100% organic cotton is the most breathable fabric we can wear – and breathability is key for our underwear, allowing our most sensitive areas to – regulate properly and not restrict and promote bacteria growth. Compare this to underwear made with synthetic materials (spandex, nylon, elastane, polyester – even recycled) which is proven to play a role in bacterial and yeast infections.
If looking at environmental benefits – all of the materials we use are plant-based, meaning they are from the earth and can return to earth as a resource. We call our collection ‘back to earth basics’. From the organic cotton we use, to the thread and elastic – everything can be composted, creating a circular and regenerative system that is part of how the natural process how soil and plants operate.
What are some of the toxins that you’ve found through research that are present in everyday underwear?
Most often, everyday underwear can be found to be made of petro-chemicals, fossil fuel based materials such as spandex, nylon, polyester or elastane which inhibit breathability and promote bacterial growth. Conventional (non-organic) cotton is often made from GMO seeds and covered in pesticides and herbicides which remain on the textile that sits next to your skin. Synthetic materials are also often dyed with harmful chemicals such as chlorine bleach, formaldehyde and heavy metals, all which have negative impacts on our bodies (and the planet).
You have a background working with silk loungewear. Why did you decide to use cotton instead of silk?
While we loved using organic silk, we realize that we can have a bigger impact by focusing on products that we wear day-in and day-out, like cotton underwear. Also, I become personally frustrated not being able to find 100% organic cotton underwear – let alone 100% organic pima cotton underwear (my absolute favorite fabric – it’s naturally hypoallergenic, moisture wicking, ultra breathable, and because pima has the longest fibers out of any cotton, it is silky smooth and never pills, bunches or gets scratchy). Once I found this beautiful cotton, I knew we could switch away from silk because it could potentially be even better for our bodies and the environment. I also wanted to make a product with more accessible price points, compared to organic silk where the cost of the material is so high.
Instead of elastic or spandex, what materials do you use?
We use 100% GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic pima cotton. We made a commitment to be super natural – meaning ZERO synthetic (or plastic / petrochemical based) materials in our products. That goes for our threads and elastic waistband too (which is a proprietary blend of plant-based material and cotton).
What are a few of the dyes that you use? Do you have any new colors coming soon?
We use natural plant/ flower based dyes and also low impact dyes. We are constantly striving to do better and understand how we can have the least impact possible. These two dye methods we’ve found to be the best at achieving that and meeting our standards.
We do have new colors coming soon- launching at the end of May! Think a celebration of flowers and all the beauty spring has to offer. We’ll also be releasing new colors in time for Fall.
What packaging materials do you use?
We use Forest Stewardship Council certified paper packaging for our briefs that is both recyclable and compostable, also made in USA. We also opted for 100% recycled envelope mailers over boxes to minimize waste and carbon footprint at shipping.
How should customers dispose of /compost KENT underwear?
When your brief’s time are up, you can literally Plant Your Pants! Simply cut up washed briefs into strips and pop into your compost. We have a short guide here with tips on how to do just that.
8 Cotton & Recycled Totes That Are Great Alternatives to Plastic Bags
We worked with LA Compost, a community non-profit, to put our briefs to the test. They monitored the decomposition of our briefs and confirmed it will take only 90 days (3 months) for them to disappear! We know that not all composts are the same, and so compost time may vary (depending on temperature, moisture, etc).
How has your childhood influenced your sustainable mindset?
Growing up near Toronto, curbside composting was the norm. Just as we do curbside recycling, filling up a compost bin with scraps to return to the soil was a part of how we cared for the planet. I also grew up with vegetable gardens in our backyard, practicing ‘organic farming’ when we didn’t necessarily have the term organic just yet. And because my family instilled strong values to care for our planet from the beginning, it is second nature and naturally evolved into my studies and now with launching KENT.
How are you sustainable in your everyday life?
I love small sustainable steps. Looking at big issues like climate change or ocean pollution as a whole can feel daunting. Starting small and making changes step by step I believe is the key to lasting change. From having our own backyard compost, using cloth rags instead of paper towel, and swapping plastic garbage bags for compostable ones, I’m focused on removing plastic (especially single use) from everyday life.