16 Sustainable Bralette Brands—Affordable, Size-Inclusive
Bralettes offer more freedom than traditional bras, lacking the typical wires or cups. Finding a good bralette can be a challenge though, especially when it comes to getting the right fit and feel of something you’ll reach for every day.
On top of that, it can be confusing to know if a bralette brand is truly sustainable, or if they’re greenwashing.
Luckily, this post will share some truly ethical bralette brands from around the world, including options that are more affordable and size-inclusive.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a small commission on any purchases through these links, at no extra cost to you. This income keeps this blog running and is much appreciated!
What Makes a Bralette Brand Sustainable?
There are many pillars of sustainability, and here are some of the factors I prioritized when making this list.
Materials
Bralettes are often made from synthetics like polyester or nylon, which take hundreds of years to break down and shed microplastics when washed. Sustainable bralettes should be made of natural materials such as organic cotton, hemp, and TENCEL/lyocell (fabric made from responsible wood pulp).
Bamboo can also be a decent option, but most bamboo fabric is viscose or rayon, which can involve toxic chemicals unless it’s a closed-loop process. Bamboo lyocell is the best form of bamboo fabric.
Other lower-impact fabrics include recycled synthetics, though keep in mind that they still shed microplastics and should ideally be washed in a Guppyfriend bag.
Fair Labor
Clothing can only be sustainable and ethical if the workers making it are being treated fairly. All brands listed have a code of conduct that covers no forced labor, fair wages, and safe conditions (this is just the start—ideally, we also want to see specific information about wages, benefits, and conditions).
Companies should trace their suppliers and audit them regularly to ensure fair labor conditions.
Certifications
A company doesn’t need certifications to be sustainable (in fact, they can be prohibitively expensive for smaller brands), but they can be extra reassurance that a brand is doing what they say they are. Some certifications mentioned in this post include:
B Corp—Companies that hold the highest social and environmental standards after having their entire supply chain evaluated, from materials to employee benefits.
Oeko-Tex—Products with this certification are free of harmful substances.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)—Products with the GOTS organic label must contain at least 95% certified organic fibers. There are also regulations to avoid toxic inputs and byproducts in the production process. Manufacturers must also meet guidelines for safe working conditions.
Fair Trade factory—a Fair Trade factory must offer a fair working environment, reduce environmental impact, and pay Fair Trade premiums, which is an amount above product price and wages used to benefit the local community.
WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production)—WRAP-certified factories must follow 12 principles, including no forced or child labor, fair wages, reasonable working hours, a healthy work environment, and more.
SA8000—The SA8000 Standard outlines fair working conditions for factories. There can be no child labor, forced labor, or harsh disciplinary actions. Workers have the freedom to associate and working hours must be reasonable. Employees must also be paid a living wage.
Circularity
Since undergarments aren’t usually accepted in textile recycling programs, it’s great when a brand has their own recycling program to turn old bralettes into new items, or downcycle them into things like housing insulation.
Diversity
Finding a good bralette is personal, as there are a wide range of cup and band sizes. An ethical company should provide inclusive sizing and feature a diverse range of models so customers can know how the bralette might fit or look on someone like them.
Sustainable Bralette Brands
Photos with models are courtesy of the brand websites.
Pricing is approximate, with $ meaning there are options around $25 or less, $$ meaning options from $25-45, $$$ meaning options from $45-65, and $$$ meaning $65+
1. Knickey
Pricing: $$
Size range: XXS-XXXL
Knickey bralettes come in four styles: The Triangle, The Keyhole, The Scoop, and The Tank. They’re made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. The straps are made recycled nylon, and the band is made from TENCEL.
Knickey traces their entire supply chain. Their organic cotton is grown, ginned, and spun in India, and the clothing is sewn at a Fair Trade factory, also in India.
The brand is also circular, as they have a recycling program where you can mail in any old underwear, bras, socks, and tights to be turned into insulation, cleaning rags, yarn, and more. The shipping labels cost $5, but you get a 15% discount on your next order.
I own two Tank Bralettes, and they’re extremely comfortable and supportive. I actually have even run in them a few times, though I do have a small chest (around a 34B). I wouldn’t recommend them for high-impact activity, as the straps will slip down, but the straps are quite secure for everyday wear, and they’re adjustable as well.
I will just say that I don’t love how the seam of the Tank Bralette goes down the center of the cup (they’re called darted cups for those who know their bra lingo). It can look a little weird under thin t-shirts, though I know the benefit of this type of cup is added support.
Shop Knickey here. Use code IMPERFECTIDEALIST for 10% off.
2. Hanna Broer Design
Pricing: $$
Size range: XS-3XL, plus adaptive options
Hanna Broer Design has beautiful bralettes in unique, retro-inspired silhouettes made from natural materials. The pieces are sewn by Hanna herself in her studio in rural Vermont.
The bralettes are pull-on, so you won’t need to worry about clasps. There are also adaptive styles with snap openings or magnetic closures, making it easier for those with limited mobility, or those who are nursing.
If you’re in-between sizes or need a different bra band and cup size (like me!), you can contact Hanna with questions, and she can also combine different band and cup sizes.
The colors change each season, but they’re currently rich, jewel tones that are perfect for fall. You can also buy styles in previous seasons’ colors at a discount.
I tried the Trillium Bra (gifted as part of a previous collaboration), and it’s the first bra with cups that I actually quite like. I’ve always struggled to find bralettes that fit because of my small chest, but Hanna was able to combine a size S band and size XS cup, which fits well (no more of that dreaded wrinkly cup that isn’t filled out). I also really don’t like clasped bras, so I appreciate that several of the bralette styles are pull-on.
3. Boody
Pricing: $
Size range: XS-XL (2XL-4XL in some styles/colors)
Boody is an Australian brand with a global presence; they have stockists and warehouses in many countries. The brand is known for its affordable basics made from closed-loop bamboo viscose, and they offer several different styles of seamless bralettes.
The bralettes are made in a WRAP-Certified factory, so they’re manufactured responsibly. The fabrics are also Oeko-Tex certified.
I haven’t had the chance to try their bralettes, but if they’re anything like their underwear, I’m sure they’re extremely study and comfortable. Their most popular style is the Shaper Bra, which is a supportive scoop bralette.
4. Organic Basics
Pricing: $$$
Size range: XS-XL (XXS-XXL in some styles/colors)
Organic Basics is a Danish loungewear brand with several styles of bralettes that are both functional and stylish. Their pieces are made of mainly GOTS-certified organic cotton, but they also use certified recycled materials and TENCEL Lyocell (a sustainable material derived from responsible wood pulp). Their fabric is Oeko-Tex certified and the company is a member of 1% for the Planet.
Organic Basics traces most of their supply chain and works with factories that have environmental and ethical certifications. You can learn about each factory, its certifications, and worker benefits on their website. They ensure a living wage in some of their supply chain.
I was able to try the TENCEL Lite Bralette as part of a previous collaboration, and I found the TENCEL fabric soft and breathable. I’m not a huge fan of bras with clasps, but this one was comfortable to wear, though the cutout style wasn’t the most flattering on my small bust. I also own their Active Sports Bras though, and they’re my favorite sports bras, and I use them for everyday wear as well.
Shop Organic Basics here. Use code LILYOBX for 10% off.
5. tentree
Pricing: $$
Size range: XS-XXL
Tentree is a Canadian brand true to its name: for every purchase, they plant 10 trees. Their bralettes are made from organic cotton and TENCEL Lyocell, and they come in a scoop or triangle style.
Tentree lists their factories on their site, including their certifications, last year audited, and their social compliance programs.
While the retail price of tentree’s products is pretty standard for a sustainable brand (on the higher side in general), they do have great sales, so keep an eye out for those. I was able to get two sports bras for under $25 each, and they’re both great quality.
6. Girlfriend Collective
Pricing: $$
Size range: XS-6XL
While Girlfriend offers mainly compressive sports bras, they do have a couple bralette styles, including a scoop and v-neck option. You’ll love their bright colors, sustainable practices, and size inclusivity.
The bralettes are made from post-consumer recycled bottles in an SA8000-certified factory. This certification ensures fair wages, safe conditions, and no forced or child labor.
Sizing runs from XS-6XL, though I’ve personally found their bras to be too compressive (at least the Dylan sports bra). Make sure to check the reviews for more details on sizing, as the bralettes may be roomier. Despite that, Girlfriend still has a more inclusive size range, and they feature a diverse set of models in terms of size and ethnicity. The brand itself is also Asian-owned.
7. Pact
Pricing: $
Size range: XS-XXL
Pact is one of the more affordable sustainable brands, and their organic cotton bralettes are perfect for lounging around or wearing out and about. You’ll find a wide range of styles, ranging from classic to sporty, and there are also a couple options with pretty lace or scalloped details.
Their pieces are sewn in a Fair Trade factory, their cotton is GOTS-certified, and they emit net zero carbon emissions after offsets.
8. Arq
Pricing: $$
Size range: XS-2X (up to 6X in undies)
Arq is an instagram sensation, thanks to their matching underwear sets in earthy tones or cool prints. They offer four styles of bralettes, with one having clasps and the others being pull-on.
Their bralettes are made in the US from organic cotton. I’d love to see more info about their manufacturer, since it’s unclear if their small team sews the undies or they outsource.
Arq features a diverse range of models in terms of size, ethnicity, and femininity.
9. JulieMay
Pricing: $$
Size range: UK 8-18 (US 4-14)
If you have sensitive skin and like bralettes with feminine details, you’ll like JulieMay. Their lingerie is made from organic pima cotton underwear with a silk lining. JulieMay is known for being allergy-friendly, as the bralettes are synthetic-free and don’t contain other common irritants (most bralettes, including those from sustainable brands, contain a small percentage of elastane for stretch).
The bralettes are made ethically in Hong Kong, where workers are paid a living wage and the factory is audited yearly. The brand also gives back to sustainable development projects, including reforestation, plastic recycling, and safer rural cookstoves.
I tried the Georgia bra (gifted as part of a previous collab), and it’s very well-made, but I wouldn’t recommend it for smaller busts because the cup area won’t be filled out. I also found that the silk lining makes the band area not very stretchy, so I’d recommend sizing up on any pull-on bralettes—I used the size calculator and still had to size up since the suggested size was too tight to get on and off.
Once on, the bralette is comfortable though, so if you have a medium to large bust and smaller band size, I think these would work well for you. There are also other options with claps, which wouldn’t have these same sizing issues.
10. HARA the Label
Pricing: $$$
Size range: XS-4XL (note that this runs small and is US 2-18)
HARA is an Australian brand making seamless bralettes out of bamboo lyocell. Their styles include a triangle bralette, tank bralette, sports bra, and bandeau.
They own their supply chain, and all their products are naturally dyed, sewn, and shipped in Melbourne, Australia. All employees are paid a living wage and work fair hours.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic and inflation, they are in the process of finding a new production method, and all pieces are final sale.
11. Wolven
Pricing: $$
Size range: XS-XL
This American activewear brand is owned by a woman of South Asian heritage, and you can see that cultural influence in the intricate patterns of Wolven’s printed items.
Wolven’s bras are made from Global Recycled Standard and Oeko-Tex certified plastic bottles. The fabric is unique and has a vegan suede finish, making it softer than other synthetic fabrics. While the bras are on the sportier side and often used for yoga or high-impact sports, a couple styles do feel more like bralettes.
Wolven pieces are sewn primarily in China, with import shipments being carbon offset. Their Chinese manufacturer is audited by Intertek’s Workplace Conditions Assessment, and it scored 87% overall across the categories of labor, wages & hours, health & safety, management systems, and environment. This labor transparency is a good start, but I’d like to see more info around wages and working conditions, such as seeing the WCA assessment results themselves.
I’ve personally tried the Crisscross bra (gifted with no obligation to share), and I found it decently supportive without being too compressive. I’m able to wear it as an everyday bra and also as a sports bra. I will say, however, that if you have sensitive skin, you may not like the suede finish, as it can sometimes make me lightly itchy. I do like the fabric for active bottoms, however.
Shop Wolven here. Use code imperfectidealist for 20% off your first purchase.
12. Free Label
Pricing: $$$$
Size range: XS-5X
Free Label is a Canadian brand with elegant bralettes that can double as crop tops. There are a handful of styles ranging from sporty to more feminine, and you can pick from neutral or jewel tones and a wide size range.
The bralettes are made from natural materials such as lyocell, organic cotton, and bamboo. Free Label’s fabrics are custom-milled in Toronto, and all factory partners are within a 10-mile drive of their headquarters in Vancouver, allowing them to visit weekly.
13. WAMA
Pricing: $$
Size range: XS-4XL
WAMA’s specialty is hemp underwear in classic styles and earthy colors. For bralettes, they offer a triangle or racerback style.
Hemp is an up-and-coming sustainable material that’s naturally anti-bacterial. Paired with a little organic cotton, you get a comfy and breathable fabric that’s perfect for bralettes.
WAMA is committed to labor ethics as well. They trace most of their supply chain, with their hemp being grown on a family-owned organic farm in Northern China and the undies being sewn in a factory in Southern China, where a dedicated team member is placed to monitor conditions and uphold the code of conduct. The lowest wage is twice the minimum wage and the average wage is three times the minimum wage.
14. Parade
Pricing: $ (they frequently have sales)
Size range: XS-3X
Parade became mainstream thanks to Instagram, and it’s one of the trendiest bralette brands on this list. Their bralettes are made from certified recycled synthetics and come in a wide variety of styles, including fun colors, cool patterns, and ~spicy~ details.
Parade features diverse models whose bodies feel very real, as you’ll see stretch marks and a variety of butt shapes (including my butt shape, which is effectively no butt haha). Parade also donates 1% of each purchase to Planned Parenthood.
I would like to see Parade offer more transparency in their labor practices, however. They do have a code of conduct and audit their factories through a third-party, but it’s unclear whether they pay a living wage vs. just the minimum wage.
15. MATE the Label
Pricing: $$
Size range: XS-3X
MATE the Label has a simple but comfy scoop bralette made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. You can choose from neutral tones and a more inclusive size range.
MATE traces their most of their supply chain, with their cotton being grown in India and the majority of their pieces being dyed, cut, and sewn within 10 miles of headquarters in Los Angeles. They visit their local suppliers regularly, though I’d like to see more info about wages.
Once your MATE pieces are worn thin, they’ll take them back to be recycled into new pieces. They also turn their fabric scraps into new clothing.
Finally, MATE the Label has some impressive certifications. They’re B Corp and also Certified Climate Neutral.
16. Allbirds
Pricing: $$
Size range: XS-XL
Allbirds is a certified B Corp that’s primarily a sustainable sneaker company, but they also offer sporty bralettes in a triangle racerback or scoop style.
Their bralettes made from TENCEL Lyocell and certified responsible ZQ Merino wool. Their products are also carbon-neutral thanks to offsets.
While Allbirds has many sustainable practices, they aren’t as transparent about their labor. They do trace most of their supply chain, require suppliers to follow their Code of Conduct, and participate in third-party social assessments, but it’s unclear whether their workers are paid a living wage vs. just the legal minimum wage. I would like to see them make a greater commitment to labor standards.
A Note About Buying Secondhand
While I personally wouldn’t shop used underwear for sanitary reasons, bralettes are a different story. If you’re comfortable with it, don’t forget you can buy secondhand bralettes at your local thrift stores, or online.
In fact, you may even find some lightly-used or brand new bralettes from these sustainable brands on secondhand apps. This will save you money and is even better for the planet!
My favorite secondhand platforms include:
- eBay
- Etsy (often small creators, but beware of dropshippers)
- Poshmark (get $10 off your first purchase with my referral link)
- ThredUP (get 40% off your first purchase + free shipping with my referral link)
- Mercari (get $10 off your first purchase with my referral link)
Let us know if there are any other brands you’d add to the list! Be sure to also check out my roundup of sustainable underwear brands.
