Harmful Chemicals Found in Many Women's Underwear Brands
Contaminants Galore in These Panties: Unsatisfying for Health Conscious Consumers
Women's underwear, often deemed more than just practical, is expected to offer an aesthetic appeal, with lace, shiny, or see-through fabrics on thongs and tangas being seductive. However, a recent investigation by the Swiss partner magazine of the Stiftung Warentest, K-Tipp, has revealed that many panties contain health-critical bisphenols.
Women's underwear, particularly those made from synthetic fibers, have been found to contain harmful bisphenols. These chemical compounds, including Bisphenol A (BPA), are often found in synthetic fibers and have been linked to serious health concerns like breast cancer, fertility issues, and immune dysfunction. The European Chemicals Agency has classified Bisphenol A as "of very high concern."
The test, which involved 16 women's panties, revealed that only two models had no harmful substance problems and were recommended: the Exquise Tanga by Etam and the Hanro Luxury Moments Pant, priced at 12 euros and 50 euros, respectively. All other panties, including those from well-known brands like H&M, Hunkemöller, Triumph, and Victoria's Secret, were contaminated, with some being heavily contaminated.
The following panties were rated as "heavily contaminated":
- Triumph Crazy Stupid Love panty, which contained the highest amount of Bisphenol S by far.
- Calvin Klein Instinct Sensual Stretch Lace.
- Hunkemöller Private Collection Nadia Tanga.
- The Chantelle String, the Lace-up Lacie String from Victoria's Secret, and the Auroria Panties from Obsessive.
- The patterned tanga from H&M contained residues of questionable cleaning agents.
The following were rated as "contaminated":
- The silk and lace panty from Intimissimi.
- The silk string from Zara.
Back in autumn 2024, another investigation by the Austrian consumer magazine "Konsument 71" came to a similar result. All the tested seamless models, without seams, very elastic, and made exclusively from synthetic material, contained bisphenols.
In recent years, several investigations have exposed the presence of harmful chemicals in women's underwear. Most conventional underwear made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon is likely to expose wearers to BPA and other harmful chemicals due to plastic components and chemical finishes. Brands specializing in organic, natural, and OEKO-TEX certified cotton underwear typically have lower chemical risks. Examples of safer and non-toxic underwear brands include TomboyX, Oddobody, Cottonique, Proclaim, Woolly, MATE, Jungmaven, and Organic Basics.
This investigation underscores the importance of making informed decisions about the products we use daily. Women should be mindful of the materials used in their underwear and consider choosing brands that prioritize safety and transparency.
Community policy should address the use of harmful chemicals like bisphenols in women's underwear, as these substances have been linked to health concerns such as breast cancer and immune dysfunction. Vocational training programs could be established to teach textile workers about safer alternatives for synthetic fibers, contributing to health-and-wellness and women's health. Incorporating lifestyle changes, such as considering the materials used in underwear and choosing brands that prioritize safety and transparency, can contribute to overall well-being and be trendy, as fashion-and-beauty-conscious consumers increasingly seek non-toxic products.
