Impact

quality over quantity

The brands you'll find at UNDERLENA are impact conscious, quality-over-quantity types. Here you'll find more in-depth about each company's sustainability practices. 

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    UNDERLENA

    Made with Consideration
    Our collection is made from TENCEL™ Lyocell, a fibre derived from sustainably sourced eucalyptus and beech trees. These trees grow quickly, require less water and fewer pesticides than cotton, and are processed in a closed-loop system that recycles water and recovers over 99% of the solvent used.

    - OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified
    - REACH EU chemical compliant
    - Soft, breathable, and naturally moisture-wicking

    Designed in Wellington, Made in Portugal
    Although we’re based in New Zealand, we manufacture the Underlena line in Portugal — not just for the craftsmanship, but because every component of our underwear is sourced locally. Keeping production close to materials reduces environmental impact, increases traceability, and gives us confidence in the integrity of the process from start to finish.

    Portugal also offers a strong foundation of labour protections and environmental regulation, making it a natural fit for the kind of product we want to create.

    We work with a family-run manufacturer that:

    • Uses renewable energy across its operations
    • Has a dedicated waste reduction program, including fabric optimisation and textile recycling
    • Is actively working towards Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification
    • Operates under ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management certification
    • Complies with all EU labour laws, including fair wages, paid leave, healthcare access, and workplace safety standards

    Their goals for the near future include:

    • Reducing carbon emissions by 25% by 2025
    • Cutting energy consumption per unit by 20%
    • Reducing water usage by 15%
    • Mapping 100% of their supply chain for full traceability


    Araks

     

    “At Araks, we aspire to create a sustainable foundation for beauty within every facet of our organization. Every decision matters, from where and how materials are sourced, to the economy of design, to the powerful partnerships we form with production vendors, and of course the way our customers connect with our garments and our story.

    We believe that by focusing on the four following key areas we we will be able to forward our goals, impact environmental and social change and make a difference in the world.

    • Culture of Mindfulness & Economy
    • Product Design
    • Partnerships
    • Social Sustainability

     

    100% of our collection is proudly cut and sewn in New York, reducing our environmental impact while also supporting local businesses.

    Since the launch of the Araks brand, in 2000, we have been dedicated to finding talented women and providing opportunities to partner and grow their businesses along with ours."

    Other impact points:

    • Zero water waste
    • Safe chemical management
    • REACH EU chemical compliant
    • OEKOTEX 100 Certification
    • GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) 
    • Use of Refibra
    • Female owned

    Read more about Araks’ values here, including their approach to sustainability, full tracing of materials, mill + factory partners, and vision for the future. 

    Cuccia

    Designed and made in NYC.

    "Cuccia intimates offers options of handmade limited designs made by local seamstresses and by our factory in New York. The majority of our pieces are made from either dead-stock, recycled or Oeko-Tex certified bamboo fabric. Each item is crafted in small limited quantities to ensure there is no overproduction.
    Our packaging is 100% recycled and biodegradable." - Cuccia

    Read more about Cuccia here.

    Dora Larsen

    Designed in UK, made in China and Tunisia 

    "We’re a small, family run business. As big believers in Karma, producing responsibly is our priority. The vast majority of the materials used within our products are bespoke, which means we’re able to develop fabrics that meet our exact requirements for sustainability, quality and functionality. As members of 1% for the Planet, we also give at least 1% of our annual turnover to environmental charities.

    We have clear visibility of all our Tier 1 manufacturers (manufacturers of our end product) and perform a thorough assessment of their ethical and environmental standards before working with them. We also have 100% supply chain visibility with our Tier 2 suppliers (fabric mills), all of whom are, at the very least, OEKO-TEX certified. At the moment, we have transparency on 60% of our Tier 3 suppliers (dye houses and yarn spinners)."

    Dora Larsen impact points:

    • Factories all follow the Ethical Trading Initiative (read more here)
    • Laces made with 83% recycled content
    • bespoke embroidery, tulle, threads and all of our elastics are also produced using recycled materials
    • All material and component suppliers, as well as dyehouses, meet REACH standards
    • All materials are also OEKO-TEX certified
    • Third-party material certifications (GRSGOTSOCSFSC) are used to make sure recycled and organic materials are also verified
    Read more about the Dora Larsen apporach here

    Kye Intimates

     

    Made in Los Angeles, California, USA

    “Each piece is lovingly designed and handmade in Los Angeles in close partnership with a local, family-owned factory. Our fabric choices are either locally sourced luxurious deadstock materials or produced by environmentally responsible processes to minimise our impact on the environment. Our packaging is minimal—parcels are protected with 100% recycled tissue paper and we always opt out of polybags. We believe care for our planet is care for each other.”

    Kye Intimates impact points:

    • All mesh styles made from dead stock mesh sourced from warehouses in Los Angeles
    • Corn-derived renewable materials used elsewhere
    • Lead + nickel free hardware
    • Local to LA manufacturing
    • Female owned

    Read more about Kye Intimates' approach to sustainability here.

    OHEN

    Designed in New Zealand, made in China. 

    "We know the fashion industry is responsible for significant carbon emissions, water pollution, and waste, with the textile industry alone responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions.

    Our commitment is to make the lowest impact choices we can wherever possible. This means thinking responsibly about how we design our range, what materials and packaging we use, how we manufacture, and who we partner with to do this."

     

    OHEN impact points:

    • Laces are made from 84-86% pre-consumer recycled nylon. The remaining 14-16% is made from spandex. 
    • Lace is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 and Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified.  
    • Lenzing Modal is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified, FSC® (FSC-C041246) and PEFC (PEFC/06-33-92) certified to ensure that the wood for fibers from Lenzing are derived from sustainable sources, and TÜV AUSTRIA certified to be biodegradable.
    Read more about the OHEN approach here.

    Oscalito

    Designed in Italy, made in Italy. 

     

    Oscalito impact points:

    • All natural fibres (cotton, silk)
    • Fully transparent supply chain, all elements made in Italy (traceable through RFID tags), and certified by Italcheck.
    • Entire production process takes place at their factory in Torino.
    • Seri.co certified
    • All materials are OEKO-TEX certified
    • GOTS certification
    • All material and component suppliers, as well as dyehouses, meet REACH standards
    • High quality production to ensure longevity 
    • Annual sustainability report which covers all of the above (and much more) on an annual basis. 
    Read more about the Oscalito approach here.

    PATINA

    Designed in the Netherlands, made in Portugal.

    From the brand: We believe anyone who has the privilege of making a physical product bears responsibility for their impact. Being considerate of resources, both environmentally and ethically, should be the baseline and not a marketing tactic. In the case of PATINA, our initial focus is on:

    • Working with manufacturing partners who value their workers and offer fair compensation + safe working conditions
    • Small-batch production directly with independent businesses within the EU 
    • Using materials that are OEKO-TEX certified with low minimums to limit over-ordering
    • Designing tight, seasonless collections that are recut as dictated by demand
    • Limiting plastic packaging throughout production cycle, fulfilment and dispatch
    • Direct fulfilment of orders from our HQ in Amsterdam
    • Limiting printed collateral and streamlining packaging elements in favour of reusable, multifunctional elements
    • Supporting independent creatives and compensating them fairly for their contributions

    Constantly moving towards “better” is the only way for us to justify our participation in the marketplace with any integrity.

     

    Swedish Stockings

     

    Designed in Sweden, made in Italy.

    Swedish Stockings carries hosiery into a realm of purpose. Since 2013, they’ve woven recycled and bio‑based polyamides, now making up 82% of the collection, into beautifully crafted tights, knit in Italian factories powered largely by renewable energy. Each strand is chosen with care: materials like Amni Soul Eco® biodegradable polyamide, ECONYL®, EVO®, and Q‑NOVA® reduce reliance on virgin resources and lower environmental impact at every phase.

    Their commitment to circularity is palpable. With energy-saving dye processes, 50% water recycling, and deep supply chain visibility via BCome, Swedish Stockings measures its footprint and shares it transparently. Longevity is embedded in design, from reinforced toes to the Recycling Club, where worn tights are transformed into sculptural tables and fiber-fill materials.

    Their vision is clear: hosiery crafted not for throwaway moments but for enduring presence.

    Swedish Stockings impact points:

    • 82% of styles made from recycled polyamide
    • Production powered by renewable energy
    • Dyeing houses recycle 50% of water and use 20% less energy
    • Reinforced designs for extended wear and fewer returns
    • 86% supply chain traceability via BCome platform
    • Recycling Club for worn tights, repurposed into new products
    • Significant reductions in water use, resources, and emissions
    • Female founded

    Read more about Swedish Stockings’ approach to sustainability here.

    Videris

     

    Made in Sri Lanka, designed in New Zealand

    “I’ve seen first-hand how much of the lingerie industry relies on cheap, plastic-based materials. I want Videris to be the antithesis of that. Videris is enlightened lingerie - both in how it’s made and how it makes you feel,"  - Videris Creative Director and Founder Chloé Julian. 

    Videris impact points:

    • Tencel™ Lyocell used for all styles (natural fibre using wood pulp)
    • OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified for all components and the production process
    • Safely dyed 
    • Lead + nickel free hardware
    • Close relationship with Sri Lanka based manufacturer, Factory has WRAP (Worldwide responsible accredited process) and GWG (Garments without Guilt) certifications
    • Female owned
    Read more about Videris' approach here.