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Organic Basics offers underwear infused with SilverTech, a technology that claims to allow weeks of wear without needing a wash. Organic BasicsFor those who associate terms like 'eco-conscious' and 'sustainable lifestyle' with stereotypes of unwashed hippies and incense, the Danish brand Organic Basics might not shift your perspective. This innovative company aims to reduce the fashion industry's environmental impact by producing underwear that can be worn for days without washing, challenging conventional hygiene norms.
Their SilverTech line features a Polygiene treatment, a silver chloride-based layer designed to eliminate 99.9 percent of bacteria on contact. The logic is simple: fewer bacteria result in reduced odor, keeping you fresh longer.
Mads Fibiger Rasmussen, a co-founder of Organic Basics, which launched via a Kickstarter campaign, shared with a British publication that the four young founders were motivated to design durable clothing to reduce the environmental toll of frequent washing and drying, including energy consumption, water usage, and greenhouse gas emissions. He mentioned that some customers have worn their products for weeks without washing.
The SilverTech line is crafted entirely from recycled materials. The silver chloride treatment is applied during the final stages of production. While the durability of the coating isn't officially confirmed, the silver's thermal properties are said to aid in body temperature regulation, potentially reducing odor.
Can you truly wear these underwear for weeks without washing? One Kickstarter commenter noted: "I wore them for 2-3 days, and that was my limit due to odor." Two New York magazine journalists who tested a pair of hipster panties and boxer briefs agreed. However, a Buzzfeed tester wore hers for a week without issues. The Kickstarter page clarified, "Silver's effectiveness varies by individual, depending on body odor intensity and frequency."
These eco-friendly basics come at a premium. A two-pack of SilverTech boxers costs $65, while women's thongs or briefs are priced at $59 for a two-pack. The company is betting on millennials' willingness to pay more for sustainable products.
Silver's antimicrobial properties are widely utilized. For years, the U.S. used iodine to disinfect water on the International Space Station, while Russia relied on ionized silver. NASA is considering switching to a silver-based system, despite strong objections from the Food and Drug Administration, which worries about potential health risks from excessive silver consumption.
