Can you share the story behind Underwear for Humanity? What inspired you to create a brand that combines underwear and social impact?
Underwear for Humanity was established with a dual purpose: to serve our community and mitigate the environmental impact of our consumption habits. Underwear is an everyday essential that can contribute positively to the world, we think all businesses can. Our business model isn’t just about selling a product; it’s about leveraging every sale for the greater good and taking full responsibility for what we introduce into the environment.
I have 22 years of experience as an underwear designer, so it almost all I have to give! And the fact is that whilst 204 million underwear items are imported into Australia every year, millions of people do not have access, I want to solve that.
Sustainable fashion is a key part of your brand. What steps has Underwear for Humanity taken to ensure eco-friendly practices in sourcing materials and manufacturing?
We’ve built sustainability into every layer of our brand. From GOTS-certified organic cotton to in-house developed Global Recycling Standard (GRS) certified recycled elastic, all our materials are carefully chosen to reduce harm. Our manufacturing partners operate with ethical practices, paying 60% above the living wage, providing safe working conditions, and using solar-powered facilities. Additionally, our life cycle assessment (LCA) shows our products are 50% lower in emissions than the industry standard.
How do you balance sustainability with comfort and quality when designing your products?
Sustainability doesn’t mean compromising on quality or comfort. Every product we create is rigorously tested for fit, durability, and softness. The organic cotton and recycled nylon we use are soft and long-lasting, designed to be worn to death. Sustainability works best when it meets people’s real, everyday needs—and we never lose sight of that.
Can you talk about the circularity efforts of your brand? How does Underwear for Humanity contribute to reducing waste and promoting a circular economy within the fashion industry?
Circularity is central to our mission. We pioneered Australia’s first underwear take-back program, where customers can send us their old undies and bras (from any brand). To date, we’ve recycled over 28,000 items, turning unwearable pieces into insulation while redistributing wearable bras through our partner charity, Support the Girls.
Your brand aligns with supporting women and marginalised communities. How does Underwear for Humanity contribute to empowering women both locally and globally?
UH’s business model is designed to uplift and empower women at every level. Through our one-for-one donation program, we ensure women in shelters and Aboriginal health centres receive essential underwear, restoring their dignity and well-being. Our work-training partnership with Social Engine empowers Afghan refugee women by providing valuable skills and pathways to employment. Just this year 8 women have moved on to full time employment. Globally, we ensure that the women sewing our underwear are paid fairly and work in safe, supportive environments.
We are incredibly proud because our efforts have recently been recognised by Telstra, we won the Telstra best of business Award for NSW under the category of Accelerating Women!
What role does ethical production play in your mission to uplift garment workers, especially women?
Ethical production is non-negotiable for us. Women comprise 80% of textile workers globally but are often the most exploited. Our manufacturing pays 60% above the living wage, provides maternity leave, medical benefits, and prioritises safe working conditions.
Your “Buy One, Give One” model is a strong statement for social responsibility. Can you explain how this model works and the impact it has had so far?
Our one-for-one model ensures that for every purchase, we donate a pair of underwear to a woman in need. So far, we’ve donated over 36,000 pairs through partnerships with Aboriginal health centres, domestic violence shelters, and grassroots organisations. It’s a simple way to create immediate, tangible impact—and with growth, we aim to reach one million pairs.
Are there any particular stories or partnerships that stand out where you’ve seen a real, tangible change in people’s lives through your underwear donations?
Because many recipients of our underwear are in shelters escaping domestic abuse, their identities are carefully protected, making direct feedback difficult. However, social workers frequently share how much the gift of new underwear is valued.
A standout moment for us is our partnership with Caylus, an Aboriginal support organisation, to provide period underwear to remote communities. When government funding for the program was cut, women were left without access to essential hygiene products. In response, we’re supplying 1,000 pairs to Caylus and another 2,000 pairs to other communities, we all actively fundraising to support the program.
What challenges have you faced in creating a fashion brand that prioritises both social impact and sustainability? How have you navigated these challenges?
The biggest challenge has been balancing financial sustainability with our ethical commitments. Ethical production and sustainable materials cost more, and marketing as a small impact-driven business is tough. We’ve stayed transparent with our customers and focused on building a community that values purpose over profit, which has been our greatest strength.
In what ways do you see your brand aligning with or contributing to the broader women’s movement, especially in terms of body positivity, inclusivity, and female empowerment?
This is something we are incredibly passionate about. Societal norms and longstanding patriarchy have led women to measure their worth by their appearance. This self-objectification is harmful, and we believe that representation can be a powerful antidote.
At Underwear for Humanity, we celebrate diversity and reality in our representation. Our models range from size 6 to 26, include women of colour, Indigenous women, and disabled women. We never airbrush; instead, we proudly show stretch marks, post-pregnancy bodies, and aging female bodies. By showcasing real women, we aim to challenge and change the harmful standards of beauty that influence our society.
All businesses source from other businesses, we actively prioritise female owned businesses in our sourcing practices. We believe money is powerful and can create opportunities to level the playing field.
What’s next for Underwear for Humanity? Are there any upcoming initiatives or collections we should look forward to that further your mission for sustainability and social good?
As mentioned, we’re launching a period underwear line for remote Aboriginal communities, co-designed with cultural leaders to meet their needs. We’re also expanding retail partnerships, like being stocked at Taronga Zoo, and exploring other opportunities to scale our impact.
Anything extra you would like to add?
We rely on the support of our community to exist, so if there is one person you could tell about Underwear for Humanity then that is incredibly powerful. We are doing business really differently and we need our community to help us grow.
Website: underwearforhumanity.com.au
Founder: Kelly Barrett
Contact: [email protected]
Location: Australia
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