Underwear for Humanity

Underwear for Humanity was designed to solve two problems at once: 3.3 million Australians cannot afford basics, while fashion remains one of the world's most polluting industries. The challenges were significant. Certified sustainable elastic costs thirteen times conventional alternatives, and recycled fibre availability fluctuates with market supply. No recycling infrastructure existed for underwear due to hygiene barriers, UH collaborated with Textile Recyclers Australia to develop an accepted washing protocol, a first. Most critically, the one-for-one donation model is tied to sales, not profit, meaning UH donates even when margins are tight. That commitment is non-negotiable.

Underwear for Humanity started because it is unacceptable that people in Australia cannot afford underwear. The solution was to build a brand that is environmentally responsible while solving a dignity issue, one item donated for every item sold. After extensive conversations with charity partners, socks were added to the range and deliberately packaged as a three-pack to maximise donation volume. When remote Aboriginal women were identified as having no access to period products, UH designed a washable solution appropriate for communities with limited waste infrastructure, delivered in a culturally safe way through Country as Teacher in Arnhem Land.

Since July 2021, Underwear for Humanity has donated 61,476 items to 72 charity and shelter partners across Australia, and delivered 3,000 pairs of period underwear to remote Aboriginal women. Environmentally, 65,043 items have been diverted from landfill, 78,262 litres of water saved, and manufacturing emissions run 59% below industry standard. $390,688.23 has been spent with ethical manufacturers, with factory workers paid 60% above living wage. $27,061.20 has been contributed to Aboriginal community projects through Country as Teacher, funding cultural camps. Eight national and state awards independently validate the model, including Banksia National Sustainable Leadership and Planet Ark Design for Circularity.

Underwear for Humanity is a B Corp certified social enterprise. Access to underwear is a dignity issue. Every touchpoint in the supply chain is treated as an opportunity for systems change.Social impact: 61,476 items donated to 72 charity partners.Socks added to the range at charity request, packaged as a three-pack to maximise donation volume.3,000 pairs of period underwear delivered to remote Aboriginal women.50 cents per item sold, including sale items with zero margin is paid as rent to Country as Teacher, an Aboriginal-run, led and owned organisation. To date, $27,061.20 has funded cultural camps with life-changing outcomes for community members.Money is treated as an engine for change, our pick and pack is a socially regenerative partnership with Social Engine, empowering Afghani refugee women and at-risk youth.Materials and sourcing: GOTS and GRS certified fibres. Emissions 59% below industry standard. Factory workers paid 60% above living wage with full medical cover.Packaging: Fully plastic-free. FSC certified cardboard, soy ink. Our factories installed solar with our assistance.Circularity: UH accepts its own garments back for recycling, working with TRA to develop an accepted hygiene process for a previously unrecyclable product.