#BOTTOM UP IS THE LATEST CAMPAIGN FROM A SINGLE THREAD CIC. EVER WONDERED WHAT'S IN YOUR UNDERWEAR? IT'S TIME TO FIND OUT. BOTTOM UP INVESTIGATES THE MATERIALS AND CHEMICALS FOUND IN OUR UNDERWEAR AND BASICS TO ASK, ARE WE ALL IN TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT?

SOURCE: SCIENCE DAILY + CHANGING MARKETS

SOURCE: CHANGING MARKETS

SOURCE: MDPI

PROTECT YOURSELF

Research shows that synthetic fabrics like Polyester and Nylon shed up to 400 fibres per gram of fabric during just 20 minutes of normal activity. We then inhale these tiny fibres. Their presence in our bodies has been linked to inflammation and cell damage (known as oxidative stress) linked to various cancers, neurological disorders and hormone disruption.

PROTECT THE PLANET

These same microplastics are now recognised as one of the most PERVASIVE FORMS OF POLLUTION in the world. They make their way into our soil, air and water systems, disrupting physical ecosystems and causing harm to plant and animal life. It is estimated that microplastics from synthetic materials now make up 35% of the total microplastics in our oceans.

PROTECT THE PEOPLE MAKING YOUR CLOTHES

In non-organic cotton fields, the people involved in farming regularly encounter toxic pesticides. They have been linked to both acute poisoning and chronic illnesses. Factory workers who process textiles face similar dangers, handling synthetic dyes, formaldehyde, and flame retardants that can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even cancer. Organic textiles produced in safe environments are the only way to protect against this.

tHE CLOTHES THAT WE WEAR CLOSEST TO OUR SKIN MATTER.

what CAN you do about it?

Pretty scary, right? At A Single Thread, we care about ACTION and SOLUTIONS. So, for #BottomUp, we’re encouraging everyone to make the switch to organic, natural fabrics for those items that sit closest to our skin.

SWITCH TO ORGANIC, NATURAL FABRICS

for your underwear, swimwear and basics (scroll for a list of our favourite brands).

BUY SECOND-HAND

A number of chemicals present in non-organic clothing (including formaldehyde and dye fixers) will eventually wash out. BUT, be cautious of anything water-proof or stain resistant, as these will likely still have nasties bonded to the fabric itself.

SOURCE: FIBRECHECK

MAKE THE SWITCH

Each of these brands have various ranges, from underwear to swimwear, to leggings and other basics. For extra guarantee, you can look for OEKO-TEX certified cotton, or GOTS certified materials.