Innovation in DNA

Cotton

Underworks is proud that it currently sources 100% of its cotton from sustainable cotton sources. In 2021, in under a year, we managed to transition away from conventional cotton altogether and assured that all our cotton was Better Cotton and or certified organic Cotton and thus a more preferred sustainable cotton, according to the Preferred Fibre and Materials Market Report. Both these types of cotton use less water, energy and chemicals than conventional cotton. Underworks is a pioneer in this area, as the global average for companies sourcing sustainable cotton in 2021 was only 25%.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a wild and abundantly available plant species that grows all over China. It requires much less water than most other fibre species and it requires no pesticides and fertilisers. Besides that, bamboo has natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and moisture wicking properties, while its hollow structure allows the bamboo material to be warm yet breathable.

Wool

Wool is known for its naturally anti-bacterial and anti-odour properties as well as its breathability and temperature regulation traits. This super soft material is 100% natural and biodegradable, and its durability and quality make it a very sustainable material that is made to last. Our wool comes either from sheep (labelled wool) and merino sheep (labelled merino wool). We regularly use merino wool in our thermal base layers, as customers regard this as one for the most comfortable materials to wear directly on the skin to keep them warm, but thermally regulated. We source our wool responsibly from farms in China, Australia, and work closely with our supplier so that animal welfare standards are maintained.

Recycled Polyester

Polyester is a high-performing fabric, and for this it is a very popular, unfortunately there is a down side to virgin polyester, as it is made from petrochemicals, meaning that it is made from a non-renewable resource.

As part of our commitment to preferred fibres we seek to source we are now using only recycled polyester in our products. Diverting plastic going into landfill. Recycled polyester can come from the manufacturing process of bottles or waste from manufacturing of plastics and fibre offcuts and scraps.

Recycled Nylon

Nylon is used in a variety of apparel applications and has gained wide fame in the hosiery and sportswear space. The name nylon represents a family of synthetics polymers, which means they are comprised of a long chain of carbon molecules, called monomers, and is also known as polyamide. One of the more desirable attributes of this material are its elasticity and stretchability. Nylon is super strong, abrasion resistant and easy to wash, and it is quite unyielding to damage. These combined attributes make it an excellent complimentary fibre in socks. By sourcing recycled nylon, for example from discarded fishnets or other types of nylon waste materials, we divert waste from landfill and oceans, while still utilizing the great benefits of this resource.

Modal

Modal is a silky soft, durable, and stretchy fibre made from sustainably sourced beech trees. Modal is a type of viscose that uses wood pulp as input material and blends this with a solvent. This solvent softens the material, and after purification the wood pulp is converted into cellulosic fibres which can be spun into yarns. It is an eco-conscious material that is frequently used in underwear, socks and jersey t-shirts. Modal uses natural fibres as its input that come from FSC certified sources to make sure it does not harvest wood from protected and endangered forests. Modal processes use less chemicals and energy than regular viscose manufacturing.