Sustainable Fabrics Reshape Chinese Lingerie Industry News
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- 来源：CN Lingerie Hub
In recent years, the Chinese lingerie market has quietly undergone a green revolution. No longer just chasing lace and allure, brands are now weaving sustainability into every thread. From Shanghai runways to e-commerce bestsellers, eco-friendly fabrics like TENCEL™, organic cotton, and recycled nylon are taking center stage — not just as a trend, but as a transformation.
According to a 2023 report by Grand View Research, China’s sustainable apparel market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% through 2030. Within this, lingerie is emerging as one of the fastest-adapting segments. Why? Because modern Chinese consumers — especially Gen Z and millennial women — care deeply about what touches their skin and the planet.
Take the rise of Shenzhen-based brand NEIWAI (内外). Since its launch in 2012, NEIWAI has championed comfort, body positivity, and sustainability. In 2022, over 60% of its new collections used TENCEL™ or organic cotton. The result? A 40% year-on-year increase in sales and a cult following on Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book).
But it’s not just startups. Major players like Maniform and Triumph China have also launched eco-lines using OEKO-TEX® certified materials and closed-loop production processes that reduce water usage by up to 50%.
Why Sustainable Fabrics Make Sense in Lingerie
Lingerie sits closest to the body. That means fabric choices directly impact skin health, breathability, and environmental footprint. Traditional synthetics like polyester shed microplastics and take centuries to decompose. In contrast, sustainable textiles offer a smarter balance.
| Fabric Type | Source | Water Saved vs. Cotton (%) | Biodegradability | Common Use in Chinese Brands |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TENCEL™ Lyocell | Wood pulp (eucalyptus) | 80% | Yes, industrial compost | NEIWAI, Ubras, Mamaway |
| Organic Cotton | Non-GMO cotton farms | 91% | Yes | Maniform Eco Line, Curél |
| Recycled Nylon (ECONYL®) | Old fishing nets, fabric scraps | N/A | No, but recyclable | Ubras X Collection, Sensime |
| Hemp Blend | Natural hemp fibers | 75% | Yes | Niche indie labels |
The Consumer Shift: Green is the New Glamour
A 2024 Alibaba Group survey revealed that 68% of female shoppers aged 18–35 consider ‘eco-materials’ a key factor when buying lingerie. Social media influencers now flaunt ‘zero-waste undies’ and unbox biodegradable packaging with pride. On Douyin, hashtags like #GreenLingerie and #SustainableStyle have racked up over 120 million views.
Brands are responding with transparency. QR codes on tags let customers trace a bra’s journey from forest to fitting room. Some even offer recycling programs — Ubras, for instance, collects old underwear and turns them into playground mats.
Challenges & The Road Ahead
Still, hurdles remain. Sustainable fabrics can cost 20–30% more to produce. Scaling supply chains while maintaining ethical labor practices isn’t easy. And not all ‘green’ claims are equal — greenwashing is a real concern.
Yet, the momentum is undeniable. With government support for circular fashion and rising consumer awareness, the fusion of comfort, ethics, and style is redefining intimacy wear in China. As one NEIWAI customer put it: “I want my lingerie to feel soft on my skin and light on the Earth.”
In the end, sustainability isn’t just a fabric choice — it’s the future of fashion, stitched quietly into every seam.