Unlike most undergarment manufacturers, at Knickey, we know that cancer causing substances have no business up in your business. So we go above and beyond to use GOTS certified organic cotton and Oeko-Tex certified dyes and finishes, both of which are guaranteed free from harmful toxins. You might be asking yourself, “Why on earth do we need certifications to prove what you’re putting on your body isn’t harmful?” The simple answer is that most materials used to make your clothes are unregulated, unreported, and unsafe. Learn more about what you avoid in your intimates - and what we at Knickey will never use:
Formaldehyde:
Formaldehyde is a word you know and that you likely have a negative connotation around. The truth is that it is a known carcinogen, but it’s also commonly found on clothing. This chemical is a powerful anti-wrinkling agent when used on textiles, and is in turn used to keep clothes looking in tip-top shape throughout their lifecycle, in the stores and in your drawers. In fact, most clothing is treated with this substance to be wrinkle-free. But that got us wondering: do you iron your undies? We didn’t think so. So we make products with no formaldehyde - because it’s potentially harmful to wear, but also harmful to the communities who work with it in the supply chain process.
Toxic Dyestuffs:
There is little regulation when it comes to dyestuffs, which can also vary from country to country. In the European Union, azo-dyes are banned due to their link to cancer, but here in the US, there are no particular restrictions on their usage - this is why we chose the best on your behalf. Many dyes even contain trace amounts of heavy metals such as lead and mercury, which are commonly avoided in the EU. Oeko-Tex is the certification that ensures products are free from over 100 substances that are known to be harmful to human health - but are otherwise allowed in everyday household objects - including your clothing. You can rest easy knowing that your Knickeys are both certified organic, and free from harmful chemicals.
Volatile Organic Compounds
There are also toxins we cannot see that can wreak havoc on your health, without your knowledge. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are just that - they evaporate off of the products they live on at an alarmingly low temperature. These can be found on tons of products, from paint, to cosmetics, to cleaning products. When these VOCs evaporate, they release a handful of harmful chemicals and gasses, from methane to formaldehyde. Not only does this pose a potential harm to your bod, but it poses one to the planet, as well, as it’s the primary creator of smog. Synthetic and natural fabrics alike are often treated with chemicals that produce VOCs. That's why opting for a natural fiber that’s certified free of these chemicals like GOTS-certified organic cotton continues to be the better choice for you and the planet all around.
