Is Your Bra Safe?

With all the hullabaloo last year over the lawsuit against Victoria’s Secret bras because they contain formaldehyde, it’s worth pondering whether or not we are really taking a risk when we get all hooked up!  Formaldehyde is an invisible, odorless gas which is in so many things in our environment — it’s almost impossible to avoid. We can be exposed from furniture, cosmetics, car seats, airplane seats, shower curtains — the list goes on and on.

However, we can minimize our exposure, especially when its as close to home as a bra. Fabrics and textiles are treated with formaldehyde to give them a permanent press or make them anti-static, stain resistant, sweat resistant, color-fast etc. The problem is that formaldehyde gasses off, even as you wear it and some people have developed extreme sensitivity to it through over exposure. Health effects from exposure to formaldehyde can include: fatigue, skin rashes, eye/nose/throat infection and coughing.

When you go shopping, keep in mind that synthetic fibers across the board are likely to have been treated with this invisible and toxic gas.

So what’s the answer for the Gorgeously Green girl? There are quite a few great options whereby you won’t have to forego the push-up/sexy/supportive factor. Here are my favorites: Belebumbum (pictured) has a beautiful bamboo line – I adore the underwired racerback bra shown. My favorite lingerie store in the world is Marks and Spencer in Britain, and now with the pound being a bit weaker against the dollar, it might behoove the bigger girls among you to check out their beautiful Per Una Organic Cotton bra.

Ecoland is a great online store for 100% organic bras that provide good structure and support and you can find wonderful daytime/sports bras in organic cotton from either Patagonia or Prana.

About the Author

Sophie Uliano is a passionate environmentalist who has developed an earth-friendly lifestyle that appeals to women who don’t want to compromise their glamour and style. She is the New York Times Best Selling author of “Gorgeously Green”, “The Gorgeously Green Diet,” and the newly released “Do It Gorgeously.”

Read more amazing tips from Sophie at GorgeouslyGreen.com