ORGANIC BASICS: SOFT & STRONG
The fashion industry is a dirty one; sacrificing individuals, natural resources and our environment for consumption with most pieces only being worn a few times before they are discarded, devaluing the time, energy and physical and emotional labour someone put into making it. As individuals we can continuously feel as though the pressure falls on us to make all the changes while we’re stuck under an ever growing problem. I’ve learned to do a few things with this feeling, two of which are seeking out businesses who are actively challenging this narrative, and being mindful and minimal in my own consumption when it is possible for me and I have the means to do so.
Organic Basics is a brand which harmoniously merges these core values; offering a selection of carefully and ethically curated garments which we use regularly. I am inspired by their garment industry activism, concise conscious consideration and gorgeous creations. I was absolutely honoured to be chosen as an Organic Basics Partner to highlight their vegan range of pieces, with my first sponsored collaboration focusing on their GOTS certified, fair made and organic vegan approved underwear.
When I first opened my very minimal but elegant package from Organic Basics I said, ‘this is definitely the most beautiful underwear I’ve ever owned’ out loud to myself. I couldn’t believe how soft, and comfortable it felt and I hadn’t even put it against my skin yet. The straps have this remarkably soft organic cotton lining where they rest on your shoulder blades, and around the waist band and edges. Organic Basics shares the background of this cotton saying that the collection is ‘made in hand-picked, chemical free organic cotton that’s grown on the coast of the Aegean Sea. It’s widely regarded as some of the most soft and durable cotton in the world’ and I’d have to agree as I really hadn’t ever felt something so soothing and kind before. It’s almost as if the pieces carry the feeling of well-made, planet friendly intentions; there is something romantic, mindful and considerate about that approach and I now realise it’s why the brand stood out to me in the first place.
Actually wearing the pieces and sharing my body in them was a lesson in self-love for me: an exercise in appreciating myself and everything which brought me to be here. It also allowed me the space in which to value and respect the materials used fully as it pressed against my body. The fit was a dream, and I immediately felt comfortable and delighted; I knew that I had made a valuable choice and had found something I would adore every time I put it on. I felt good for myself, and the world around us as these pieces really are an appreciation for a cleaner, safer and more ethical world; with each one free from pesticides, fertilisers, or modified cotton. As a business they are transparent, hand picking each piece based on its environmental footprint and lifetime durability. According to their low impact website this means, ‘natural, renewable, recycled, biodegradable and or low-impact textiles only’. Organic Basics have stuck to their guiding principles, and continuously support grassroot activists and organisations with their Organic Basics Fund and regenerative cotton fields.
Over the last few years I have minimised all my possessions and clothing, even opting for the smallest room in my new home. Perhaps it was all my meditating, the environmental crisis which is upon us, my research background, a personal journey of self discovery or a quilt of all these fabrics put together; but something in me began to strive for less and when I chose to purchase something new or partner with a brand. As much as possible I wanted it to have a good origin story which I could make last through minding, caring and cherishing it. Organic Basics is a brand I am excited to partner with and I hope you love your items as much as I love mine – they have certainly found a forever home on my skin.
And remember, just because something is gentle that doesn’t mean it isn’t strong. In the words of author and activist rupi kaur, ‘To be soft is to be powerful’.
If you’d like to treat yourself to some of these beautiful pieces you can get 10% off your order by using my worldwide partner code PAPEROB at the checkout*. In these photos I’m wearing the Women’s Organic Cotton Triangle Bra in Rose Nude, and the Organic Cotton Briefs in Rose Nude (both in size XS, and I used their size guiding to determine my size which was very helpful). You can learn more about Organic Basics on their website www.organicbasics.com, and follow their beautiful posts on Instagram.
P A P E R M A C H E M I N D
*about this discount, shipping, returns and partnerships: I am an Organic Basics Partner and this is a sponsored post featuring gifted products. This PAPEROB 10% discount code can be used once per customer, there is no minimum purchase and it works worldwide. 30 Day returns. Shipping to Ireland is free with minimum spend over €80. Information correct on date of publication Tuesday 9th March 2021. For full terms and conditions, and all order information/questions please see Organic Basics website.
