Seaweed Underwear: Would You Try It?

If the idea of having kelp wrapped around your nether regions makes you uncomfortable, you’d be forgiven. If you feel queasy at the thought of thongweed between your cheeks, you’re probably not alone. Admittedly, seaweed underwear doesn’t immediately entice but Alexander Perry’s business, Alexander Clementine, might change your mind.

The Case For Seaweed Underwear

Recent studies show that seaweed could have an essential role in mitigating the effect of climate change due to its ability to absorb carbon dioxide from seawater. Seaweeds across the globe are thought to sequester almost 200 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually – the same amount New York state produces each year. So, using seaweed as an alternative to cotton or polyester could be a viable option for the future of underwear.

(c) Magic K, Pexels

Alex Perry uses a unique blend of Icelandic seaweed and eucalyptus to create soft, comfortable underwear. He first came across the material when secondhand clothing was becoming popular, and ‘the one thing you can’t make secondhand is underwear,’ he says. ‘It’s one of the most thrown away items of clothing so we decided we wanted to use seaweed to make underwear’ but sustainability was not the only benefit.

Alex discovered that his unique fabric was effective in alleviating symptoms of menopause, nerve damage, shingles and breast cancer. He says, ‘My own mum had breast cancer. She had a lumpectomy, followed by radiotherapy and then a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy. What was really nice for me, at a time when you feel so helpless, is that [the seaweed underwear] was the only thing she could wear that didn’t irritate the surgical site and allowed her wounds to breathe and heal. It was at that point that I decided to transition the company to focus on women’s health.

‘The seaweed we use comes from the Icelandic Fjords and it is harvested every four years so it has minimal effect on the marine ecosystem. The seaweed is dried, crushed and ground into a fine powder which is blended with the cellulose and the eucalyptus, spun into a yarn and then woven into the fabric. That means the fibre maintains the ecological properties of seaweed.’

How Does Seaweed Underwear Work?

Seaweed is rich in amino acids, minerals, vitamins A, C, E and B12 as well as iron and tyrosine. These are important substances for healthy thyroid function and cell regeneration, which explains how the seaweed underwear relieves skin inflammation and soothes open wounds. A high level of antioxidants also protects skin against damage from environmental factors.

What Is It Made Of?

The fabric is created using two key ingredients: seaweed (SeaCell™) and wood pulp (Tencel™). The seaweed is sourced directly from the Icelandic fjords which means there is no pollution or contamination and it retains all of its beneficial properties. As Alex mentioned, the seaweed is also only harvested every four years, allowing the area to regenerate in the interim.

The wood pulp undergoes a process to transform it into cellulosic fibres, which is an efficient and environmentally friendly process. The fibres are also made from sustainably sourced wood, so customers can feel reassured that their fashion choices are not contributing to the climate crisis.

(c) Karen Cann, Unsplash

Alex explains how ‘the seaweed is dried, crushed and ground into a fine powder which is blended with the cellulose and the eucalyptus, spun into a yarn and then woven into the fabric. That means the seaweed fibre maintains the ecological properties of the seaweed.’

The underwear is antibacterial, anti-odour, hypoallergenic and temperature-regulating, making it ideal for women experiencing hot flushes or those with sensitive skin. And with prices sitting between £20 and £40, they are still fairly accessible.

Which Other Brands Are Using Seaweed?

Alexander Clementine isn’t the only brand other there incorporating seaweed into their products. Pangaia, for example, brought seaweed into its clothing collections for the first time in 2019. And Ishiga UK, a Scottish skincare brand, harvests Hebridean seaweed from the coast of Scotland to use in their collections, while Osea similarly makes seaweed the signature ingredient in their skincare.

Alex says, ‘I’m incredibly privileged and incredibly proud that we are able to help people go through difficult times. It’s our mission to help as many people as possible. Like I said, my mum’s the inspiration behind the brand and if it can help her then we have an opportunity to help other women too and I am incredibly proud and grateful for that opportunity.’

So, if you’re brave enough, seaweed underwear might be worth a try. Who knew saving your skin, and the planet, could start with your knickers?