Clothing is a complex but fascinating part of everyone’s life. When it comes to what we put onto our bodies, we are responsible. How we choose to dress can impact how we feel. Knowing what chemicals and dyes are in our fabrics and on our skin is significant to our own health and wellbeing.

Our favourite clothes are the ones that support us to be comfortable and confident in our own skin. They are a form of expression, about how and who we wish to be in the world. But beyond the effect of contributing to our persona, our wardrobe choices reach far beyond our own lives. Through the brands we choose, we are supporting values, ethics and a way of life for all those involved in the journey from Seed to Shelf.

The best wardrobes begin with the right basics. In today's world of conscious consumerism what are basics and what are sustainable basics?

Basics are defined as 'Forming an essential foundation, the starting point, the fundamental'... 'Of, relating to, or forming the base or essence'.

The basics are your wardrobe essentials - timeless elegant simple essential foundation pieces that can be mixed and matched, layered up and down and accessorised to complement your personality and style every day of your life through all seasons without going in and out of fashion.

Most of the world's cotton that is grown and widely used for all of our basics like our everyday t shirts, underwear, pants & tops, is from genetically modified seeds, grown with hazardous synthetic pesticides and made with toxic chemicals & dyes in unfair and unhealthy working conditions. It is an industry that is rife with child labour and disastrous health consequences from grower through to consumer.

Sustainable basics herald the arrival of a new way of doing things and are basic wardrobe items that are designed to be timeless, made to endure, tell a story, suitable for all seasons and above all made with integrity and respect for the earth and her people. Certified organic and Fairtrade textiles maintain high environmental and ethical practices. Certifications like GOTS and Fairtrade ensure that no toxic chemicals are used in any part of the journey which is positive for the growers, the makers and the wearers, and that no child labour and unfair working conditions are tolerated.

All Bhumi products are made with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certified Organic Cotton and are Fairtrade. All of our products are dyed using water based GOTS approved dyes, which are free from AZO dyes, toxic chlorine bleach, toxic heavy metals, toxic formaldehyde, toxic aromatic solvents and we do not use any toxic colour fasteners to artificially lock in the colour with chemicals.

Organic cotton comfort meets flattering fit in our simple, versatile camisole. Featuring adjustable straps and an colour-accented, curving neckline.

Featuring - Camisole and Original Midi (with Leg Band)

The simple, versatile fitted Camisole, with extra support. Adjustable straps and a gentle curving neckline hug the soft organic cotton jersey to your body, making this a perfect basic to accompany you to work, play, or anywhere in between.

Featuring - Shelf Bra Camisole

A comfortable everyday wear wireless pullover style Bralette that has adjustable straps and organic cotton lace trims. This piece feels as though it is barely there - enough coverage and support, but light as a feather.

Featuring - Bralette

Choose the style that suits your flow - from Classic Bikini, Midi, Original Midi with leg band, Boy Leg and G-string - whatever your preference we have got you covered.

Featuring - Boy Leg

The classic tee for any occasion. Soft, breathable and strong, our organic cotton jersey is designed to support your skin, your body, and your active lifestyle.

Featuring - Men's Basic Tee 

A super soft and comfy option - perfect as weightless sleepwear. This breathable lightweight jersey fabric is strong and resilient, perfect for loose fitting comfort under even the most formal outerwear.

Featuring - Men's Boxers

The Classic Trunk, just as comfortable as our classic Briefs, with a fuller fit. Featuring a wide waistband for comfort, our organic cotton is durable and soft. It’s underwear that keeps you comfortable, for any kind of day.

Featuring - Men's Trunks

The Classic Brief. Our organic cotton brief is designed to be a comfortable fit that hugs to your shape. Strong and soft, its just the kind of underwear you want keep wearing all the time.

Featuring - Men's Briefs

At Bhumi we believe the negative effects of conventional cotton farming and what goes on in the textile industry is not acceptable anymore. Everyone involved should be treated fairly with no child labour.

We are dedicated to changing the game, redefining luxury and reshaping conventional cotton textile industry practices to provide organic, simple, pure, luxuriously soft and chemical free sustainable basics that complement you, your life, your style and your home.

About the Author: Vinita is the Founder of Bhumi Organic Cotton and passionate about an Earth Life Balance