Finalist 2024

Comfy Bum Knickers and Comfy Trunk Range - Biodegradable and Compostable Underwear

Anna-Louise Howard for Farm To Hanger

Comfy Bum Knickers and Comfy Trunks - Biodegradable and Compostable Underwear

Design Brief:

In 2017, while exhibiting at an event, we were approached by a group of women seeking sustainable alternatives to fast fashion knickers. Inspired by their request and shared environmental values, we repurposed our textile waste from T-shirts to create zero-waste, eco-friendly underwear. This initiative seamlessly integrated into the Farm To Hanger brand.

We introduced our unique anti-wedgie design, Comfy Bum Knickers, and over the years, refined the range with biodegradable elastic, thread, and six different styles.
By early 2019, recognizing the demand from men for sustainable, pure cotton, compostable underwear, we launched the Comfy Trunks line.

Our efforts addressed the problem of textile waste and the lack of sustainable underwear options by offering innovative, environmentally conscious products. These contributions align with the criteria of the premier’s sustainability awards by showcasing our commitment to solving environmental challenges and promoting sustainable fashion.


This project was developed by:

Design Process

Our innovative design process began by challenging the conventional use of synthetic fabrics in underwear. We aimed to create a true-to-size fit without relying on elastane or other synthetic materials that many brands use to address fit issues. This required a fresh approach to both design and patternmaking.

We exclusively used non-chemically produced fibres, sourcing single-origin cotton fabrics that are fully traceable and biodegradable, along with pure cotton thread. To replace traditional elastic, we collaborated with leading European technologists to develop elastic using biodegradable polymer yarns. Additionally, we implemented tagless labels produced through a water-free process, minimising textile waste.

Meeting and Exceeding the Design Brief
Over the past seven years, we have continuously refined our designs based on customer feedback, making significant improvements in areas such as encasements, rises, lengths, and manufacturing techniques. Each iteration has enhanced the customer experience while steadfastly adhering to our sustainability values. Every garment has been designed to be able to be recycled and return to earth through compostability.

Our project has undergone a rigorous professional design process, involving extensive research, collaboration with material scientists, and iterative testing. The design has been professionally executed and finished, evidenced by our high-quality, sustainable garments that meet the fit and comfort expectations of our customers.

Implementation
The final design was brought to life through a meticulous implementation process. Our team worked closely with suppliers to ensure the highest quality materials and with manufacturers to maintain precision in production. The result is a line of sustainable underwear that not only meets but exceeds the design brief, offering an eco-friendly alternative without compromising on fit or quality.

This project stands as a testament to our commitment to sustainability and innovation in design.

Design Excellence

Innovative Approach to Materials
Our design process began with a commitment to sustainability, challenging the conventional use of synthetic fabrics in underwear. By focusing on single-origin, biodegradable cotton and non-chemically produced fibres, we aimed to create a true-to-size fit without relying on synthetic materials like elastane. This fresh approach required rethinking both design and patternmaking.

We also collaborated with European technologists to develop our elastics with biodegradable polymer yarns and implemented tagless labels produced through a water-free process, minimising textile waste. This ensures our garments are fully traceable and eco-friendly.

Meeting and Exceeding Design Criteria
Over the past seven years, we’ve continuously refined our designs based on customer feedback, enhancing areas such as encasements, rises, lengths, and manufacturing techniques. Each iteration aims to improve functionality, accessibility, aesthetics, safety, and quality, while steadfastly adhering to our sustainability values.

Our project involved extensive research and collaboration with material scientists, ensuring a high-quality, professional execution. The result is sustainable underwear that meets the fit and comfort expectations of our users, providing a holistic, high-quality experience.

Implementation and Benchmark Setting
The final design was brought to life through meticulous implementation. We worked closely with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure the highest quality materials and precision in production. The result is a line of sustainable underwear that exceeds the design brief, offering an eco-friendly alternative without compromising on fit or quality.

This project demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and innovation in design, setting a new standard not only in Victoria but also for Australia and internationally. By prioritising user experience and professional design, we hope to communicate the benefits of investing in high-quality, functional, and sustainable design solutions.

Design Innovation

At Farm to Hanger, our mission is to redefine everyday comfort through sustainable innovation. Our ”comfy bum knickers” and ”comfy trunks” were born out of a challenge that many consumers face—finding underwear that is both comfortable and environmentally responsible. We approached this challenge with creativity and resourcefulness, resulting in a product that solves a legitimate problem and creates new opportunities in sustainable fashion.

Our project tackles uncomfortable and environmentally harmful underwear head-on. By using 100% single-origin cotton sourced from ethical Australian farms, we ensure that our products are soft, breathable, and free from harmful chemicals. This focus on traceable compostable materials significantly reduces our carbon footprint and promotes sustainability, addressing a pressing environmental concern innovatively.

What sets our comfy bum knickers and comfy trunks apart is our commitment to quality and design excellence. We employ unique manufacturing techniques that eliminate wedgies, irritation, and chafing, providing unparalleled comfort for the wearer. These features make our products stand out in the market, offering a truly unique solution.

Our design process is deeply user-centred. Extensive research and user feedback guided the development of our underwear, ensuring that it meets individual needs and responds to the circumstances of our users. We understand that comfort is subjective; hence, we offer a range of sizes and styles to cater to different body types and preferences. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone can find their perfect fit.

Farm to Hanger’s comfy bum knickers and comfy trunks represent a significant advancement in both comfort and sustainability. Through innovative material choices, unique design features, and a user-centred approach, we have created a product that not only addresses common problems but also sets a new standard in the underwear industry with compostable underwear. We believe this project exemplifies how thoughtful design can create meaningful change and improve everyday lives.

Design Impact

The Comfy Bum Knickers and Comfy Trunks project by Farm to Hanger shows remarkable promise in positively impacting social, environmental, and commercial sectors. This project embodies the principles of the circular economy and sets new standards for sustainable fashion, not only in Victoria, Australia but also internationally.

Social
The project aims to create sustainable jobs and foster skills within the local community. By prioritising comfort and durability, it addresses consumers’ desire for high-quality, sustainable underwear, fostering long-term brand loyalty and stimulating demand for ethically-produced garments.

Environmental
Farm to Hanger’s commitment to minimising environmental impact is evident through their sustainable facility and eco-friendly materials. The Comfy Bum Knickers and Comfy Trunks are designed to reduce waste and are made from recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable materials. This adherence to circular economy principles ensures minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle, from production to disposal.

Commercial
Commercially, this project is set to boost Victoria’s economy by promoting local manufacturing and fostering green businesses. The professional design process has created a product that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior, enhancing its market appeal. This investment in design elevates the product and underscores its role in driving economic growth and innovation.

Contribution to Victoria’s Design and Creative Culture
Farm to Hanger’s project enhances Victoria’s reputation as a hub for innovative and sustainable design. It highlights the state’s commitment to creative excellence and environmental stewardship, showcasing Victoria as a leader in the global movement towards sustainable living. By marrying aesthetic quality with eco-friendly practices, this project reinforces the value of professional design in shaping a sustainable future.

The Comfy Bum Knickers and Comfy Trunks project stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful, sustainable design. It offers a blueprint for future projects aiming to make a positive impact on society, the economy, and the environment.

Circular Design and Sustainability Features

The ”Comfy Bum Knickers and Comfy Trunks” project by Farm to Hanger sets a benchmark in sustainable and circular design.

Farm to Hanger embraces the circular economy by minimising waste and maximising product lifecycle. Using recycled materials and renewable resources, they integrate closed-loop systems that allow products to be recycled back into the supply chain. This reduces raw material use and environmental impact, conserving resources and promoting reuse within the fashion industry.

Farm to Hanger’s commitment to sustainable design is evident in their choice of eco-friendly materials and production processes. The ”Comfy Bum Knickers and Comfy Trunks” are made from single-origin Australian cotton and biodegradable trims, which have a minimal environmental footprint. Additionally, as a zero-waste enterprise, they ensure no textile waste from production goes to landfill, storing it for future recycling. Their production process in their sustainable facility, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Biodegradable and compostable packaging further reinforces their commitment to sustainability.

Farm to Hanger ensures fair labour practices and supports local communities. Certified by Ethical Clothing Australia, they produce everything in-house in their Victorian facility, collaborating with local artisans and factories that maintain high ethical standards. This ensures fair wages and safe working conditions while reducing the carbon footprint and bolstering the local economy.

The ”Comfy Bum Knickers and Comfy Trunks” project exemplifies how circular design and sustainable principles can be integrated into fashion. It serves as a model for the industry, showcasing that style and comfort do not have to come at the expense of our planet.

We constantly seek feedback from our customers and implement improvements to the design of our products. We also engage with our community to educate and raise awareness about sustainable fashion. Our goal is not only to provide comfortable underwear but also to inspire positive change in the industry.

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