Organic Basics Alternative: erlich textil compared
Looking for an alternative to Organic Basics? Understandable. In this article we look at what has changed at Organic Basics, what really matters when choosing sustainable underwear and why erlich textil might be exactly what you are looking for.
Organic Basics was for a long time one of the best-known brands for sustainable underwear in Europe. Founded in Copenhagen in 2015, the brand stood for minimalist basics made from sustainable materials. Many people made their first conscious underwear purchases there.
In 2022 Organic Basics was acquired by Delta Galil Industries, a large textile group whose portfolio includes brands such as Calvin Klein Underwear and Tommy Hilfiger Intimates. That changes the ownership structure and with it the question: who is really behind the brand?
Background Why so many look for an Organic Basics alternative
Ever since that acquisition, many customers have been looking for alternatives. The reasons are understandable: they want to know who stands behind their underwear. They want their money not to flow into large corporations. They want transparency, not just promises.
This is a good moment to show transparently what erlich textil stands for and where the differences lie. Not to condemn Organic Basics, but to make your choice easier.
Comparison erlich textil vs. Organic Basics: the facts
| Criterion | erlich textil | Organic Basics |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Independent, founder-led company (management buy-out 2023) | Part of the Delta Galil group (since 2022) |
| Founding & size | 2016, 8-person team from Cologne | Founded 2015, now a corporate brand |
| Materials | TENCEL Modal, Lyocell, organic cotton (kbA), biodegradable polyamide | Organic cotton, TENCEL Lyocell |
| Production | Portugal, Hungary, Turkey, personally known | Global, including China |
| Transparency | Maximum openness about processes & partners | Well documented, but group-dependent |
| Certifications | No brand-owned certifications, materials certified to at least OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | GOTS, OEKO-TEX |
| Prices (entry) | From approx. 14.95 € | From approx. 25 € |
| Nominations | German Sustainability Award 2025 | No current nominations |
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Facts instead of marketing promises: the biggest difference lies in the ownership structure. That affects decisions, transparency and where your money goes.
Materials TENCEL Modal & Lyocell: our materials
Both brands rely on fibres from the Austrian company Lenzing, and for good reason. At erlich textil we use both Modal and Lyocell, depending on what the product is made for.
TENCEL Modal
Modal is made from beech wood, from sustainably managed European forests. The fibre is especially soft, shape-retaining and durable. It keeps its smoothness even after many washes. Modal is ideal for underwear because it really hugs the body without restricting it.
- 50 % softer than cotton (according to Lenzing tests)
- European raw materials from sustainable forestry
- Excellent moisture regulation, perfect for everyday wear
- Durable and colourfast, wash after wash
TENCEL Lyocell
Lyocell is made from eucalyptus wood and has a silky, cool feel, perfect for light pieces and warmer days. With us you will find Lyocell in high-quality, sustainable processing. Organic Basics uses Lyocell too, both brands work with Lenzing fibres.
Biodegradable polyamide for lace
For our lace products we need synthetic fibres. But we choose fibres that do not stay forever at the end of their life: Amni Soul Eco® by Fulgar (biodegradable polyamide) and ROICA™ V550 by Asahi Kasei (degradable and circular elastane). That is how sustainability becomes concrete.
In short: we rely on both fibres: Modal for everyday wear and the year-round feel, Lyocell for light, cooling pieces. So you can choose what suits you.
Production Where is it made and who is behind it?
This is where it gets relevant for many: not just WHAT is produced, but HOW and by whom.
erlich textil: a team of 8 people
We are a small, independent company, founded in Cologne in 2016. In 2023 we bought erlich textil back from the Calida Group through a management buy-out. That means: we own ourselves. No corporate structure, no anonymous shareholders.
Our production takes place in Europe and Turkey, at partner factories we know personally and visit regularly.
- Sewing facilities in Portugal, Hungary and Turkey, all with fair working conditions
- Short supply chains within Europe
- Warehousing and shipping from Lage (Germany), fast within the DACH region
- Nominated for the German Sustainability Award 2025
Organic Basics: from start-up to corporate brand
Organic Basics was once a small Danish start-up. After the acquisition by Delta Galil Industries in 2022, the ownership structure changed fundamentally. Delta Galil is a listed group with production sites worldwide, including China.
What matters to us: we want you to know who is behind your underwear and where your money goes. That is the basis of real trust.
Price What do you get for your money?
Sustainable underwear costs more than fast fashion, that is clear. But there are differences. The entry price at erlich textil is around 14.95 € (Casual Cotton String).
At erlich textil you get fair European production at a lower price than many competitors. We can do this because we are a small team without large overheads, and because we deliberately avoid expensive glossy campaigns.
It is not the cheapest price, but it is fair. For both sides. For you, because you know where your money goes. For the people who sew your underwear, because they are paid fairly.
Verdict Who is erlich textil for, and who is Organic Basics for?
erlich textil is the right choice if you…
value independent, founder-led brands
expect transparency in production and supply chain
prefer soft, durable materials such as TENCEL Modal and Lyocell
need fast shipping within the DACH region
want fair prices without a corporate mark-up
want to support a brand that owns itself
Organic Basics can still be an option
If you are happy with their products and are comfortable with the corporate structure. In the end it comes down to knowing what your money stands for, and whether that matches your values.
Sustainability is not a label you stick on. It is an attitude you live every day, in every decision, with every product. At erlich textil we try to earn that every day.
FAQ Frequently asked questions about Organic Basics and erlich textil
Is erlich textil a good alternative to Organic Basics?
Yes, if independence and transparency matter to you. erlich textil has been founder-led and self-owned again since the 2023 management buy-out, whereas Organic Basics has belonged to the Delta Galil group since 2022. Quality materials, fair production in Europe and Turkey, and fast shipping from Lage (Germany) make erlich textil an honest alternative.
Who owns Organic Basics today?
Organic Basics was founded in Copenhagen in 2015 and acquired by Delta Galil Industries in 2022, a listed textile group whose portfolio includes brands such as Calvin Klein Underwear and Tommy Hilfiger Intimates.
Which materials does erlich textil use?
erlich textil uses TENCEL Modal and TENCEL Lyocell by Lenzing, certified-organic cotton (kbA standard) and biodegradable polyamide for lace. Modal suits everyday wear, Lyocell works for light, cooling pieces.
Where does erlich textil produce and ship from?
Production happens at partner factories in Portugal, Hungary and Turkey, all with fair working conditions. Warehousing and shipping run through Lage in Germany, which keeps deliveries within the DACH region fast.
How much does erlich textil underwear cost?
Prices start at around 14.95 € (Casual Cotton String). That gives you fair European production at a lower price than many competitors.
Does erlich textil hold its own sustainability certifications?
No, erlich textil does not carry brand-owned labels. The materials used are, however, certified to at least OEKO-TEX Standard 100. We would rather be honest about that than advertise labels we do not hold ourselves.
Recommendation Discover real sustainability
At erlich textil you will find sustainable basics made from TENCEL Modal, Lyocell and organic cotton (kbA), fairly produced in Europe, shipped quickly from our warehouse in Germany.
Real sustainability means: you know who is behind your underwear.
