Underwear Thesis: Pact Review

Here’s the thing about reviewing different pairs of underwear: you can only get so creative with the photography! But seriously, I am running out of ways to photograph underwear. Anyways, this week’s Underwear Thesis review is all about Pact, an organic clothing company. I think they are most known for their super soft organic basics. They definitely have a loyal fanbase and I got tons of requests to try them out because I think a lot of people curious! So if you’re in that group, keep reading to get the full scoop of my Pact review.

My Totally Unfiltered Review of Pact Underwear

If you’re new to my Underwear Thesis, I encourage you to read these posts before proceeding:

• Underwear Thesis: My Search for The Most Comfortable Underwear (Part 1)
• What to Look for When Shopping for Underwear

Styles Tried and Price

• Classic Fit Bikini — $12 or a 6-pack for $48 (in certain colors)

Fabric Quality + Details

Grade: B

Pact isn’t messing around when they say their cotton is super soft! The classic fit bikini is 95% cotton, but what I love the most is that they used pre-washed fabric so that the panties can be shrink resistant. They have a good amount of stretch to them and a tagless label. I LOVE when underwear doesn’t have a bulky tag. I really wanted to love these… but there were a few details that were just lacking for me!

The website says that the waistband is supposed to be “smooth flat,” but that’s definitely not the case with any of my pairs. The elastic trim is surprisingly thick (I was expecting it to be softer) and puckers a lot. There are times where I can feel the waistband has flipped and when the outer part of my skin is touching it, it doesn’t feel great. Also that’s not the most flattering? I’ve only noticed this issue at the waist, thankfully, and not the leg openings. Also, the gusset is open on one side, with a serged edge, and made of the same fabric. My other gripe about the construction is that the seams on the sides are really bulky — you can even see it on the model on their website!

Manufacturing Quality

Grade: A

The underwear feels well made and sturdy. I noticed quite a few loose threads when I first got them, but none of the stitching has pulled out or come undone. I like that they used thread for stitching that stretches at the same rate as the rest of the panty!

Ethical Practices and Sustainability

Grade: A+

Sustainability is where Pact really gets the good grades! The cotton is Fair Trade Certified, plus they mention how many gallons of water are saved with ever order. Pact only works with Fair Trade Certified factories, plus they offer the option to offset carbon emissions of your shipment. I loved that option! Additionally, the packaging is minimal and almost entirely made of post-consumer recycled materials and biodegradable plastic. You can also send them your gently used clothing in the same packaging.

Inclusivity

Grade: C-

I like that the model isn’t rail-thin, but I wish Pact had shown the underwear on wayyy more body types and ethnicities. For the classic fit bikini, they offer 9 colorways and only show one on a Black woman… and it’s their ‘chocolate’ color. I understand why they chose that model, but I’m also pretty sure Black women and other POC like to wear underwear other than brown. In terms of their overall product offering being shown on different skintones, they are more inclusive there… but then a wider range of body types aren’t represented! Also, Pact’s sizing is very limited. They offer XS, S, M, L, XL, and 2XL and my definition of inclusive sizing is to go up to 5X.

Can you tell this is the section of my reviews where I get really cranky?

Washability

Grade: B

No complaints here! They wash well, don’t pill, and don’t stretch out or shrink. I suspect the waistband issue is related to washings, but I haven’t put them in the dryer so I’m not sure… someone is shrinking despite claims that the fabric is pre-shrunk!

Fit & Comfort

Grade: B

They are pretty comfortable, but I could do with a bit more coverage on my bum. The site lists the bikini as “fuller back coverage,” but shows some cheek hanging out on the model, so I guess I should have paid better attention! The fit reminds me almost exactly of the old Gap Body ones I used to love (and a LOT of you mentioned loving, too). The cotton is so soft and breathable, so they definitely have that going for them! But I had to grade with a B because of that waistband issue that I keep mentioning.

Overall thoughts

Grade: B

I had really high hopes for Pact… and I was underwhelmed and slightly disappointed. I hate to say that because they’re doing such great things in terms of manufacturing sustainability, but some elements could be better! I was talking to a friend about this review because I was worried it would come across as super-negative. She pointed out that these panties cost $12. That’s pretty damn affordable in the grand scheme of things and the array of brands I’m trying for this project! For example, the Auden from Target underwear that I reviewed is $5, but without any of the sustainability efforts. If your two biggest criteria when shopping is price and sustainability, then I definitely think you should try any of the underwear styles from Pact.

Ready for even more Underwear Thesis reviews?? Catch up on my previous reviews:

What do you think of this Pact review?? Leave a comment and let me know!

Photography by Jojotastic.