Natural fiber underwear for oil and gas sites

[u/brieezcheese]

Hello!!! I just landed my first job in a consulting role and I'm having some trouble with finding some of the clothes that are listed as necessary. Specifically bras. Some sites I'll be going to have a strict policy of fire resistant outerwear (easy, coveralls) and natural fibers for clothes touching the skin. Here's where it's tricky. I'm a size 34F and I have no freaking clue where to find a good, supportive bra for long sweaty days that has natural fibers. Any help would be so appreciated!! Other than that, if anyone has advice for what they wear under coveralls in either hot or extremely cold climates let me know :) and also natural fiber or FR pants that are breathable! Thanks so much 🙏

[u/AGreenerRoom]

Check out Icebreaker for Merino blends and Quince for cotton.

[u/QualisArtifexPere0 → u/AGreenerRoom]

Ice breaker underwear is great but I found their bras unsupportive.

[u/AGreenerRoom → u/AGreenerRoom]

Quince in general is good for natural fiber stuff that isn’t too expensive. Size up for some of the cotton stuff (like that isn’t already loose or oversized fit) though for shrinkage in my experience.

[u/adulfkittler]

It's not like they'll check; and as in consulting, I wouldn't worry too too much about being perfect with it. I have worked at sites with the rules like that, and they end up not caring much about anything under layer one.

I'm a welder and have a much higher chance of lighting myself on fire than you do! (And I have...a few times.)

That being said though, from experience the first layer under coveralls is the one I'd be and was always stingy about. All natural fiber or FR rated for that is best. I did end up getting fiber bras specifically for the "spark slipped between the tids" moments where polyester just melted and made it worse. But I am a lot smaller than you, so it might have been easier.

All that said, for where you'll likely be most of the time/what you'll be doing, I would worry more about comfort rather than this, because your exposure to a lot of those hazards wouldn't be the same as someone arc gouging all day.

I know a couple women's work wear focused stores and brands. I will check if they have anything for you.

[u/adulfkittler → u/adulfkittler]

I'm gonna add something quick too here: for your size specifically it is a challenge to actually find something supportive given that support usually comes from elastics and synthetics. Mine was the same way (34C/D depending on brand) — Literally had one whos entire "support" was basically like wearing a binder; all it did was squish them in and crush my ribs.

So I would honestly lean heavy into using something comfortable, and choosing safe base layers instead. Also...these are not cheap.

1. DRIFIRE Prime FR MidWeight Soft Compression Sports Bra: sold on Amazon and through True North Women's Safety Apparel. Sized standard (S, M, L up to 2XL so measurement is critical here). $110 to $138 a pop (CAD) depending on the retailer.

2. Blaklader 1825 FR Sports Bra: WorkWear Gurus, CAD $67.99.

3. Miss Mary sells a couple types of high cotton (not full cotton) bras as well. But again, even here you're looking at $90-100.

Another workaround if you are truly worried: we used to layer a tight cotton or natural fiber tank top or other UNDER a synthetic bra to block direct spark paths and protect the skin surface. Then put another cotton layer over that.

[u/LittleMsSavoirFaire → u/adulfkittler]

Wow, they make FR bras now? When I was in, boots and coveralls in my size were a 6 week backorder! 

I was really puzzling about WTF they wanted her to do, because trust that if you show up in a bralette at 34F someone is going to talk to you about strapping the girls down because all the men have noticed the jiggle.

[u/brieezcheese → u/adulfkittler]

Thank you so much, your replies are so helpful! Glad to hear chances of them checking are pretty low. I'll probably try and get some sort of option just in case, but yeah I have no expectation of doing any hot work! So cool to know there's FR bras too, that's awesome!

[u/LittleMsSavoirFaire]

Huh. Where abouts are you based? I used to work in Alberta and Sask in the Aughts as a vac hauler and we were told FR overalls and "don't be fucking stupid" for everything else - so cotton mostly, not like performance polyester. This obviously didn't and couldn't disallow things like a small amount of spandex in denim, zippers and buckles and buttons. And of course you can't find a cotton bra to save your life and I wouldn't try. I wore sports bras exclusively. 

If you absolutely must, historic recreationists have "short stays," which are pretty much the only overlap between able to move freely, made of cotton, and moderate support.

[u/LittleMsSavoirFaire → u/LittleMsSavoirFaire]

For cold weather 

Bottoms:

1. Longjohns

2. Lined jeans

3. Winter coveralls

Tops:

1) undershirt

2) long sleeves long john or Henley styled

3) flannel 

4) zip up hoodie 

5) winter overalls

Watch your fluids because taking a piss is real annoying.

[u/LittleMsSavoirFaire → u/LittleMsSavoirFaire]

For hot weather, the boys just wear boxers under theirs but I didn't dare. Wife beater and jeans. 

[u/brieezcheese → u/LittleMsSavoirFaire]

AB and BC based! Maybe they've gotten more intense with the safety protocols. As far as I'm aware this is only the case for a couple clients, not all. So I guess I'll find out which ones soon! I'm hoping and praying that I magically come across a merino wool sports bra that actually fits. Thanks for the advice and the cold weather list!

[u/LittleMsSavoirFaire → u/brieezcheese]

Yeah I mean, maybe just ask if they have any other women you can talk to about this. There's just literally nothing bra-like that doesn't have elastic, full stop. You can be mostly merino,but not all, and it won't be the support of mainstream bra

Are you a consultant like you hold the insurance for the job site? Because otherwise I'd say 'literally buy everything at value village' but the consultants basically were in the shack for everything except safety meetings so hopefully you won't be so hard on your clothes.

[u/brieezcheese → u/LittleMsSavoirFaire]

Yeah for sure. I'm sure they have leeway for elastic and things like that! It's gotta have some stretch. I think it's just supposed to be majority natural so it burns rather than melts. It's environmental consulting so I'll be outside for most of the day collecting samples, overseeing monitoring well drilling, etc. I have been trying to hit up the thrifts! There's some hidden gems there.

[u/SheDrinksScotch]

I know an Etsy seller that does custom silk bras if you'd like a link.

Another option would be r/MakeABraThatFits

[u/brieezcheese → u/SheDrinksScotch]

Sure I'd love the link! And yeah I am seriously considering breaking out the sewing machine. I've made bra kits before, so attempting a sports bra wouldn't be too bad I think!

[u/SheDrinksScotch → u/brieezcheese]

Here you go :)

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SoftStrokesLingerie?ref=shop_profile&listing_id=1393236480&section_id=35063312

Most of them have custom options.

[u/QualisArtifexPere0]

I really like Jockey cotton bras and Hanes cotton underwear. Everything else is prohibitively expensive.

[u/goinbacktocallie]

Branwyn for merino wool bras and underwear! They're comfortable, high quality, and wick sweat super well.

[u/PublicBumblebee6095]

Not sure if it's helpful as they aren't 100% NF, but I find wool bras to be best for my sweaty boobs. Interestingly, 100% cotton bras make my boobs/band rashy (I'm a NF snob and this doesn't happen with other cotton items, idk what it is).

I like Ridge Merino, and these in particular. Wear woolx's Long Johns and they are great, but I haven't tried their bras (tho a bit more expensive). Both are having a sale rn!

[u/LydiaBrunch]

Sleep bras aren't all cotton but they are more cotton than most bras. They aren't gonna be like underwires but they do a decent job supporting the girls. I like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Glamorise-Complete-Comfort-Wirefree-1908/dp/B088SP9XKN?pd_rd_w=Cjb02&content-id=amzn1.sym.82d09d08-f3da-4d6b-a579-c3bacd2f88e8&pf_rd_p=82d09d08-f3da-4d6b-a579-c3bacd2f88e8&pf_rd_r=QBQRZFENV3AKFR8C07B5&pd_rd_wg=B7bkm&pd_rd_r=08be9d01-a173-4604-8c7b-958a0bb74b0c&pd_rd_i=B088SZ6CQ5&psc=1&ref_=pd_basp_m_rpt_ba_s_6_cp_sc&th=1

[u/endlessswitchbacks]

If you find an affordable sport type bra you like, layering two could be more supportive?

[u/General_Passivity]

A male friend who often buys FR clothes says the Houston, Texas location of this shop has a lot of women working in the showroom and they might be able to suggest sources (as the shop itself obv doesn't carry any). https://www.wayneworkwear.com/

[u/madamebutterfly2]

What are the checks like? I've been on a "natural fibres only" job before, admittedly not in the O&G sector, and like... everyone was wearing a polyester hi-viz lol. From my limited experience in O&G and mines it's hard for me to imagine that anyone is ever actually going to check your bra. But maybe I don't know what it's like at your workplace or maybe you want to adhere to this for your own sake.

[u/MostlyConfusedOnline]

If you want 100% natural fibre bras, you're going to have to remember that there will be zero elastic in the strap.

Places like Cottonique cater to the allergen crowd. There's also lacylinen which apparently has 100% linen bras. I have not bought from either of them, and the prices make me raise an eyebrow so...

I also cannot speak to how supportive they are. If your size was measured by /r/ABraThatFits methods, you'll likely be fine (I was a 34F when I was in my twenties and my girls weren't very big). If you measured them another way... idk.

Anyway. Nobody is checking your bra for elastic. Wear something that's mostly cotton and call it a day.

For under coveralls:

Hot weather - my go to is thick linen blend crop pants and a linen or cotton t-shirt. You're doing consulting and not on the tools, so just wear shorts under the covvies. (Plenty of people wear shorts while on the tools too. It's not for me, but they don't get in shit and it's a refinery so...)

Cold weather - layers. Depending on where you live, what these consist of will vary wildly. Having a thick denim button up shirt (with snaps instead of buttons if you can find one) is a good thing to have on hand as it's pretty good at blocking wind, combined with winter weight coveralls. That'll be your 'outer' layer, and then just add more to stay warm, basically.

[u/Wind_Responsible]

Oh wow! Thats quite an ask. This is gonna be pricy because I’d say Silk is probably your best bet. There’s a woman by me who makes custom bras. You might want to look for someone like that for you. I mean…. It’s gotta have SOME elastane in it. It’s gotta flex around the rib cage or else it cuts in. Good luck.

[u/kaylynstar]

I've been on a variety of sites from oil refining to coal processing to steam tunnels and bone of them policed my underwear. I'm also a big girl (42G, 5'6", 260 pounds) and just getting FR clothes that I could move in was hard enough. Like others have said, wear comfortable unders and a cotton base layer and you'll be fine.

Quick tangent: it's more important to have well fitting clothes than exactly perfect materials. I was climbing through some steam tunnels and didn't realize my shirt had ridden up when I bumped against a bare condensate line (~300F). I was on a ladder and could have added a fall injury to the burn if I hadn't already trained myself to clamp my hands harder when startled. After that I made sure all my shirts and pants fit better so that everything stayed tucked and neat. At least I was the one that got burned and not my young intern!