Designer unveils LINGERIE made from WOOD

A clothes designer is branching out by creating an entire range of eco-underwear - made from wood.

Although the knickers and bras are derived from white pine trees there is no risk of the wearer getting splinters in uncomfortable places as they are as soft as silk.

Fibres are extracted from the tree branches before being spun into a fabric which is then used to make the eco-underwear.

The makers claim fabric has dozens more microscopic holes than polyester, meaning more air can circulate making them more hygienic. And their natural fibres also absorbs twice as much humidity than cotton which prevents bacteria from growing.

Eco-friendly and non-toxic dyes are used to colour the items in a wide range of shades before they are ready for sale.

All the underwear is packaged in left-over fabric and recycled clothing.

The lingerie has been created by French fashion designer Sophie Young after her child suffered an allergic reaction to dye in clothing.

The production process starts with large branches being selected from white pine trees in North America and Canada during normal harvesting.

The wood is then shipped to Montilliers in France where scientists break it down with the use of enzymes to turn it into a doughy consistency.

Fibres are then extracted from the dough and wound into enormous 900lbs bales before being spun to make the fabric called Lenpur. Designers have said the process is similar to the traditional art of spinning cotton.

A small amount of lycra is added in to make the undies feel more comfortable and to help maintain their shape. The range is called g=9.8 which is the scientific figure for the earth's acceleration due to gravity.

They are on sale in the UK via the internet with prices starting from 25 for a pair of pants.

Sophie said: "My child developed an allergic reaction and asthma which was partly triggered by dyes, chemical products and pesticides.

"I am a member of the Association Asthma and Allergies in France and wanted to create a line of lingerie respectful of the environment.

"All the wood used to make the range is cultivated and then broken down with the use of enzymes. Enzymes are proteins which transform a raw material A to another material B, similar digestion with beer.

"The wood turns into a dough in which fibres can be extracted. The entire process takes between several hours to a few days.

"Bales of fibres, of a weight of about 900lbs, are assembled and spun by a traditional process, similar to that of cotton.

"The fabric is dyed in many different colours but we guarantee harmlessness in respect of irritation and allergies.

"The underwear can be washed in a machine at 30C but we they are not suitable for tumble drying as it is not ecological.

"Wood fibre offers the comfort of silk, the touch of cashmere and the lightness of linen.

"We introduced the first line at an ethical fashion show in Paris and in Lyon Mode city in Lyon.

"Now the British company Bynature sell my underwear online and others have asked for my linesheets."