14 Sustainable Denim Brands You Need to Know Before Buying Your Next Pair of Jeans
photo from DL1961
A good pair of jeans is a closet staple, but did you know it takes about 2,000 gallons of water to make just one pair?! Not to mention, most brands use harsh chemicals during the dying and finishing processes which end up in the waterway systems. From the cotton farming to the maker, it’s a very dirty industry. HOWEVER, there are several brands who are going down a different path and making ethical, eco-friendly denim! We’ve also noted if they make for women, men and kids.
ABLE
For: Women
I own a pair of denim jeans and shorts from ABLE, and love them! The quality is great, and they are very comfortable and flattering. They even have denim jackets and skirts.
“We’re deeply devoted to quality – both in the products we make and the quality of life we aim to provide. We invest in, train, and educate women so they can earn a living, break the cycle of poverty, and thrive.” - livefashionable.com
Amour Vert
For: Women
Amour Vert has partnered with AGOLDE to create a collection of conscious denim that is so good looking, you will want more than one pair.
This denim “is crafted in L.A. using organic and recycled cotton in one of the only vertically integrated denim production facilities in the United States. The AGOLDE factory employs an ozone wash technology. This process uses 80-90% recycled water.” - amourvert.com
DL1961
For: Men, Women & Kids
My son has a pair of their denim made from Tencel and they are so incredibly soft!
“Our eco-friendly mill is one of the leading denim manufacturers, which means we can create the highest quality denim that’s good for you and for the planet. Constructing your jeans start with weaving premium, eco-friendly fibers into custom-blended yarns and high-retention fabrics.” - dl1961.com
Frank & Oak
For: Men & Women
From skinny to wide legs, this brand has so many different styles of jeans for both men and women.
“While style is an expression of the individual, the common necessities of daily Canadian living shapes our relationship with style in significant ways. We design products that are made to last with the highest standards to keep up with our demanding lifestyles, while ensuring minimal impact on the planet we love.” - frankandoak.com
Lasso
For: Men & Women
This brand is so cool because you send in your own measurements to make the perfect pair of jeans. Jean shopping can be one of the most difficult things because there is always something in the fit that is somewhat off. This is the solution! And they use one of the softest denims around made from our favorite Tencel! I absolutely love my pair, and find them to be the comfiest ones I own.
Madewell
For: Men & Women
I own a few pairs of denim from Madewell, and the fit is perfect. I love the fact they carry so many different sizes for the many body types we have. They’ve also partnered with Fair Trade Federation to make a line of denim, and if you shop their Do Well category, every pair of denim within there is consciously made. It is so great to see the bigger mainstream companies take on sustainability!
outerknown
For: Men
While this brand creates for both men and women, they do have a special line of jeans just for the guys. Their S.E.A jeans are made for life in our of the world’s cleanest denim factories. They are also Fair Trade Certified!
“Fair Trade USA ensures safe, healthy, and prosperous working conditions. It's a game-changing way of doing business.”
Patagonia
For: Men
I’m sure everyone is familiar with Patagonia and their sustainable business practices. It’s definitely a brand to look up to, and they have a few pairs of eco-friendly denim for men!
“Durable, midweight jeans built for a more active lifestyle made with a moisture-wicking organic cotton/polyester fabric with comfort stretch. Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.”
PRANA
For: Men & Women
PrAna makes jeans for all journeys, and they have several different styles for you and your man to choose from. They also have quite a few priced under $100!
“We’re far from the perfect system, but we know a higher standard exists in the fashion and apparel industry, and we strive for that ideal. In the end, we focus on progress and continue to improve with each year.”
RE/DONE
For: Men & Women
I love what this brand is doing with old Levi’s!
“Our RE/DONE jeans are a celebration of the Levi’s jean’s past and a continuation of the jean’s individual story. We take the vintage denim apart at the seams, repurposing it as the fabric of our new jeans. We are proud to manufacture our jeans in Downtown Los Angeles using water conserving methods and no harsh chemicals..”
Reformation
For: Women
Reformation makes some sexy looking denim with a combination of organic cotton, recycled cotton & lyocell.
“Reformation’s design mission is to make effortless silhouettes that celebrate the feminine figure. The design process starts with us thinking about what we really want to wear right now. We source the most beautiful and sustainable fabrics possible to bring those designs to life quickly.”
sezane
For: Women
I’ve admired their jeans for a bit, now, and reallllly want to own a few pair! They use GOTS certified cotton and some recycled poly to create their beautiful denim line.
“We stand for quality, savoir-faire, & the perfect cut. Born in Paris, Made for the World. We believe in responsible stock volumes and a lean production model. No overproduction & scrupulously considered pricing.”
Stella McCartney
For: Men, Women & Kids
If your family is really looking to stick out, this designer is exactly what you are looking for. It’s definitely more of a splurge, but a unique purchase for sure. While they do have your more average blue denim, I just thought these ombre ones were too fun to not share with you. Plus, Stella McCartney has been using organic cotton since 2008!
WARP & WEFT
For: Men, Women & Kids
If you are looking for affordable denim for the entire family, this is exactly the brand you need to check out. They have tons of different styles, and I can’t wait to try them out for myself and Elliott.
“Our eco-friendly mill is one of the world’s largest textile manufacturers, which means we can create high quality denim that’s good for you, the
planet, and your wallet.
photo from Warp + Weft
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