10 Sustainable Denim Brands You NEED to Know
Denim is an undeniable wardrobe essential for good reason. It provides its wearer with durability, a timeless aesthetic, and a legendary fashion history. From its utilitarian roots to being sentimental keepsakes of past relationships (the perfect boyfriend jean is stolen from your ex), denim has left an indelible mark on the world of fashion. If denim were a person, it’d be a fashion girl. But, *Gossip Girl voice* every It Girl has their blind items, and denim production has also left an ugly mark on our planet.
Traditional denim production uses excessive water usage, with some estimates suggesting it takes up to 1,800 gallons of water to produce a single pair of jeans. The dyeing and finishing processes often involve harmful chemicals and significant energy consumption, and the fast-fashion industry's demand for denim leads to overproduction and significant textile waste.
If you’re in search of denim that won’t cost you or Ms. Earth, look no further than these 10 denim brands that are doing denim right:
1. Mavi Jeans
Established in Istanbul in 1991, Mavi Jeans is committed to innovative denim production, reducing water and energy consumption by 20% and 15% respectively, with 70% of their products treated using laser and sustainable wash processes.
small town boys is a made-to-order Canadian upcycle brand that works with deadstock and vintage denim to create one-of-a-kind denim hats, ties, and bags.
Founded by Natasha Halesworth, The Consistency Project aims to give new life to reclaimed garments specializing in vintage denim, notably Vintage Levis. They offer personalized, full-service pant fittings at their Brooklyn retail space ensuring inclusivity and comfort while shopping for vintage pants.
The Vintage Twin is a New York City-based vintage shop. They provide a unique in-store service called the "Jeanius Bar," where vintage enthusiasts can receive personalized fittings and customizations for their vintage denim.
5. ABLE
ABLE recognizes the importance of fair wages and safe working conditions, working to empower women by creating better opportunities. Their denim is made from organic cotton and they partner with manufacturers worldwide to prioritize top-quality products, fair wages, and women's well-being.
Lisa Says Gah! is a San Francisco and LA-based women-run brand that crafts ethically made vintage-inspired pieces. Their denim process uses non-toxic, biodegradable, water-based ink, resulting in zero water waste and the absence of chemical additives. Their printing partners adhere to stringent OEKO-Tex standards and hold Eco-Passport + GOTS approvals.
You can use our code: SUSTAINABLEBADDIE_ at checkout for 10% off your entire order here.
7. Fanfare
Fanfare is founded on a circular business model that prioritizes material health, durability, recyclability, and traceability. They rescue textiles from landfills to recycle and upcycle alongside certified sustainable fabrics that meet certifications like GOTS Certified Organic Cotton and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Cotton.
8. Boyish
Designed in Los Angeles, Boyish Jeans makes sustainable denim with a vintage touch. Inspired by women with a "Boyish" sense of style, the brand reimagines men's fabrics and fits for a woman's body. They use ethical and eco-conscious practices throughout the design and production process, saving textiles from landfills, utilizing certified sustainable fabrics, and adopting a circular approach with recycled materials.
9. Wray
Founded in 2015 by Wray Serna, Wray is a New York-based, inclusive, and fine art-inspired clothing brand. Drawing inspiration from art, sculpture, and more, WRAY's designs prioritize form and function, and fairtrade, sustainability, and responsible fashion.
10. RWRK Studio
RWRK Studio is where sustainability meets high-end style. Each piece is carefully reworked and transformed into one-of-a-kind upcycled creations.
11. Thrifted
Some of the best denim you’ll ever find is vintage! If you’re searching for the perfect secondhand pair of jeans, keep these tips in mind:
Research preferred brands and styles.
Inspect fabric for durability.
Check for authenticity and examine the stitching.
Look for minimal wear and try them on for fit.
Consider alteration options and be patient while exploring thrift stores regularly.