Sustainable Denim
Apair of jeans comes across as one of the most nondescript items in our wardrobes, and yet carry so much weight when it comes to our everyday outfits. Once you’ve found the perfect fit, it’s a garment that follows you over the years, and it’s hard to deny that when we can’t think of anything to wear, we reach in for that loyal blue jean. That’s why it’s worth the time and effort hunting for the one pair that ticks all the boxes of look, fit, and even origin.
Dye and fibre is a huge part of denim, and as we progress in the 21st century, systems that have been used for decades are only being improved by the forward thinking next generation of makers. From the care of their workers to the usage of sustainable fibres like hemp and using waterless dyeing techniques, the denim industry has continued to grow in leaps and bounds. Here are some great brands you might want to check out for their sustainably produced jeans.
Outland Denim
https://www.outlanddenim.com.au/
Stevie, Amy
Premium denim jeans made by women who have experienced human trafficking are the core offering of Outland Denim. This brand has grown from a small group of just five employees in Cambodia to 750, ensuring that their training and employment allows them to have a holistic life, a stable career path and provide for themselves and their families.
Staying away from synthetic dyes and conventional cotton, the Australian brand prioritises the use of natural indigo, recycled, and organic cotton. It uses 91% less fresh water than the typical cotton, and has been tested against harmful substances in their processes. Their system of production is 94% traceable, from buttons and rivets to even their energy supply. No aspect is too small not to consider, as Outland Denim has proven.
You can find great cuts for sizes 24-34 in their womenswear range, and we particularly like their Stevie bootcut and vintage inspired Amy wide-leg jeans.
Warp + Weft
CDG – VINTAGE HIGH RISE STRAIGHT 28″ KINGCAID, CMN – PEG LEG 27″ JANUS
Did you know that on average, it takes 1,500 gallons of water to produce a single pair of traditional jeans? Well, Warp + Weft is working hard to reduce the massive amounts of wastewater that used to be the norm in producing denim garments. In their vertically integrated production system, they actually only use less than 10, treating and recycling the used water.
One key point is that they don’t use bleach, which we know is a terrible chemical to release into nature. Dry Ozone technology harnesses the natural bleaching capabilities of ozone gas, and thus keeps Warp + Weft in compliance with International Social and Environmental & Quality Standard. That’s a mouthful, but isn’t that great to hear?
This family-owned denim company oversees the entire process and ensures that from fabric to garment, your jeans will be as friendly and harmless as possible to the environment and to the people who sew them. It sure doesn’t hurt that they offer sizes from US 00 to 24, which is amazing for every body shape and size.
E.L.V DENIM
Mid Blue Match Boyfriend Jean, Grey / Black Contrast Straight Leg Jean
East. London. Vintage. It’s clear where this brand hails from, and their business model is something we can definitely get behind. E.L.V DENIM uses discarded or deadstock denim and reworks this unwanted fabric into super cool styles that can’t be found just anywhere else. In short, these are trousers that boast super low carbon footprints and give second lives to fabric which would otherwise be burnt or forgotten in a landfill.
They manufacture everything in East London with local manufacturers and ateliers, only taking about 7 litres of water to create each pair. All of their jeans have eco-finish hardware, and leather labels from remnants of a leather brand.
Even their scraps are used til the last thread. They are distributed to partnered schools and universities for textile classes and whatever other projects that might need them, and also to artist Ian Berry, who creates art with denim. Talk about stretching it out!
DL1961
HEPBURN WIDE LEG:HIGH RISE VINTAGE SANDBANK, FLORENCE SKINNY MATERNITY: INSTASCULPT ANKLE WILLOUGHBY, FARROW SKINNY: HIGH RISE INSTASCULPT ANKLE ROGERS
DL1961 is another vertically integrated brand with their own denim mill. They use eco-friendly fibres starting from certified U.S grown cotton, which are then mixed with other fibres like Modal, Tencel, or even Refibra Lyocell; all cellulose-based biodegradable materials that come from renewable wood sources that are sustainably harvested. These fibre types are all known for their durability and ability to be composted, and the end textiles that are produced are ultra-absorbent, which cuts out the amount of dye and water that they use. The brand even tracks its water consumption and dye usage with the Environmental Impact Measurement (EIM) software.
One of their lines is called the Instasculpt; a range of jeans using its trademarked four-way stretch XFIT Lycra denim. It’s known for its low shrinkage and high recovery, and these jeans are supposed to smooth and lift your body with its high-retention elastane technology and contoured waistband. They even have maternity styles in this forgiving fabric. There’s no need to throw out your favourite pair with these jeans moving the way you move, and as your body changes, they will too.