Producing denim can be dirty business. Did you know that Jeans are one of the worst clothing pieces when it comes to sustainability? Think about how many Jeans are being worn every day, that’s quite insane, right? IF you’re looking for sustainable jeans brands you’re at the right address.
For denim not only a lot of water is needed for the production (between 6000 and 8000 Liter) also pesticides, heavy metals, synthetic dyes and bleaching agents are being used. Almost 2KG of chemicals are used to produce one pair of Jeans the conventional way. Taking in mind that 1.8 billion jeans are being produced every year, that’s quite a lot. Unfortunately just 1% of these are manufactured with sustainability in mind.
The good part, is the you can really make a difference when it comes to buying sustainable jeans! I’ve made a list with brands that take responsibility when it comes to producing their Jeans. They are either completely focused on jeans or have a selection of better jeans. These are really some of my favourite sustainable jeans brands, so enjoy!
P.s. If you’re into second hand shopping, have a look at the thrift shop, vintage or second hand stores first! They might have a unique gem you won’t find anywhere else, and usually for a pretty good deal money-wise.
If you know of a great sustainable denim brand, which isn’t mentioned, please let me know in a comment below!
BOYISH
Style • Feminine, stylish
Price range • € 130 – €200
Country • United States
One of my all time favourite Jeans brands is Boyish Jeans! They prove that sustainability can definitely be sexy. They try to think of all details too by using recycled hardware for instance. This brand is just cool while doing good, so definitely worth checking out!
Shop online • Boyish
KINGS OF INDIGO
Style • Casual, street
Price range • € 100 – €200
Country • The Netherlands
Kings Of Indigo really innovates when it comes to denim. On the trade show they showcased two new jeans, one that is completely biodegradable using rubber instead of polyester! Pretty cool. Also, they are switching to vegan labels!
Shop online • Kings Of Indigo
KUYICHI
Style • Casual, street
Price range • € 90 – €120
Country • The Netherlands
Kuyichi is a Dutch brand that has been working on changing the clothing industry since 2000! they have no seasonal collections and therefor no sale. This stye Nora is my personal fav, as it’s made from 99% organic cotton and it doesn’t have a wash. They used the original colour of the cotton.
Shop online • Kuyichi
SÉZANE
Style • French, stylish
Price range • € 95 – €115
Country • France
In love with the French style? Than you will love Sézane! They didn’t start out as a sustainable company but they’re making changes quite rapidly. The newest line they launched is their sustainable denim line made from organic cotton.
Shop online • Sézane
STELLA MCCARTNEY
Style • High-end, designer
Price range • € 265 – €500
Country • United Kingdom
Stella McCartney has been a game changer for years. This high-end designer brand has put sustainability at its’ core and is transparent about what went well, or not. Want to invest in a piece? then Stella is definitely worth checking out!
Shop online • Stella McCartney
Reformation
Style • Feminine, stylish
Price range • € 98 – €270
Country • United States
Reformation is an American brand that knows how to combine sexy with sustainability. If you’re looking for a brand that’s on trend. This is your go to place. Also, usually their styles are quite long. Perfect if you’re a tall lady.
Shop online • Reformation
JOLINE JOLINK
Style • Casual, stylish
Price range • € 149
Country • The Netherlands
Joline Jolink is a steady brand for years now! She launched the most amazing vegan sneakers, and tries to think of how her styles can add to a sustainable world and sustainable consumption. Drop by one of her two stores in Rotterdam or Utrecht if you’re in for easy styles!
Shop online • Joline Jolink
DL1960
Style • Fashionable, feminine, casual
Price range • €
Country • United States
Whilst most denims uses 1500 gallons of water in the process, the DL1960 only uses 8! They make use of the best fibers to make feminine jeans. I think I might need this style. (oops, maybe not)
Shop online • DL1960
DAWN
Style • casual, stylish
Price range • €120 – €160
Country • Germany
Dawn Denim is a fair Jeans brand that takes care of their employees which is proved by their FairWear certificate. Jeans that have a minor mistake or defect, are being customised to make sure all the pieces can be worn, which makes these pieces unique and fun.
Shop online • Dawn
ARMEDANGELS
Style • Casual
Price range • € 90 – € 130
Country • Germany
A brand most of us know, ARMEDANGELS. They have launched their DetoxDenim a few seasons ago and I love them (especially mom fit Mairaa, got it in two colours, oops). They really put a focus on leaving out all the chemicals. 0% toxic chemicals and chlorine is being used whilst creating their DetoxDenim.
Shop online • ARMEDANGELS
RE/DONE
Style • Upcycled
Price range • € 185 – €250
Country • United States
I love this concept! Re/done creates upcycled jeans from heritage brands. They make sure that old Levi’s are being recreated into new jeans in downtown Los Angeles. These jeans have vintage character and a modern fit! Love it.
Shop online • RE/DONE
FILIPPA K
Style • Minimalistic
Price range • € 140 – € 200
Country • Sweden
Filippa K is a typical Scandinavian brand which focusses on great quality. The price point is a little higher, but the garments will last a lifetime. If you want to try out the brand, you can see if there are some good deals on Afound.
Shop online • Filippa K
ABLE
Style • casual and size-inclusive
Price range • € 100 – € 160
Country • United States
Able creates a wide range of denim making sure everyone earns a living wage. They are a certified B-company. If you like podcasts, they also have a podcast series of women telling their stories!
Shop online • ABLE
WARP + WEFT
Style • Casual and size-inclusive
Price range • € 100 – € 160
Country • United States
Warp + Weft is a family-owned company that’s been in the denim business for three decades. We can see that they’ve used their knowledge to create a wonderful product for people all sizes. So if you’re petite, tall, on maternity… they’ve got you covered!
Shop online • Warp+ Weft
ELV DENIM
Style • Designer, high-end
Price range • € 250 – € 400
Country • United Kingdom
If you’re looking for designer denim, ELV Denim is the brand to go to. These jeans on the left are upcycled! They produce in East London using local factories and ateliers to keeping the carbon footprint to a minimum and supporting local communities. By using discarded denim which otherwise could be destined for landfill, they are also working on the waste problem the fashion industry (and we all) faces.
Shop online • ELV Denim
MUD JEANS
Style • Minimalistic, casual
Price range • € 119
Country • The Netherlands
MUD Jeans is a special brand. This sustainable jeans brand carefully creates jeans and tries to innovate where possible. They have a concept called ‘Lease your Jeans’ so that you can rent your jeans. They can recycle your old jeans and create new ones out of it, pretty cool!
Shop online • MUD Jeans
* Images courtesy by sustainable jeans brands.
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Hi there, you did a great job putting up that list. Having recently shifted to sustainable clothing, I know a couple of them but didn’t know there were so many options to choose from. It’s great! Thanks.
I’m super glad you like it! Will make more brand lists in the future!