Denim for dayzzzz
Being from California, denim is pretty much a non-negotiable wardrobe staple for me. While living in Sydney I learned how to add dresses and skirts to my rotation, but I’ll never feel more at home than in a good pair of jeans.
However, with the droughts in California and across much of Australia (and many other places in the world), the statistic (from Greenpeace) that it takes 7,000 liters of water to produce one pair of jeans really got me thinking about how to wear my jeans longer, recycle those pairs I no longer wear and invest (when buying new jeans) in companies that are committed to producing jeans in a sustainable and ethical way.
The more I’m understanding about sustainable fashion, the more I’m realizing that a huge part is providing ethical working conditions for employees who are actually producing the garment. The list of denim brands below includes those companies focused not only on the environment but also on how their employees are treated, regardless of where in the world they live. I’m also realizing that my own wardrobe has a long way to go to be more sustainable and ethical and that my next denim investment will be much more deliberate.
I hope you’ll join me, today on the United Nations World Day of Social Justice, in being better educated about your denim and investing in companies that are focused on preserving Earth’s finite resources as well as the conditions of the people producing your clothing.
Here’s my list of top sustainable and ethical denim brands - this is based on my own criteria of doing good, looking good and feeling good. Did I miss a brand below? Tell me below!
Everlane - all about transparency here! I bought my first pair of Everlane jeans in November and I love them.
Outland Denim - an Australian company focused on bringing social justice to the fashion industry. A pair of these jeans are on top of my list for future purchases.
Able - also on top of my next purchase list, Able jeans are focused on transforming the lives of women. What’s not to love?!
Prana - made from 100% organic cotton, these jeans do good for the environment plus they are comfortable and cute. Clients of all ages love them.
Patagonia - this is for my active clients. Patagonia is basically synonymous with sustainability in all the ways.
DL1961 - focused on changing the production of jeans to lessen the environmental impact. I don’t have a pair, but everyone I know who does, loves them.
AG - AG has vertically integrated production facilities, which means they can control every aspect of production, ensuring ethical working conditions and little waste. I’ve worn my AG jean to literal threads.
There are other brands also doing good work on lists by The Good Trade, Conscious Fashion, Business Insider and Refinery 29.
Plus there are other cool recycling options for denim too, including making home insulation. The Madewell jean’s recycle program turns your unwanted to denim into insulation, plus you get $20 off your next purchase of Madewell jeans - bonus!
Happy denim dayzzz!