Looking for eco-friendly denim pants? Check out these 10 sustainable jeans brands!
I don’t think there’s something more versatile in anyone’s wardrobe than a good pair of denim jeans.
We can wear jeans with almost everything, from basic T-shirts to chunky knits to elegant blouses.
They can be dressed up for a night out or dressed down if we prefer to keep things casual.
Unfortunately, it’s challenging to find high-quality, sustainable jeans on the market.
But it’s not impossible!
Some ethical, sustainable jeans brands have made it possible for us to find durable, eco-friendly denim.
Here are 10 sustainable jeans brands you and the planet will love!
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Why is denim bad for the environment?
The main problem with most jeans on the market is that they are made with unsustainable materials.
They are usually made from conventional cotton, which has a massive impact on the environment.
Cotton production usually involves the use of pesticides and fertilizers.
This contributes to soil and water pollution and threatens the health of farm workers and biodiversity.
Growing cotton is also incredibly water-intensive, and causes many other environmental issues.
The cotton fabric in jeans is also often mixed with synthetic materials, which causes a range of other problems.
Synthetics are made from oil, one of the most polluting industries in the world, and are not biodegradable.
But that’s not all, conventional jeans are also dyed and finished with toxic chemicals that are harmful to ecosystems and humans.
Not to mention most of them are of bad quality and produced in sweatshops in unethical working conditions.
Some brands are even using forced labor in their supply chain!
Read more: Why you should quit fast fashion (& how to do it)
Can jeans be eco-friendly?
The good news is that yes, jeans can be eco-friendly, or at least, a lot more sustainable.
We can find jeans made using sustainable manufacturing processes and materials.
These jeans are also usually made to last and crafted in ethical factories prioritizing their workers’ wellbeing.
Jeans can also be eco-friendly if we find them second-hand, for instance at thrift stores, as they have already been produced.
Read more: How to make your wardrobe more sustainable?
What are sustainable jeans?
Sustainable jeans are denim pants that are made with quality, ethics, and the planet in mind.
So when looking for eco-friendly denim pants, make sure they check these boxes.
What are the jeans made from?
Most sustainable jeans are made using organic cotton, hemp, recycled cotton, deadstock fabric, or Tencel lyocell.
How are they dyed?
They should only be colored using non-toxic, sustainable dyes.
Has the brand taken steps to reduce its environmental impact?
See if it has taken action to reduce its water and energy consumption, cut chemical use, and minimize textile waste.
Also, does it implement fair labor practices?
The brand should work with factories that pay their workers fair wages and provide safe, healthy working conditions.
Only buy from brands who are transparent about their supply chain.
And try to support those carrying third-party certifications such as B Corp, Fair Trade, OEKO-TEX, or Climate-Neutral.
10 sustainable jeans brands you and the planet will love
1. Faherty
For: Women, Men
Fabrics: Organic Cotton
Faherty has a great selection of jeans for both men and women.
You’ll be able to choose from different styles, including slim and wide-leg jeans as well as denim overalls and a midi skirt.
Its slim straight jeans are made of organic cotton with a vintage shank button and zipper.
They are available in four different washes and have the perfect amount of stretch to be comfortable all day long.
They are also crafted using an innovative, energy-efficient wash process that utilizes 80% less water compared to conventional methods!
The brand is a member of 1% For The Planet and has implemented practices to minimize textile waste.
2. Christy Dawn
For: Women
Fabrics: Deadstock Fabric, Organic Cotton
On a mission to honor Mother Earth, Christy Dawn creates feminine clothes using sustainable materials only.
It offers organic cotton denim overalls and jeans made from deadstock cotton fabric.
The Lula jeans combine details borrowed from the 70s with a modern fit and fresh washes.
They are the perfect vintage-inspired cropped jeans, featuring a flattering, form-fitting silhouette.
This pair of jeans is high-waisted and pairs well with just everything you own!
3. YES AND
For: Women
Fabrics: Tencel, Organic Cotton
The Tricia denim pants from YES AND are made from a super-soft blend of GOTS-certified organic cotton and Tencel lyocell.
You can get them in a light or dark wash, and you can wear them with cuffed legs or plain.
Very practical, they feature side pockets, as well as back flap pockets and cargo leg pockets.
They are also dyed using low-impact inks that are free of harmful chemicals.
And you’ll like that the brand plants a mangrove tree for every purchase.
Plus, it uses sustainable and fair labor practices across its entire supply chain!
4. prAna
For: Women, Men
Fabrics: Organic Cotton, Polyester
prAna offers different styles of jeans for women and men, sold in different, beautiful washes.
The Kayla jeans feature a slim fit and a mid-rise cut, and they are made from super stretchy denim, primarily crafted with organic cotton.
They are so comfortable you’ll want to wear them all the time!
prAna is also a Fair Labor Association-accredited brand and it works with Fair Trade Certified factories.
Plus, it ships its products using plastic-free packaging.
5. ABLE
For: Women
Fabrics: Cotton
ABLE’s pieces are all thoughtfully designed to combine fit, function, and style.
The brand sells different jeans in a variety of styles and colors.
These 70s-inspired cotton jeans hug you in all the right places.
They are fitted at the waist, hips, and down through the legs with a subtle kick shape that flares at the knees.
These pants feature a flattering high rise and are made with stretch denim in a versatile medium indigo wash.
The brand also focuses on quality and makes sure its products are designed to stand the test of time.
6. Reformation
For: Women
Fabrics: Organic Cotton, Tencel, Recycled Cotton
From high-rise and relaxed-fit jeans to straight and wide-leg denim pants, Reformation has it all.
It has a huge collection of jeans made to fit a wide range of body types and sizes.
You can choose specific details such as rigid or stretch fabric, finished hem, or distressed denim.
Its jeans are made with sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, Tencel lyocell, recycled cotton, or regenerative cotton.
For instance, this pair of ultra high-rise straight jeans feature a beautiful blend of organic cotton and Tencel.
The brand is Climate-Neutral certified and makes its jeans using sustainable manufacturing processes that help save water, cotton, and energy.
It has also eliminated the use of harmful chemicals in the finishing process.
7. Amour Vert
For: Women
Fabrics: Recycled Cotton, Organic Cotton, Recycled Lyocell
Sustainable clothing brand Amour Vert has partnered with AGOLDE and Citizens of Humanity to bring you jeans with a wide range of silhouettes, shapes, and washes.
These two brands let demand drive their production and cut to order.
As a result, they create a lot less textile waste than conventional jeans brands.
They also both work towards reducing their environmental footprints.
All the denim you’ll find on Amour Vert’s website is crafted with recycled and organic cotton and only gets better with age.
We particularly love the AGOLDE Cooper Cargo jeans!
They feature a high-rise waist, relaxed straight legs, intricate seaming details, and utilitarian inset pockets.
8. Mott & Bow
For: Women, Men
Fabrics: Cotton, Tencel, Hemp, Recycled Cotton, Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester
Mott & Bow has been handcrafting jeans for men and women for over 30 years.
The women’s models are available in four classic fits, which are all very flattering: high-rise skinny, mid-rise skinny, slim mid-rise, and mom jeans.
The company has a sustainable line featuring jeans crafted from organic cotton, hemp, or recycled polyester.
For instance, the Mom Charlton jeans are made from a blend of cotton, hemp, and recycled cotton.
They are naturally antibacterial so you won’t need to wash them as often.
9. Everlane
For: Women, Men
Fabrics: Organic Cotton
Everlane offers different styles of jeans for men and women.
Women can choose from a variety of models, including wide or straight-leg jeans, and skinny or relaxed denim pants.
Its best-selling ones are the Original Cheeky jeans, which are made with GOTS-certified organic cotton, stretch yarn produced without harmful chemicals, and recycled trims.
Available in seven washes, they feature a high rise, straight leg, and raised back-hook seam.
And they have pockets that are set higher and closer together for a bouncy, lifted look!
The brand has also taken steps to reduce water and chemical use in its supply chain.
10. Stella McCartney
For: Women
Fabrics: Organic Cotton, Regenerative Cotton, Recycled Cotton
Designer brand Stella McCartney sells several jeans, all of which are unique and one-of-a-kind.
They are either made from organic cotton, post-consumer recycled cotton, or cotton grown using regenerative methods.
You can choose from many gorgeous styles, including high-rise, straight-leg, or cropped fits, as well as 70s flared jeans and distressed denim looks.
The S-Wave Vintage Wash Wide Leg Jeans, made from regenerative cotton in Italy, are washed through the leg, which gives them an authentic vintage look.
They feature a dark indigo-blue wash and beautiful embroidery on the back pockets.
Final thoughts on these sustainable jeans brands
I hope you’ve found this list of 10 sustainable jeans brands helpful and that you could find the perfect pair of denim pants!
If you’re looking for more brand recommendations, make sure to read the following articles:
- 20 sustainable clothing brands you’ll feel good about supporting
- 14 sustainable sweaters to keep you warm and cozy
- 11 organic cotton pajamas for non-toxic, sustainable sleep
- 13 organic cotton loungewear brands for sustainable relaxation
- 9 sustainable winter coats & jackets for braving the cold & staying toasty
What are the best sustainable jeans brands in your opinion?
Have you tried others that are not on this list?
Please, share them in the comment section.
Don’t forget to share this blog post with your friends so they can buy their denim from sustainable jeans brands as well!
