15 Most Sustainable Denim Clothing Brands: The Conscious Consumer’s Guide

15 Most Sustainable Denim Clothing Brands: The Conscious Consumer’s Guide

By
Quynh Nguyen

Read Time:39 Minutes

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Your wardrobe likely contains more than just one denim item—in fact, you probably have several clothing items in your closet made with denim fabric. It is the material of the ubiquitous jeans and much more. Yet, the cotton fibers that make up the majority of denim fabrics are notorious for pollution during production, exploitation, and even modern-day slavery. On top of that, fashion greenwashing makes it harder for you and all other consumers to determine which brands offer the most eco-friendly denim clothes. So, we had to ask: Which are the most sustainable denim clothing brands? 

The most sustainable denim clothing brands are ÉTICA, Triarchy, and Unspun, which use low-impact materials, employ full traceability, and strive for carbon neutrality. In addition, E.L.V. DENIM and Nudie Jeans commit to reducing waste and adhering to fair trade practices. 

Whether you are searching for a pair of jeans, a denim jacket, or some overalls to add to your wardrobe without negatively impacting the soil, the water, the animals, and other people, there is a brand for you. So, let’s keep reading to learn more about the most sustainable denim clothing brands and how they ensure sustainable, ethical practices. 

Here’s How Sustainable Denim Fabrics Generally Are

The sustainability of denim fabrics depends largely on the type of fiber(s) used and the manufacturing practices that give the denim material its iconic look and feel. Conventional denim fabrics are made with 100% cotton. The more recently invented and increasingly popular stretchy types of denim are, however, often a blend of cotton fabrics with artificial fibers like spandex (also known as Lycra® ), polyester, and lyocell (most commonly known as TENCEL or TENCEL™ lyocell). 

Sustainable: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level | Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance”

Oxford Dictionary

To understand the sustainability of denim, we’ve assessed the life-cycle and each stage’s sustainability. This life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a method to evaluate the environmental impacts of products and materials. Here’s a quick summary of our LCA of denim!

What makes sustainable denim: Recycled cotton, ranked class A by Common Objective’s Made-By Environmental Benchmark for Fibres, is the most sustainable material used to make denim fabrics. Recirculating cotton waste reduces pressure on land, water, and other resources needed to grow new cotton crops. Denim fabrics made with cotton fibers from organic and regenerative farming systems are also sustainable because these natural fibers are cultivated without any added toxic synthetic chemicals and, thus, are fully biodegradable at the end of their life. 

Additionally: It is more environmentally friendly to create the denim’s stretch elements using regenerated plant-based fibers like lyocell instead of conventional petroleum-based virgin polyester or spandex

Related: Are you interested in the whole story of denim fabrics? Then check out our full article: “How Sustainable Are Denim Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Assessment

Here’s How We Selected the Most Sustainable Denim Clothing Brands

The brands on this list were chosen based on their commitment and actions to promote sustainable practices while reducing the environmental impacts of the textile industry.

They are transparent about their materials, processes, and workforce management within their supply chain.

Some brands focus their efforts on reducing waste and optimizing natural resources while others strive to reduce the carbon footprint of their clothes. 

All of these brands share the commitment to reshape the textile industry toward a more sustainable and Earth-friendly sector. 

These Are the 15 Most Sustainable Denim Clothing Brands

Overall, these denim clothing brands are sustainable. Yet, they take various approaches to reduce environmental impacts and uphold ethical standards. Let’s dive into each brand and find out more. 

1

ÉTICA: Ethical, Sustainable Premium Denim

Logo for Etica
Screenshot of the Etica front page

Over 2,900 gallons of water is used to make one pair of jeans. We use 99% less water to make our jeans.

Chelsey Santry, Founder of ÉTICA

🌎

How do they ensure their sustainability?

ÉTICA ensures their sustainability by employing advanced technologies to minimize waste, water, and energy consumption. They select materials that lower carbon emissions and water usage compared to conventional denim manufacturing. For example, 70% of their cotton stock is organic cotton, of which the production reduces carbon and water footprints by 45% and 87%, respectively, in comparison with conventional cotton. ÉTICA also sources other low-impact materials, including recycled cotton, TENCEL™ lyocell, TENCEL™ x RefibraTM, and bio-based polymer. In the manufacturing stage of the life-cycle, ÉTICA reduces water and energy consumption by applying technological advances such as E-FLOW washing with recyclable faux stones, laser and chemical-free aging, and ozone cleaning. Their production is certified with Bluesign®

🌐

How do they ensure their ethics?

ÉTICA has a Vendor Code of Conduct that contains strict guidelines for suppliers based on the tenants of the Fair Labor Association. Their suppliers have certifications from WRAP, GOTS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Cradle to Cradle, or Bluesign®, ensuring ethical manufacturing and social responsibility. Their factories and mills are audited by Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA). Finally, ÉTICA traces most of their supply chain.

🤝

Are they part of any giving-back programs?

ÉTICA is part of several give-back programs that aim to improve food security, housing, and school capacity for communities in Puebla, Mexico, where their factory is based. On a larger scale, they partner with key organizations committed to environmental causes and workers’ rights initiatives around the world. Specifically, ÉTICA is a member of 1% for the Planet. They also partner with One Tree Planted to plant a tree for each purchase of their product. The team at ÉTICA also participates in local cleanups with Heal the Bay and Friends of the LA River

🛍️

What is their product range?

  • Best for: womenswear 
  • Product range: denim, shirts, dresses, pants, jackets, blazers, knitwear, jumpsuits, playsuits
  • Price range: $$
  • Size range: XS–XL
2

Triarchy: Plastic-Free Stretch Denim Made Ethically, Responsibly, and Sustainably 

Logo for Triarchy
Screenshot of the Triarchy front page

“Triarchy exists to outfit our customer with the best pair of jeans possible. In every sense of the word best.”

Triarchy

🌎

How do they ensure their sustainability?

Triarchy commits to plastic-free stretch denim. They source natural rubber instead of conventional petroleum-based plastic so that their denim clothes are microplastic-free and degrade in a natural environment within two years. Low-impact materials, including GOTS-certified organic cotton and GRS-certified recycled cotton, account for a high proportion of their denim materials. Further down the life-cycle in the manufacturing stage, Triarchy uses advanced technology such as ozone, e-flow, and laser processes to replace harmful wash practices that depend on chemicals. Additionally, they reduce water use with a closed-loop system and recycle all textile offcuts. Lastly, they offset the carbon for everything they make, making every pair of Triarchy denim jeans carbon neutral

🌐

How do they ensure their ethics?

Triarchy is fully transparent about their supply chain and the ethics within their suppliers’ factories. They disclose all of their responsibility data via third party auditor GreenStory and expose their supply chain to Renoon. Their Supplier Code of Conduct covers the International Labour Organization’s Four Fundamental Freedoms principles

🤝

Are they part of any giving-back programs?

Triarchy contributes a portion of each sale to Isla Urbana to build and install rainwater catchment systems for people in and around Mexico City without access to water. Additionally, they plant a tree for every pair of jeans sold via their partnership with One Tree Planted

🛍️

What is their product range?

  • Best for: womenswear
  • Product range: denim, jackets, blazers, shorts 
  • Price range: $$$$
  • Size range: XS–L
3

Unspun: Made-to-Order Denims From Low Impact, Localized, and Automated Production 

Logo for Unspun
Screenshot of the Unspun front page

We’re refashioning the status quo by building new ways to manufacture and new ways to think about the clothes we wear.

Unspun

🌎

How do they ensure their sustainability?

Unspun’s sustainability efforts focus on reducing waste via their zero-inventory and on-demand business model. On the one hand, they offer made-to-order denim jeans. As their products are tailored to each order, they can eliminate the need to have inventory and size range. On the other hand, they invented VegaTM, a 3D weaving technology that enables a one-step jump from yarns to clothes, eliminating cutting and sewing together with all the resulting fabric scraps. Consequently, their supply chain has fewer links, permitting greater locality and a lower transporting carbon footprint. In comparison with denim jeans made with air-jet weaving following the typical fashion supply chain, a pair of unspun jeans made with 3D weaving following the Vega supply chain reduces global warming potential by 24%, primary energy demand by 25%, and blue water consumption by 1.4%. Lastly, Unspun is certified by B Corporation and Bluesign®

🌐

How do they ensure their ethics?

Unspun traces most of their supply chain and visits their suppliers regularly. 

🤝

Are they part of any giving-back programs?

Unspun is not known to be part of any giving-back programs.

🛍️

What is their product range?

  • Best for: menswear, womenswear
  • Product range: denim jeans, accessories
  • Price range: $$$ 
  • Size range: made to order, tailored to size
4

E.L.V. DENIM: Timeless Denim Apparel Made With 100% Upcycled Materials 

Logo for E.L.V. DENIM
Screenshot of the E.L.V. DENIM front page

“With considered upcycling and fabric-first curated sourcing, we can meet the global demand for design-led luxury fashion and be kinder to the environment.”

E.L.V. DENIM 

🌎

How do they ensure their sustainability?

E.L.V. DENIM‘s commitment to sustainability lies in their zero-waste ethos. They source second-hand jeans and other existing garments, for example, silk scarves and cotton shirts, to upcycle the materials for their denim clothes. All their designs, down to the leather label, are upcycled from existing garments that would otherwise be sent to landfill. Additionally, offcuts are reconstructed as patchwork fabrics and reincarnated as new materials, such as paper, while smaller threads are turned into insulation. They advocate against overconsumption and enable trading in and rotating pre-loved denim jeans via their partnership with Reskinned and Curate & Rotate. Lastly, E.L.V. DENIM source and manufacture their products locally within East London to reduce the climate impact of long-distance shipping. 

🌐

How do they ensure their ethics?

E.L.V. DENIM ensures their ethics by keeping their production in the UK with partners who have high social and quality standards. The artisans who work on their denim clothes are paid fairly for their work. As well, E.L.V. DENIM traces most of their supply chain and visits their suppliers regularly. 

🤝

Are they part of any giving-back programs?

E.L.V. DENIM works with local schools and universities, providing fabric for textile classes. 

🛍️

What is their product range?

  • Best for: womenswear, menswear
  • Product range: denim, shirts, pants, shorts, jackets, blazers, jumpsuits, playsuits
  • Price range: $$$$
  • Size range: XS–L
5

Nudie Jeans: Sustainable Denim Jeans Come With Free Repair for Life 

Logo for Nudie Jeans
Screenshot of the Nudie Jeans front page

When we started Nudie Jeans in 2001, we decided that environmental awareness and human rights would permeate everything we did.

Maria Erixon, Co-Founder of Nudie Jeans

🌎

How do they ensure their sustainability?

Nudie Jeans promotes sustainability by sourcing a high proportion of low-impact materials, including organic cotton and recycled cotton. Of all fibers they used in 2022, 95,6% were organic, certified, or recycled fibers. 2022 was the sixth full year in which Nudie Jeans used exclusively certified organic cotton in all their cotton products. Additionally, they ensure their sustainability by using renewable energy in their supply chain to reduce their carbon footprint. Lastly, Nudie Jeans strives to extend the life-cycle of denim jeans with initiatives to repair, reuse, and recycle. They offer free repair of Nudie Jeans no matter when or where they are bought at one of their Repair Shop or Repair Partner or by sending jeans owners a free DIY repair kit. In 2022, they repaired 65,386 jeans for free. Nudie Jeans also offers a 20% discount after you send in your pre-loved jeans to be washed, repaired, and resold in their Reuse range. In 2022, they sold 3,984 pairs of Reuse jeans. When repairing and reusing are not possible, they put the fabrics, reclaimed from used garments, production seconds, and leftovers, into recycling projects

🌐

How do they ensure their ethics?

Nudie Jeans strives to be as transparent as possible about how their products are made. The full list of all their suppliers is available for download on their website. Most of these suppliers are certified by Fair Wear Foundation, Fairtrade International – Small Producers Organisations, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit – SMETA Best Practice Guidance, ensuring living wages and fair working conditions for workers making Nudie Jeans denim jeans. 

🤝

Are they part of any giving-back programs?

Nudie Jeans has donated directly to various charity initiatives. For example, in 2022, they made monetary and jeans donations to UNICEF (to Ukrainian children and their families), Sustainably Crafted Clothing, Räddningsmissionen (The Rescue Mission), Thread Together, and Whitechapel School.

🛍️

What is their product range?

  • Best for: menswear, womenswear
  • Product range: shirts, hats, scarves, pants, coats, jackets, blazers
  • Price range: $$$
  • Size range: XS–XL
6

MUD Jeans: Quality Jeans Made Ethically With Organic and Denim

Logo for MUD Jeans
Screenshot of the Mud jeans front page

With our circular philosophy, we want to design our products in a way that they can be reused, recycled and upcycled easily.

MUD Jeans

🌎

How do they ensure their sustainability?

MUD Jeans prioritizes sustainability by committing circular principles in every step of the life cycle of their denim products, including design, materials, production techniques, and end-of-life. They recycle fabrics and water across the supply chain. Their factory’s laundry recycles 95% of their water through reverse osmosis. Most of their jeans are made from a mix of low-impact certified organic cotton, up to 40% post-consumer recycled cotton (recovered from jeans they take back), and a maximum of 2% recycled elastane (also known as spandex). MUD Jeans also replaced PP spray with Cradle2Cradle indigo dye to make their product toxin-free. They are transparent about the environmental impacts of their clothes by sharing their annual life cycle analysis, which includes the methods they used to lower their water and carbon footprint. Furthermore, their “Lease a Jeans” program encourages consumers to own less and recycle more. 

🌐

How do they ensure their ethics?

MUD Jeans is fully transparent about their manufacturing processes, maintaining fair conditions for workers. They consciously maintain a small supply chain of three recyclers, three fabric producers, and one jeans manufacturer, enabling clear oversight over who makes their jeans, how, and under what conditions. They uphold all their main supply chain partners to their Code of Conduct, which covers the ILO’s Four Fundamental Freedoms principles.

🤝

Are they part of any giving-back programs?

MUD Jeans partners with Justdiggit to regenerate trees and revive deforested areas. For every pair of jeans sent back to them, they donate that pair to Justdiggit to restore one tree. The non-profit organization uses a special pruning technique to regenerate forgotten tree stumps in previously deforested areas in Sub-Saharan Africa, bringing back trees, increasing carbon sequestration, cooling down the site, increasing water retention, and promoting biodiversity.

🛍️

What is their product range?

  • Best for: womenswear, menswear
  • Product range: jeans, jackets, shirts, shorts, skirts, accessories
  • Price range: $$
  • Size range: XS–XL
7

ARMEDANGELS: Sustainable Clothing Brand Plus an Agent of Lifestyle Change 

Logo for Armedangels
Screenshot of the Armedangels front page

“So starting out with the humble tee, we took our oath against wage slavery, chemical shortcuts, and mass-producing pure crap, and transformed ourselves into one of the first clothing brands in all the land to put people and planet first.”

ARMEDANGELS 

🌎

How do they ensure their sustainability?

ARMEDANGELS ensures sustainability by reducing carbon footprints while enabling people to change lifestyles to fight climate change. The brand innovates to cut down carbon emissions in their supply chain, starting with sourcing a high proportion of eco-friendly materials. Specifically, they use GOTS-certified organic cotton fabrics, wood-based fabrics, and organic wool fabrics that meet both the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). Additionally, ARMEDANGELS chooses materials with the lowest carbon footprint possible, for example, opting for lyocell over silk, or natural fabrics over fossil-based synthetic fabrics, while increasing recycled content, such as recycled wool and recycled cotton. For example, within a year, the share of recycled cotton in their DetoxDenim jeans increased from 5% to 37%, with some jeans in the collection containing 100% recycled cotton. DetoxDenim is their mission to create cleaner jeans by eradicating unnecessary chemicals from the production process. Lastly, ARMEDANGELS’s efforts to encourage lifestyle change include care and repair guides to keep garments longer in circulation. They also have a resale platform that facilitates traded-in to be sold again as second-hand clothes or recycled as fibers for new clothes.

🌐

How do they ensure their ethics?

ARMEDANGELS ensures their ethics by only working with trusted partners to deliver decent wages and workers’ safety. They directly and actively monitor all their suppliers and the suppliers’ nominated subcontractors via on-site and online Internal Due Diligence Check and Self-Assessment, external audits by Fair Wear Foundation (FWF), Global Organic Textile Standard and third-party audits, continuous support, and tailored training programs by third parties. ARMEDANGELS ensures payment of a living wage in part of its supply chain and pays a markup where they notice wage issues via the living wage project. Most importantly, they are fully transparent about the journey from raw material to their products, especially where people and animals are involved, and the impacts of their actions

🤝

Are they part of any giving-back programs?

ARMEDANGELS raises funds by donating part of their sales to support various organizations and campaigns. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have raised €745.800 ($790,883.61 USD) for Doctors Without Borders, facilitating isolation wards, COVID-19 clinics, and protective clothing for medical professionals worldwide. Other fundraising projects include supporting the climate movement with German Zero and the Climate Emergency Fund, fighting for equality with UN Women, advocating for fair payment and safe working conditions for Bangladeshi garment workers with the National Garment Workers Federation, and rescuing refugees in the Mediterranean Sea with Sea-Watch.

🛍️

What is their product range?

  • Best for: kidswear, menswear
  • Product range: denim jeans, jackets, jumpsuits, shorts, skirts, T-shirts
  • Price range: $$
  • Size range: XS–XXL
8

Boyish: Sustainable Women’s Denim Centered on Vintage Silhouettes With a Modern Update

Logo for Boyish
Screenshot of the Boyish front page

“All jeans are produced with sustainable fabrics through a completely environmentally-friendly and cruelty-free process.”

Boyish

🌎

How do they ensure their sustainability?

Boyish ensures sustainability by focusing on low-impact fabrics and environmentally friendly, cruelty-free processes. A high proportion of their collections are made with zero-waste materials, particularly recycled cotton, deadstock fabrics, cutting waste, recycled paper (for hang tags), and recycled metal (for buttons, rivets, and other hardware). They build their denim jeans on GRS-certified recycled fabrics and OCS-certified organic cotton. For the stretch elements, Boyish sources plant-based biodegradable TENCEL™ lyocell and TENCEL™ x RefibraTM to replace traditional plastic fibers. Further down the life-cycle in the manufacturing stage, Boyish focuses on using less harmful chemicals during the dyeing and washing process. Specifically, their production relies on natural plant-based dyes, low-sulfate indigo dyes, ozone wash, faux stone wash, and nanobubbles. Additionally, they reduce water usage to one-third of the amount typically needed to produce a pair of jeans by recycling water, reducing dip times, neutral enzymes, vapor water, and laser machine finishing. Lastly, Boyish delivers their products in 100% compostable shipping bags that break down in less than a year. 

🌐

How do they ensure their ethics?

Boyish ensures their ethics by keeping a transparent and simple supply chain. All suppliers sign a Code of Conduct that covers the ILO’s Four Fundamental Freedoms principles. Some of their suppliers are certified by Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit – SMETA Best Practice Guidance. Boyish makes annual visits to the factories and the farms where they source their organic cotton to meet the people who craft their jeans. They also partner with Intertek for third-party auditing. 

🤝

Are they part of any giving-back programs?

Boyish is not known to be part of any giving-back programs.

🛍️

What is their product range?

  • Best for: womenswear
  • Product range: jackets, jeans, overalls, shirts, skirts, dresses, shorts 
  • Price range: $$$
  • Size range: XXS–XL
9

Kings of Indigo: Clean Denim Jeans – Quality Wear for the Next Era

Logo for Kings of Indigo
Screenshot of the Kings of Indigo front page

“Our commitment to the cause has a 360 approach – we leave no stone unturned.

Kings of Indigo

🌎

How do they ensure their sustainability?

Kings of Indigo prioritizes the use of planet-friendly materials, including recycled fabrics, organic cotton, hemp, linen, and TENCELTM. Additionally, they focus on repairing, recycling, reusing, and upcycling to reduce waste. 20% of their denim apparel is made out of 100% GRS-certified recycled materials. Kings of Indigo strives to reduce water usage during manufacturing and in consumers’ homes. 60% of their denim jeans collection has a low water impact, according to Jeanologia’s Environmental Impact Measuring (EIM). They also offer garments treated with Polygiene® and LABFRESH. The treatments help clothes stay fresh longer and act as a repellent against stains and odor, reducing the need for frequent washing and drying in consumers’ homes. Additionally, Kings of Indigo aims to have clean transport, delivering their clothes exclusively by boats and trucks. Most importantly, Kings of Indigo offers consumers complete transparency about the journey of their products, from cotton to consumer. They use Retraced technology, which maps out their full supply chain, ruling out any and all greenwashing.

🌐

How do they ensure their ethics?

Kings of Indigo ensures their ethical and responsible production by building long-term relationships with carefully selected and valued suppliers. They also uphold their suppliers to their Code of Conduct, which covers the ILO’s Four Fundamental Freedoms principles. All direct suppliers have a valid social audit in place, including Amfori BSCI, SEDEX SMETA, or Fair Wear Foundation.

🤝

Are they part of any giving-back programs?

Kings of Indigo is not known to be part of any giving-back programs.

🛍️

What is their product range?

  • Best for: menswear, womenswear, 
  • Product range: shirts, denim, dresses, pants, jackets, blazers, T-shirts, shorts
  • Price range: $$
  • Size range: XS–XXL
10

Reformation: Clothes Made Smarter, Better, and for Good 

Logo for Reformation
Screenshot of the Reformation front page

“We’re committed to pushing the industry forward and investing in future-focused solutions, which is why we’re a certified Climate Neutral company and will be Climate Positive by 2025.”

Reformation 

🌎

How do they ensure their sustainability?

Reformation commits to better fabrics, aiming to trade all virgin materials for recycled, regenerative, or renewable ones by 2025. Their most preferred fabrics include recycled cotton, regenerative cotton, TENCEL™ lyocell, TENCEL™x Refibra, and deadstock, accounting for 32% of all their clothes. They commit to becoming circular by 2030 by designing out waste at every stage of production, turning any occurring production waste into new products, and using renewable and regenerative practices for necessary virgin materials. Furthermore, their RefRecycling incentive enables customers to sell their preloved Reformation clothes for store credits. Such items will be broken down into fibers and turned into new products. Reformation also connects their suppliers with environmental solutions such as renewable energy, water-saving technologies, energy reduction solutions, chemical input optimization, and wastewater management. Last but not least, they openly share the carbon and water footprint of each product they make, fostering transparency and accountability in the fashion industry. Reformation is Bluesign® and Climate Neutral certified. 

🌐

How do they ensure their ethics?

Reformation is fully transparent about where their clothes are made and the practices in such factories. Their Supplier Code of Conduct is based on International Labor Organization (ILO) standards. Their factory list shares many details about their factories, including whether a union and a collective bargaining agreement are present and the last audit. They have aligned with the Transparency Pledge and are participating in the Open Supply Hub to expand on the details that are made public so they can be more accountable for the working conditions in their partner factories. They give workers at their vendors a voice to bring up problems regarding their working conditions, level of happiness, working hours, and wages, and collaborate with vendors to ensure necessary improvements. Reformation is also a member of the Fair Labor Association, an initiative committed to promoting fair labor standards worldwide. 

🤝

Are they part of any giving-back programs?

Reformation is not known to be part of any giving-back programs. 

🛍️

What is their product range?

  • Best for: womenswear
  • Product range: dresses, tops, bodysuits, denim, cardigans, sweaters, wedding dresses, shoes 
  • Price range: $$$
  • Size range: XS–XL

Outerknown: Stylish Clothes Made Sustainably and Ethically 

Logo for Outerknown
Screenshot of the Outerknown - front page

We are driven by a passion for responsible action, courageous change, and great clothes.

Outerknown

🌎

How do they ensure their sustainability?

Outerknown places sustainability at its core by using eco-friendly materials such as hemp, organic cotton, recycled cotton, and responsible wool in their clothing, reducing the environmental impact. In 2022, these preferred fibers accounted for 95% of their collection. The brand’s Outerworn platform offers customers a chance to buy and sell pre-loved pieces, contributing to closing the loop in fashion. They also partner with Project Vermont to give new purpose to materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. Additionally, Outerknown strives to reduce their footprint by working with two B Corp Certified suppliers and having eight facilities running on renewable energy. Their S.E.A JEANS category, launched in 2018, is a prime example of Outerknown’s approach to sustainability. They use 100% organic cotton to build denim products that last a long time. Beyond a lifetime guarantee to repair or replace, they take back old pairs to upcycle and ensure that they don’t end up in a landfill.

🌐

How do they ensure their ethics?

Outerknown maintains ethics by promoting the highest labor standards in alignment with the Fair Labor Association. They publicly share their Code of Conduct, which covers all of the ILO Four Fundamental Freedoms principles. Outerknown provides Fairtrade Premium, which has improved workers’ livelihoods in their supply chain via workers’ chosen programs in healthcare, education, accommodation, and financial independence. 

🤝

Are they part of any giving-back programs?

Outerknown gives back to non-profits that align with their values and help make a larger impact. They work with organizations like Brother Benno, The Ocean Cleanup, Ocean Conservancy, Surfrider Maui Chapter, Surfrider Foundation, and Everytown

🛍️

What is their product range?

  • Best for: menswear, womenswear
  • Product range: shirts, pants, T-shirts, tops, sweaters, dresses, hoodies, shorts, denim, jackets, blazers, jumpsuits, playsuits, swimwear
  • Price range: $$$ 
  • Size range: XS–XL
12

ASKET: Timeless Clothes Made Under Full Transparency and With Life-Cycle Responsibility

Logo for Asket
Screenshot of the Asket front page

Our mission is to end overconsumption and restore value to the clothing industry.

Jakob Dworsky, founder of ASKET

🌎

How do they ensure their sustainability?

ASKET ensures sustainability by reducing waste and using less energy throughout the life-cycle of their garments. They tackle the textile waste problem with their Repair Program which helps keep clothes last longer and their Revival Program which diverts used garments from landfills to be repaired, renewed, resold, or recycled. On top of that, they use various recycled fabrics, including recycled wool, recycled cotton, recycled silk, recycled polyester, and recycled nylon. ASKET also runs a Care Program, helping consumers keep their garments fresh longer while using less energy, lowering the environmental impact of the usage stage. In an effort to encourage consumers to buy and waste less, they are fully transparent about the environmental impact of their clothes

🌐

How do they ensure their ethics?

ASKET maintains ethics through fair labor practices, responsible sourcing, and a commitment to transparency in their supply chain. In 2022, their average traceability score across their entire collection was 96.0%. Regarding animal rights, they follow the Responsible Wool Standard, appropriately addressing sheep’s welfare and the land they graze on. 

🤝

Are they part of any giving-back programs?

ASKET is not known to be part of any giving-back programs. 

🛍️

What is their product range?

  • Best for: high-quality, essential, versatile wardrobe pieces 
  • Product range: tops, sweaters, pants, chinos, jackets, coats, socks, underwear
  • Price range: $$$ 
  • Size range: XS–XXL
13

Whimsy + Row: Reducing Eco-Footprint With Every Step of the Process

Logo for Whimsyandrow
Screenshot of the Whimsy + Row front page

 “Growing and being a good company.”

Rachel Temko, founder of Whimsy + Row

🌎

How do they ensure their sustainability?

Whimsy + Row prioritizes sustainability by opting for low-impact materials like certified organic cotton, linen, TENCEL™, and deadstock/upcycled fabrics. Their clothes are made with low-impact dyes and recycled water. Furthermore, they reduce waste through their small-batch production of long-lasting products and efforts to close the loop to reach zero waste. The final stages of manufacturing are done locally to reduce the transportation footprint. They further offset their carbon emission with the Carbon Fund. Whimsy + Row is carbon neutral

🌐

How do they ensure their ethics?

Whimsy + Row clothing is made within a few miles of their office, enabling weekly factory visits. The brand ensures that fair wages are given and that workers are being treated fairly.

🤝

Are they part of any giving-back programs?

Whimsy + Row actively participates in giving-back programs that support environmental causes and community initiatives. Specifically, they donate money to organizations like One Tree Planted, People Tree, Global Fund for Women, Black Lives Matter, Reclaim the Block, Black Vision Collective, Downtown Women’s Health Center, and Feeding America. Once a month, their employees also donate their time to community work, such as cleaning the beach or planting trees. 

🛍️

What is their product range?

  • Best for: womenswear with eco-friendly, contemporary designs 
  • Product range: skirts, denim, dresses, pants, tops, blouses, shorts, lingerie, plus-size 
  • Price range: $$$
  • Size range: XS–3XL
14

VENIM: A Luxury Streetwear Label and an Innovator in Custom Apparel

Logo for Venim
Screenshot of the Venim front page

We make our basics to be both Earth- and people-friendly — carefully choosing materials and fabrics that care for our environment, only partnering with factories that consider their impact too, and designing all the basics for all bodies.

VENIM

🌎

How do they ensure their sustainability?

VENIM promotes sustainability by using a high proportion of low-impact materials, including upcycled materials. Additionally, they operate on smaller production runs and offer a unique unisex sizing system, both of which help reduce excess inventory (aka textile waste). Their products are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100-certified. The final stage of production happens in the US, resulting in a relatively low transportation footprint. 

🌐

How do they ensure their ethics?

VENIM traces most of their supply chain. The final stage of production is undertaken in the US, following strict California labor law and fair wage practices.

🤝

Are they part of any giving-back programs?

VENIM is not known to be part of any giving-back programs.

🛍️

What is their product range?

  • Best for: womenswear, menswear
  • Product range: denim jackets, T-shirts, hoodies, accessories 
  • Price range: $$$
  • Size range: XS–XXL
15

Rudy Jude: Plant-Dyed, Organic Clothes for Children and Adults 

Logo for Rudy Jude
Screenshot of the Rudy Jude front page

We work hard behind the scene to provide you with full transparency into the sustainability of our practices and our suppliers

Rudy Jude 

🌎

How do they ensure their sustainability?

Rudy Jude prioritizes sustainability by using a high proportion of low-impact organic cotton. Their cotton is the highest quality organic cotton sourced from sustainable farms worldwide and milled in Japan. They also source second-hand denim fabrics from mills in the US and Japan for their Blue Jean Denim, keeping thousands of yards of fabric out of landfills and reducing energy use. Further down the life-cycle in the manufacturing stage, Rudy Jude ensures their sustainability by exclusively using plants to dye their garments. The washing and finishing processes are also clean and natural, keeping harsh chemicals and heavy metals out of waterways

🌐

How do they ensure their ethics?

Rudy Jude keeps their final stage of production in the US, a medium-risk country for labor abuse. There is no evidence of supplier visits and audits

🤝

Are they part of any giving-back programs?

Rudy Jude is not known to be part of any giving-back programs. 

🛍️

What is their product range?

  • Best for: womenswear, kidswear
  • Product range: denim jeans, dresses, pants, jackets, blazers, tops, blouses, T-shirts, stockings, tights 
  • Price range: $$
  • Size range: XS–XXL

Denim Fabrics: Durable and Versatile Apparel 

Denim fabrics are on a spectrum from unsustainable to sustainable, with the most sustainable variety made with responsible, regenerative, organic, and recycled cotton. 

Here are the life-cycle stages of denim fabrics and each stage’s sustainability assessment:

  • Sourcing of denim fabrics: Sourcing conventional cotton fiber for denim fabrics is mostly unsustainable because the cotton crop is water-thirsty and vulnerable to various pests. Also, the widespread monoculture in cotton cultivation depletes the soil and necessitates synthetic fertilizer in many growing regions. However, sourcing organic cotton reduces greenhouse gas emissions from producing and using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides while avoiding polluting water and soil. Additionally, sourcing recycled cotton requires far fewer resources, including water and energy used to grow and harvest new cotton plants. Also, it prevents additional textile waste.
  • Manufacturing of denim fabrics: Manufacturing conventional denim fabrics is generally not very sustainable. Denim production typically involves many synthetic chemicals, which could cause severe water pollution if the effluent is not treated properly. Also, denim manufacturing is energy-intensive. High energy usage could have serious knock-on ecological impacts if manufacturing relies heavily on fossil fuels. However, technological advances such as ozone wash, laser finishing, and recyclable faux stones can save water and energy, increasing the sustainability of this stage. 
  • Transportation of denim fabrics: Denim fabrics typically travel from fields (where denim plants are grown) to fiber and fabric factories, then sorting centers, shops, and consumers’ homes before going to recycling centers or landfills. 
  • Usage of denim fabrics: The usage of denim fabrics tends to be less sustainable because of the relatively high energy consumption for washing, drying, and ironing. However, the environmental impacts of the usage stage can be reduced with changes in how denim clothes are laundered. 
  • End-of-life of denim fabrics: The end-of-life stage for pure cotton denim fabrics is generally sustainable because they are reusable, biodegradable, and compostable. 

The sustainability of denim fabrics ranges from unsustainable (with conventional cotton as the base) to sustainable (with recycled cotton and organic cotton as the base). In addition, traditional finishing methods for denim fabrics are highly polluting, though new techniques can save water and energy, making production more environmentally friendly. 

Why Is It Important to Buy Products Made of More Sustainable Fabrics

It is important to buy products made of more sustainable fabrics because a sustainable textile industry has a lower carbon footprint, helps save natural resources, and is better for forests, animals, and humans. 

Buying Sustainable Fabrics Reduces Your Carbon Footprint 

The production of clothing and footwear is estimated to contribute 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions—more than all international flights and shipping combined. If the fashion industry were a country, it would be the fourth largest emitter of carbon dioxide

One way to reduce the carbon footprint of the clothes you buy is to opt for sustainable fabrics. Sustainable fabrics, which are often made with natural or recycled fibers, have relatively low carbon footprints compared to petroleum-based fabrics. For example, organic cotton made in the US has a carbon footprint of 2.35 kg CO2 (per ton of spun fiber)—a quarter of polyester’s carbon footprint.

Buying Sustainable Fabrics Reduces Demand for Natural Resources and Waste Management

The textile industry uses water and land to grow natural fibers. It is estimated that 79 billion cubic meters of water were used for the sector worldwide in 2015. For example, producing a single cotton T-shirt requires as much water as one person drinks for 2.5 years (2,700 liters of fresh water).

Worse yet, the textile economy is vastly more linear than circular: the largest amount of resources used in clothes ended up in landfills (instead of being recycled to remake clothes). According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation,

  • Less than 3% of materials used in the textile economy in 2015 came from recycled sources.
  • In other words, more than 97% of resources used in making clothes are newly extracted. 

When clothing items are disposed of within a short period of time—under a year in the case of half of all fast fashion clothes—the natural systems that provide raw materials for fabrics don’t have enough time to recover and regenerate, which could lead to ecological breakdown. 

Sustainable fabrics are made with less water and emissions while lasting longer:

  • Because they are durable, you don’t need to buy new clothes too often. 
  • Thus, you help reduce the pressure to extract more resources for making new items. 

Similarly, making and consuming sustainable fabrics made with recycled materials reduces the demand for virgin materials while helping tackle waste management. 

Buying Sustainable Fabrics Encourages Sustainable Management of Forests

Sustainable plant-based fabrics are made with raw materials from forests and plantations that are sustainably managed, such as complying with FSC standards

When you buy sustainable plant-based fabrics, you discourage unsustainable forestry practices like illegal logging. You can help reduce deforestation, biodiversity loss, and the effects of climate change. 

Buying Sustainable Fabrics Encourages Fairer Treatment of Animals 

The fashion industry is rife with animal mistreatment when it comes to making animal-based fabrics like wool or silk. Every year, billions of animals suffer and die for clothing and accessories.

Buying sustainable vegan alternatives can help to reduce the pressure on raising more and more animals to meet the demand for animal-based fabrics while sacrificing their well-being and lives. 

Suppose you have to buy fabrics made with, for example, wool or silk; make sure you only choose brands committed to cruelty-free products. In that case, you help advocate better treatments for animals raised within the textile industry. 

Using Sustainable Fabrics Encourages Fairer Treatment of Textile Workers 

Recent statistics from UNICEF estimated as many as 170 million child laborers worldwide, many of whom were engaged in some form of work in the textile industry. They don’t get paid minimum wages and often work long hours. 

When you buy sustainable fabrics from brands transparent about the working conditions at their factories, you discourage the use of child labor and help promote better working conditions for textile workers.

How Can You Generally Buy More Sustainable Fabrics

The key to sustainably buying fabrics is to check on relevant environmental and original certifications. 

For natural fabrics

  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): A globally recognized certification system that ensures a certain threshold of organic content has been met. It covers manufacturing, packaging, labeling, transportation, and distribution (but not what happens in the fields where crops are grown). 
  • USDA Certified Biobased Product: The USDA BioPreferred® Certification is a voluntary certification offered by the United States Department of Agriculture. The certification identifies products made from plants or other renewable materials.
  • Ecolabel: Ecolabel is the official European Union voluntary label recognized worldwide for certified products with a guaranteed, independently verified low environmental impact. The label requires high environmental standards throughout the entire life-cycle: from raw material extraction through production and distribution to disposal. It also encourages companies to develop innovative, durable, easy-to-repair, and recyclable products. 

For plant-based semi-natural/semi-synthetic fabrics:

  • Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification: PEFC’s approaches to sustainable forest management are in line with protecting the forests globally and locally and making the certificate work for everyone. Getting a PEFC certification is strict enough to ensure the sustainable management of a forest is socially just, ecologically sound, and economically viable but attainable not only by big but small forest owners.

For recycled fabrics:

  • Recycled Claim Standard (RCS): The Textile Exchange RCS was originally developed as an international, voluntary standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of Recycled input and chain of custody. 
  • The Global Recycled Standard (GRS): The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international, voluntary, full product standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of Recycled Content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions. It can be used for any product with more than 20% recycled material.

For all types of fabrics:

  • STeP by OEKO-TEX®: STeP by OEKO-TEX® is an independent certification system for brands, retailers, and manufacturers from the textile and leather industry. It communicates organizational environmental measures, including reducing carbon footprint and water usage.
  • OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: OEKO-TEX® labels aim to ensure that products pose no risk to human health (i.e., containing banned chemicals). 

Some certifications that are signaling brands’ efforts toward lowered environmental impacts and a circular economy are: 

  • B Corp Certification: The label B Corp is a certification reserved for for-profit companies. Certified holders are assessed on their social and environmental impacts. 
  • Cradle2Cradle certification: Cradle2Cradle provides a standardized approach to material circularity. It assesses whether products have been suitably designed and made with the circular economy in mind covering five critical categories: material health, material reuse, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness.

Final Thoughts

Denim clothes can be made sustainably using low-impact materials such as organic cotton and recycled cotton for the foundation, and natural solutions such as plant-based lyocell or rubber for the stretch element. 

By purchasing new or pre-loved denim clothes from brands that commit to sustainability, you support their mission to create a fairer and less harmful textile industry for all lives on Earth. 

Here is the list (again) of the most sustainable denim clothing brands: 

  • ÉTICA
  • Triarchy
  • Unspun
  • E.L.V DENIM
  • Nudie Jeans
  • MUD Jeans
  • ARMEDANGELS
  • Boyish
  • King of Indigos
  • Reformation
  • Outerknown
  • ASKET
  • Whimsy + Row
  • VENIM
  • Rudy Jude

To make your use of denim fabrics even more sustainable, follow these steps:

  1. Buy second-hand, recycled, or upcycled clothes made with denim clothes.
  2. While using denim clothes, maximize the number of wears between washes and keep them as long as possible.
  3. At the end-of-life of your clothes, upcycle the materials to extend their usage and arrange for them to be recycled or properly disposed of.

Stay impactful,



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