Sustainable Denim: Women’s Edition
By Malia Noll
Image Source: DL1916
Denim is like the secret sauce in a perfect wardrobe—while particular cuts may flow in and out of style over the years, you’ll always find denim in high-fashion magazines as suitable everyday wear. Certain styles age beautifully, and when you can throw on a timeless pair that flatters your shape without much thought, you’ve struck gold. To help you find that tried-and-true piece that makes casual-chic a reality, we’re rounding up our favorite sustainable denim brands in a handy guide you can use the next time you shop.
WHAT MAKES DENIM SUSTAINABLE?
Well, there are a few factors that can make denim sustainable. First is recyclability. Many brands have found huge success in offering new styles made from completely recycled cotton or fibers, and we’re big fans. You don’t have to sacrifice quality when purchasing a pair that’s made from recycled denim or cotton—it’ll hold up just as well in the durability and style categories alike.
Another factor that marks sustainable denim is when brands use organic cotton or lyocell in place of conventionally grown cotton or other synthetic fibers. Organic cotton uses fewer chemicals and water than standard cotton. Lyocell (sometimes called Tencel) is a regenerated cellulose fiber that uses a closed-loop system that's safer for the local environment and workers, too. If you want to take a deeper dive, we wrote an entire post about why organic cotton is better.
CERTIFICATIONS WE VALUE
When shopping on your own, keep an eye out for additional certifications to ensure brands are holding themselves to higher standards for sourcing, ethical labor, materials, and more. Here are a few that pertain to the denim industry:
GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, which means the whole supply chain is organic.
Oeko-Tex, which indicates the fabric doesn't have unsafe levels of any chemicals
Fair Trade, which ensures that workers are paid fair wages for their work
Now that we’ve got the basics of sustainable denim squared away, keep reading for SISTAIN’s favorite denim picks for women!
Our Picks
Image Source: Outerknown
OUTERKNOWN
Let’s just say Outerknown jeans might be the best thing to ever happen to your booty. This is just one of those brands that understands how to achieve that hugged-but-comfy look that makes your denim look exceptionally good. Anyone walking behind you will know what we mean.
Sustainability Practices:
S.E.A. jeans crafted with organic cotton in fair trade certified factory and guaranteed for life
Uses eco-friendly materials and non-toxic dyes in most of its products
Fair-trade certified — all of its workers are paid a living wage
Designs fundraising tees to raise money for causes the company believes in, like beach and ocean cleanup and environmental advocacy
Our Picks:
Fillmore Boyfriend $198
Image Source: Boyish Jeans
BOYISH JEANS
Here’s one for the fashion-forward gals! Boyish Jeans prove that you can look on-trend while still shopping sustainably. From asymmetrical button fronts to runway-approved washes, inquiring fast-fashion shoppers will be stunned to discover your look is totally sustainable.
Sustainability Practices:
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 approved
Use natural plant-based dyes
Recycle water to keep harsh chemicals out of fresh-water streams. They work with fabric mills and factories around the world that are part of the ZDHC Program, Roadmap to Zero, where they collaboratively advance the field of water safety in the textile and apparel industries.
They dip their fabric fewer times to conserve energy and water.
Our Picks:
Image Source: DL1961
DL1961
Keep it classic with a brand that knows how to create a cut that will stand the test of time. DL 1961 jeans are cleanly designed, vintage-inspired, and cut to hug your silhouette in a variety of styles. With proper care, your jeans will remain a staple in your rotation year after year.
Sustainability Practices:
Sustainable fabrics to help reduce waste: Old denim and post-consumer waste is shredded into smaller and smaller pieces, then woven into new yarn with eco-friendly fibers and high-performance stretch.
The jeans are constructed and hand-finished using waterless laser and Ozone technologies in their family-owned manufacturing facilities, which are fully compliant with International Social & Environmental Quality Standards.
Average jeans take about 1500 gallons of water to produce. DL 1961 jeans take less than 10 because of the ultra-absorbent fibers and waterless techniques they use along the way. They also treat and recycle 98% of the water they do use in our in-house treatment plant.
Our Picks:
Patti Straight $199
Hepburn Wide Leg $209
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Malia Noll is a former public accountant turned self-employed copywriter who works with small businesses to build genuine connections to customers through strategic writing. Malia is based in Columbus, Ohio and specializes in promotional writing, email marketing and editing.
