Looking for a pair of environmentally friendly jeans? We've sourced a list of our favourite sustainable denim brands for every style and shape.
Romally Coverdale
Thu 31 Mar 2022
Everyone has their favourite pair of jeans, but do you ever think about how they’re made and the toxic chemicals that go into them?
Denim has a huge environmental impact due to:
- Toxic chemicals used in their dyes that lead to pollution of waterways.
- The huge amount of water needed to create denim which works out to about 9,500 litres per pair of jeans.
There’s a reliance on unsustainably grown cotton which causes desertification and needs harsh pesticides and chemicals.
Studies by scientists today are showing that millions of tiny pieces of blue jeans are flooding into the Arctic and will continue to spread if we don’t make a change.
Don't worry, you don't need to ditch the jeans yet. The good news is there are plenty of ethical jeans and denim brands that do good and make their clothes responsibly.
Scroll down to discover the best sustainable denim brands that make shopping for eco-friendly jeans a breeze!
Kuyichi
Quick links to our favorite sustainable jeans brands
1. Arkdefo
Arkdefo understands denim’s harsh impacts on our environment and reduces it by using recycled denim.
You can even #donatedenim to them and they’ll turn them into reformed pieces.
2. Nudie Jeans
One of pebble's favourite sustainable denim brands, the Swedish brand Nudie Jeans not only sells 100% organic cotton jeans that are fully sustainable but offers repair services for them as well.
After you’ve worn them enough, recycle them through their website and they’ll use the scrap fabrics for trendy bucket hats!
3. Boyish
Boyish is solving the number one harmful effects of the denim process: toxic dyes.
Their solution is the plant-based dyes that go into the making of their stylish and ethical jeans.
4. E.L.V. DENIM
Zero waste denim is the goal of E.L.V DENIM’s completely sustainable and upcycled jeans collection.
Each pair of jeans is made from an old pair and so on, to never waste denim while recreating new loved and unique pieces.
5. DL1961
This luxury ethical British brand combats environmental issues within its premium jeans in numerous ways, starting by shredding old jeans and post-consumer waste (plastic bottles) into their own friendly yarn.
DL1961 use waterless laser and ozone tech to construct their famous high rise vintage style jeans and any water that is used gets treated and recycled in-house with their treatment plant.
6. MUD Jeans
Focused on a circular economy, MUD jeans use 40% post consumer recycled cotton alongside organic cotton.
They encourage recycling your old jeans through their ‘take back’ scheme which aims to reduce waste.
Saving water is done through their recycling plants and to top it all off, MUD jeans are carbon neutral by using low energy production techniques.
Read more about MUD: Meet the brand who want you to lease their jeans
7. Organics Basics
The clue might be in the name but Organic Basics only uses a mixture of natural, recycled, biodegradable, low impact and renewable materials to make its timeless denim.
They combine this with responsible technologies to ensure their products are sustainable and to lower their environmental footprint.
They've also featured in our article on the best sustainable underwear brands.
8. Kuyichi
Kuyichi are another Dutch brand making a range of sustainable jeans with longevity in mind.
They use recycled cotton, polyester and denim alongside organic cotton and Tencel.
Using processes such as low impact washes and environmentally friendly dyes, they contribute to a cleaner denim footprint.
9. Baukjen
Baukjen is a London based B-Corp who sell sustainable jeans as part of their collection.
They make most of their clothes in Europe, are carbon neutral, ensure fair living standards are met, use low impact dyes and sustainable materials.
Choose from a range of styles (boyfriend, girlfriend, flares) for under £100.
If you still want more...
Check out our sustainable fashion guidebook.
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