I will confidently state that no wardrobe is denim-free, denim jeans to be specific. The jean has and always will be a foundational piece in the wardrobe, working its way into as many outfits as it can because it never disappoints. I guarantee 5 out of 7 days a week you’re wearing jeans and because of that frequency, we need to ensure we’re making sustainable choices for such an integral piece of our wardrobes.
The first mistake we’re making when buying jeans is focusing on trends, whether that be stylistic trends such as rips, frays, or colors, or silhouette trends. Ignore what everyone else is wearing and choose the best fit for your body, whether that be low, mid, or high rise, wide leg, or skinny. Opt into choosing a classic wash, whether it be a light, medium or dark blue. A classic blue shade will never break up with you, but, a fluorescent pink will. However, I will always encourage you to buy second-hand or vintage. Denim jeans can be found at almost any thrift store or vintage store, whether it’s Goodwill, ThredUp, or The Vintage Twin’s Jeanius Bar.
Making sustainable choices requires a little more effort than your regular shopping experience and that’s why I’m here, to make your sustainable fashion journey easier. We’ve already introduced you to a few made-to-order denim brands so here are a few of my favorite pairs that are ready for purchase.
Below you’ll find 8 pairs of consciously made jeans that could replace your old faithful when the time comes to retire them.
Enjoy!
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Mara Hoffman Georgina Pant
Made of organic cotton in Los Angeles, the Mara Hoffman Georgina Jeans are effortlessly cool. Pair the high-rise, straight-leg pants with the Milla top for a denim-centric summer uniform.
E.L.V Denim Boyfriend Jean
The boyfriend jean by E.L.V Denim is handcrafted using 100% upcycled denim that has been color-matched by hand and produced locally in London. The intentionally mismatched back pockets offer a unique take on a classic slouchy jean.
Edwin Kayla Jean
Reminiscent of the 80s, the Kayla Jean’s wide-leg relaxed fit has not and will not go out of style. Made of organic cotton in Los Angeles, Edwin is completely transparent about the brand supply chain and materials used.
Kotn Antifit Denim
Available from size 24 up to size 40, the Antifit jean from Kotn is the perfect gender-neutral slouchy jean. Ethically produced in Portugal, the black colorway is made of 100% organic cotton, and the light and dark wash are made of a blend of conventional and recycled cotton.
DL1961 Zoie
DL1961 focuses on post-consumer cotton to create their jeans and produced in family-owned factories where 98% of the water used is recycled. The wide leg and mid-rise waist of the Zoie jean resembles vintage styles that haven’t left our wardrobe, guaranteeing longevity.
Warp + Weft Mia Jean
Warp + Weft’s inclusive sizing allows humans from 00 to 24 to find a pair of jeans. The brand focuses on US-sourced fabrics and ensuring to recycle the water used in the manufacturing process.
NTK NYC 1996
Female-owned and operated brand, NTK’s pieces are designed and sampled in NYC, with some pieces being produced by hand by founder Niki in her apartment. The timeless 1996 jeans in the wash, Park Pl, are a personal favorite. Pair them with a white tank and sandals in the summer or an oversized cardigan in the fall.
Still Here Childhood
Designed in NY and produced in LA, Still Here’s Childhood jean offers a classic dark wash, inspired by old western jeans. Styled with cuffed hems, a boxy tee, and wrap sandals, these will be a key element of your spring uniform.
–Rachael Noll
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