Denim jeans are one of the world’s most popular clothing items. Yet in India, street dogs have literally turned blue, from drinking polluted water from local rivers, due to the blue dye used in local factories that make jeans for western consumers.
In addition, the jeans industry has huge animal welfare issues, due to the millions of leather patches, sewn onto the back of jeans.
It’s not just about the materials. Ethical production practices ensure fair labour conditions, avoiding exploitative labour prevalent in the fashion industry.
These jeans aren’t just good for the planet; they’re also good for your wardrobe. High-quality sustainable jeans tend to last longer, reducing the need for constant replacements.
Of the Oceans: This Leicester menswear company sells hemp jeans of good quality, styled for every type of body shape.
Indigo Jeans (made from recycled cotton)
These indigo jeans for men are made from cotton waste, to save on the huge amount of waste generated in the fashion industry.
Ethically made in Italy, they are dyed with biodegradable inks using a process approved by Greenpeace (most jean dyes pollute rivers abroad, some even sending street dogs blue, from drinking the dirty water).
The denim is made from a waste production unit, which saves 65% of water compared to standard for making jeans. Made in small batches. Wash infrequently to maintain the colour, ideally on a cool wash. Avoid tumble drying. Sent in sustainable packaging.
Caring for Sustainable Jeans
- Wash Less Frequently: Jeans don’t need to be washed after every wear. Try airing them out instead.
- Cold Water Wash: Use cold water to save energy. It’s gentler on fabrics too.
- Line Dry: Instead of using a dryer, hang your jeans to dry. This saves energy and reduces wear on the fabric.
Nudie Jeans
Nudie Jeans is a Swedish label, but its strong UK presence and dedicated fan base make it a staple here. The brand builds its entire reputation on sustainability, using 100% organic cotton in all its jeans. Fair employment and transparent supply chains are part of Nudie’s identity.
They also offer a free repair service, which means you get more life out of every pair. Every step, from cotton field to store shelf, is tracked and reported, making it easy for shoppers to trust what’s behind their denim.
This label is one brand to have replaced the ‘leather patch’ with a vegan paper that looks the same, but protects animals.
Jacron is made from cellulose fibres and acrylic polymers (so launder in a microfiber filter).
MUD Jeans
If you care about recycling, MUD Jeans will grab your attention. Based in the Netherlands but available in the UK, this company uses the “lease a jeans” model—you can rent, return, and recycle your jeans instead of throwing them out.
About 40% of every pair comes from post-consumer recycled denim, cutting the need for new cotton. The dyes are safe, water use is minimal, and every part of the process is open to public review. MUD’s approach makes recycling a habit, not a hassle.
Lucy & Yak
Best known for their bold dungarees, Lucy & Yak also makes jeans that tick every sustainability box. The brand uses organic cotton from trusted farms and ensures all staff are paid fairly from start to finish.
Lucy & Yak is based in the UK and proud of its roots, sourcing as much locally as possible. They also run take-back schemes so old jeans can be reused or recycled, cutting landfill waste and encouraging a circular mindset.
Armedangels
Armedangels treats ethics as more than a buzzword. Based in Germany, they use organic cotton, recycled fibres and non-toxic dyes. Their jeans carry GOTS certification (Global Organic Textile Standard), so every pair meets strict guidelines from field to finished product.
They keep working conditions safe, guarantee fair pay and protect both the planet and the people who make the clothes. Armedangels jeans feel soft, fit well and wear in beautifully, offering classic shapes and modern cuts for all tastes.
