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.
Transparency from supply chain to finished product builds trust, letting consumers feel proud of their choices.
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.
Investing in well-made denim pays off in durability and style, offering timeless pieces that won’t fall apart after a few washes.
Of the Oceans: This Leicester menswear company sells hemp jeans of good quality, styled for every type of body shape.
Nudie Jeans are just one brand that have replaced the ‘leather patch’ with a vegan paper that looks the same, but helps protect animals. Jacron is made from cellulose fibres and acrylic polymers (not ideal but better).
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. Was infrequently to maintain the colour, ideally on a cool wash. Avoid tumble drying. Sent in sustainable packaging.
Recycled cotton is better for the planet than conventional cotton, which is responsible for around a quarter of all the world’s pesticide use.
The less conventional cotton used, the less chemicals in the world that harm the planet, wildlife and farmers.
Cotton is also biodegradable. So it doesn’t leach microplastics from the washing machine into our rivers and seas, unlike synthetic fibres like nylon, polyester or recycled plastic bottles.
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.
