Our Favourite Sustainable Denim Brands
By Joanna Fish
03.06.2021
Everyone has a favourite pair of jeans - they’re hard to find but once found they’re the perfect wardrobe staple.
Unfortunately, the jeans in your wardrobe may have impacted the planet more than you think. As stated by Fashion Revolution, a single pair of jeans can use up to 9,500 litres of water along the supply chain - that’s equivalent to 13 years of drinking water.
Even though there is a long way to go, awareness around this topic is growing with the help of sustainable denim brands leading the movement.
Investing in a sustainable pair of jeans is important for people and the planet. However, a key part of living a sustainable lifestyle is re-discovering what’s already in your wardrobe. According to Fashion Revolution, prolonging the life of your jeans by 9 months can reduce the water footprint by 25 - 30%.
For those of you looking for a brand that can supply you with the perfect pair of jeans that won’t cost the planet, shop the brands below.
E.L.V Denim
E.L.V Denim is a zero-waste brand, they produce their products solely by up-cycling denim jean/jackets - even the leather patch is made from unwanted leather scraps. Even better, every pair is unique - Founder Anna Foster says “Sustainability is the ultimate part of what I do. We live in a very aesthetic world, so a successful brand has to marry carefully the two of them together."
Fanfare
Fanfare is an independent brand with up-cycling at the heart of their brand. Among their beautifully unique product range they have a collection of different styled jeans. All their jeans are up cycled using unwanted fabric. They also offer a service enabling you to send in an old pair of your own jeans, they will up-cycle them for you in the style you decide- you can even design them yourself.
Everyone reduce their environmental impact by getting their products produced in a “game-changing denim factory partner” called Saitex. The factory recycle 98% of their water and according the Everlane once its been recycled it’s “so clean you could drink it.”
The 90's Cheeky Jean, £90
The Way-High Jean, £71
MUD
With recycling and up-cycling a an important part of their business model, MUD uses mostly post-consumer waste to make their jeans. Their circular business model massively reduces the products environmental impact.
Mams Tapered Bio Bleach, £139
Nudie Jeans
Swedish brand, Nudie jeans design their products with longevity in mind. All their jeans are made from 100% organic cotton with a repair for life scheme in place. Even better, when your jeans come to the end of their life-cycle you can return them to the store to be up-cycled into denim bucket hats and other chic accessories.
Clean Eileen Gentle Fade, £120
Straight Sally Everblack, £110