Denim—that trusty, rugged fabric that’s a daily sight has come a long way with the history of jeans highlighting all versions, from classic jeans to miner’s outfits.
In this sense, denim has long been the foundation for professional and casual attire. Giorgio Armani agrees because he once said, “Jeans represent democracy in fashion.”
However, an unsettling reality is hidden beneath the allure of our beloved blues: the environmental costs of denim manufacture have always existed.
The good news is a growing awareness of the need for sustainability in the fashion business, and so I’m here to introduce you to eco-friendly denim. Consider it a cure that provides longevity, fashion, and a more morally aware mindset.
By raising consumer knowledge of environmental issues, sustainability aims to influence businesses to reevaluate their practices and implement more environmentally friendly solutions. Whether reducing water consumption, using organic cotton, or incorporating recycled fibers, sustainable denim is paving the way for a more eco-conscious future.
Here, I explore what makes it unique and why eco-conscious workwear individuals choose it over other options.
Key Features of Sustainable Denim
So, what sets sustainable denim apart from the regular stuff?
The answer: Careful material criteria, creative manufacturing methods, and a working waste management system.
The following are the requirements for eco-friendly jeans:
Organic Materials
From the beginning, material matters—so much so that sustainable denim has to be organic cotton grown without harmful chemicals. This guarantees no environmental pollution and a safer working environment for farmers.
Some brands even incorporate hemp or lyocell—both highly sustainable alternatives—to create eco-friendly and stylish denim.
Water-Saving Techniques
Denim production is notoriously thirsty. Levi attests that they use about 3,780 liters of water to make just one pair of the 501® jeans. Sustainable denim brands, however, are flipping the script.
Techniques like laser finishing, ozone washing, and water recycling systems help drastically in cutting water usage. This tells you that great jeans don’t have to come at a significant cost.
Recycling and Upcycling
Another powerful question to ask yourselves is: Why waste when you can reuse it? The good news is that many sustainable denim makers are turning to post-consumer waste. They take old jeans and leftover fabric scraps to craft new products.
This approach decreases landfill waste and gives dumped materials a new look and function. A former bag becomes a new skin for a shoe. Imagine the possibilities.
Leading Sustainable Denim Brands
If you’re ready to switch to eco-friendly denim, you’ll be glad to know plenty of brands are leading the change. Here are a few standout names:
Levi’s
The iconic denim brand is setting a sustainable example with its Water<Less® technology and WellThread® collection. Levi’s proves legacy brands can embrace eco-conscious practices without compromising style.
Patagonia
Patagonia’s denim line is as sustainable as it gets. Using organic cotton and Fair Trade Certified™ sewing, expect tough, timeless, and planet-friendly jean pieces.
Nudie Jeans
This Swedish brand takes transparency to the next level. They shine at using organic cotton and offering free repair services. Nudie Jeans is killing it in the industry. They champion sustainability at every step of the process.
Outland Denim
Known for empowering workers and using sustainable practices, Outland Denim crafts premium jeans with a purpose. Their focus on ethical considerations in denim production makes them a standout choice.
Wrangler
Wrangler Jeans is another brand that has given its all to sustainability. We see this through initiatives like Indigood™ for eco-friendly dyeing, massive water conservation, and their using safer chemicals. They aim for 100% renewable energy and sustainable materials by 2025. Inspiring, isn’t it?
Everlane
Next on my list comes Everlane’s Clean Denim collection. This collection attests to using minimal water usage and eco-friendly dyes. Another plus? Their factories are powered by renewable energy—talk about walking the talk!
Benefits of Sustainable Denim in Workwear
When it comes to all workwear, including American-made workwear, functionality is key. But why not pair practicality with eco-friendliness? The following are the reasons why sustainable denim is the ideal sustainable fabric:
Durability
Workwear takes a beating, from spills to dust, so it needs to be tough. Sustainable denim can withstand this beating. Such high-quality materials ensure that your jeans or jackets can withstand the pressures of daily hustles and bustles.
Comfortable and Safe
Organic and recycled fabrics are suitable for the Earth, and this is good news for your skin. Buying organic denim means saying goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to comfort that doesn’t compromise your values.
Eco-Friendly
Choosing sustainable denim means you want future generations to have a safe home. So, even a small step, like choosing eco-friendly workwear, sets an example and encourages others to make mindful choices.
How to Choose the Right Eco-Friendly Workwear
Here’s how you ensure you’re making a truly sustainable choice:
Look for Certifications
Certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), OEKO-TEX®, and Fair Trade Certified™ are your best friends. They guarantee that the denim meets strict environmental and ethical standards. The side you have to be on.
Check for Transparency
When you have nothing to hide, you build a reputation fast. Hence, reputable brands are open about their sourcing and production methods. If a company shares details about its materials, factories, and processes, it’s likely trustworthy.
Prioritize Durability
Fast fashion is the complete opposite of sustainability because it advocates for more one-time outfits. Sure, you look amazing, but what is the cost to the environment? Is it worth it if that price tips the scale to the negative side?
Instead, invest in pieces that will stay with you decades later, even if they have a higher price tag. Eventually, if you give it durable workwear, it saves money and reduces waste.
Embrace Timeless Styles
Trendy pieces will always exist, but classic designs that have timeless appeal are rarely replicated. In this regard, opt for timeless silhouettes that can adapt to different work environments and seasons.
Support Local and Small-Scale Brands
To support regional sustainable denim operations, choose brands that produce locally or on a small scale. This cuts down all the transportation’s carbon footprint.
Bottom Line
Once you switch to sustainable denim, you introduce a win-win situation where your business and the planet reap profits.
As Vivienne Westwood puts it, “Buy less, choose well, and make it last.” Sustainable denim is the truth.
By embracing eco-friendly workwear, you adhere to this rule while protecting the planet and elevating your style game with pieces built to last. So, why not make the change today? Your wardrobe (and the Earth) will thank you.
About the Author
Nick Warrick
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with hundreds of clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Nick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.
Sources
Sourcing Journal. (n.d.). Hemp denim needs technology, farming investments: Levi’s. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://sourcingjournal.com/denim/denim-mills/hemp-denim-needs-technology-farming-investments-levis-195509/
COSH. (n.d.). Sustainability and Lyocell. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://cosh.eco/en/articles/sustainability-lyocell
Levi Strauss & Co. (2015). Life cycle assessment: Full LCA results. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://levistrauss.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Full-LCA-Results-Deck-FINAL.pdf
ResearchGate. (n.d.). Ozone in the laundry industry: Practical experiences in the United Kingdom. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228337862_Ozone_in_the_Laundry_Industry-Practical_Experiences_in_the_United_Kingdom
Levi Strauss & Co. (n.d.). How we make jeans with less water. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.levi.com/US/en_US/blog/article/how-we-make-jeans-with-less-water
Patagonia. (n.d.). Fair trade. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.patagonia.com/our-footprint/fair-trade.html
Nudie Jeans. (n.d.). Free repairs. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.nudiejeans.com/info/free-repairs
Outland Denim. (n.d.). Environmental impact. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://outlanddenim.com/pages/environmental
Sourcing Journal. (n.d.). Everlane clean denim: Sustainable stretch denim. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://sourcingjournal.com/denim/denim-brands/everlane-clean-denim-roica-sustainable-stretch-denim-c2c-gold-organic-cotton-285499/
Global Organic Textile Standard. (n.d.). Certification and labelling. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://global-standard.org/certification-and-labelling/certification