5 Affordable Sustainable & Ethical Denim Jeans Brands
Jeans have become a regular part of our wardrobe. However, not all jeans are created equally. Conventional denim can be very unsustainable.
Let's explore the environmental impact of denim and find some more affordable sustainable jeans.
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a commission if you decide to purchase, however, at no additional cost to you!
What Should Consumers Look for When Shopping for Sustainable Jeans?
Denim is still a must-have for a sustainable closet, because it’s strong, durable, and doesn’t require a lot of washing. It’s also a timeless and versatile classic that you can dress up or down, giving you a lot to work with.
If you need a new pair, buy second-hand or support sustainable brands.
Here are a few things to look out for when shopping for sustainable denim.
For distressed jeans, try to find brands using laser techniques as this uses less water and chemicals.
Seek denim using sustainable, natural, and toxic-free dyes. It’s better for your skin and the environment too.
Buy denim made from natural fabrics, organic if you can!
Keep an eye out for certifications such as GOTS, Better Cotton Initiative, Bluesign, or OEKO-TEX.
Support brands implementing other eco-friendly and sustainable measures.
Also be sure to consider the supply chain. Look for ethical brands who pay their workers a living wage and use sustainable practices through out their supply chain. Consider looking for fair trade certified or certified b-corp to ensure fair labor.
Look after the denim you have – whether it’s jeans, a skirt, a jacket, or something else.
Once an item’s worn out, upcycle it: turn old jeans into shorts, a bag, or even a pillow cover.
Remember that distressed jeans are a look too, so a few rips and tears are no reason to throw them out.
Why are Eco-friendly Jeans More Expensive?
When shopping an eco-friendly brand it's important to understand why these products are more expensive.
Ethical and sustainable fashion is typically more expensive due to the cost of higher quality materials and paying their workers a fair wages.
In fast fashion workers are exploited and corners are cut when it comes to choosing materials.
However, with ethical fashion there is pride in the sustainable fabrics chosen and these tend to be more expensive and get passed on to the consumer paying the end price.
It's also important to consider that these higher quality materials typically will last longer. So consider sustainable jeans an investment.
How Much Do Eco-friendly Jeans Cost?
I'd say a typical price point to expect for a single pair of jeans from a sustainable brand is at least $100.
However, there are some affordable sustainable clothing brands that are more affordable than others. We're exploring some brands with jeans made from eco-friendly materials under $100 too!
6 Sustainable Denim Brands for Eco-friendly Jeans
These ethical and sustainable denim brands use high quality materials, value transparency, and pay their workers livable wages.
This post does contain some affiliate links which means if you choose to make a purchase we may receive a percentage, but at no additional cost to you!
ABLE’s Affordable Ethically Made Jeans
Price Range: $84-$165
Starting with scarves, ABLE has flourished into an ethical fashion brand offering other accessories, as well as clothes and shoes.
You’ll find a denim range too comprised of stylish jeans, jackets, and jumpsuits.
ABLE’s denim is only sourced from within the western hemisphere to reduce their carbon footprint.
The mills they work with make use of sustainable denim and their non-stretch denim uses a liquid indigo that requires less water.
Additionally, ABLE’s denim vendor recycles water, avoids harsh chemicals, and recycles scraps.
prAna’s Sustainable Jeans Under $100
Price Range: $79-$140
Championing climate action, animal welfare, and fair trade through circular fashion, prAna focuses on the use of natural, organic, and recycled content.
Their range of denim items is made using predominately organic cotton. Since 2020 they have also started working with ozone and laser technology to avoid harsh chemicals, as well as reduce water and energy consumption.
Patagonia’s Organic & Fair Trade Jeans
Price Range: $99-$129
A leader in sustainable clothing, Patagonia has been outfitting consumers for the great outdoors for decades. Always looking for ways to further their sustainability goals, they have extended this to their denim apparel.
Working with natural and organic materials, the dyeing process of their denim uses less water and energy and produces less CO₂ emissions than conventional synthetic indigo denim dyeing.
Most of their jeans are made in Fair Trade Certified factories.
Nordstrom Rack
I’ve had some great luck finding fair trade organic cotton jeans at Nordstrom Rack. J. Crew and Madewell have fair trade denim lines that are made with TENCEL and organic cotton. I’ve been able to find these in stores at Nordstrom Rack for under $100!
TOAD & CO’S SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC DENIM
Price Range: $90-$100
Toad & Co. is an eco-friendly clothing brand using organic cotton, recycled fibers, and other high-quality materials known for low-impact growing and clean manufacturing. They offer organic cotton denim for men and women.
Hopefully this list helped you find a more eco-friendly pair of jeans on your shopping journey!
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