Wardrobe Basics: Ethically Made Denim
A good pair of jeans is a wardrobe staple, as are many other items of denim clothing, from jackets to dresses and shirts. However, the production of Denim can be highly damaging to the environment. Great water usage, polluting chemicals, unsustainable cotton, or other fibers used in their manufacturing all contribute to a highly damaging industry.
Many brands have applied different ways of combating this environmental damage from using organic cotton, to less harmful chemicals and various other processes, to more innovative practices like recycling and upcycling garments. Here are a few areas where denim manufacturing has been improved.
Human Rights and Fair Wages
Ethically made jeans are manufactured under safe and fair working conditions. The people who make these jeans are treated with respect, paid fair wages, and provided with safe working environments. This not only ensures the well-being of workers but also promotes social responsibility within the industry.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
The conventional denim production process is notoriously harmful to the environment. It involves vast water consumption, extensive use of chemicals, and energy-intensive manufacturing. Ethical denim brands, on the other hand, prioritize sustainable practices. They use organic cotton, eco-friendly dyes, and water-saving techniques, significantly reducing their environmental footprint.
Here is a selection of Ethically made jeans
Transparency and Accountability
Ethical fashion brands are often transparent about their supply chain, allowing consumers to trace the journey of their jeans from raw materials to finished product. This transparency builds trust and enables consumers to make informed choices.
The Jeans I am wearing in this image are by Thought and are a size 12 UK in dark blue. I have been wearing and caring for these for over 3 years now, and rarely have a pair of jeans for less than 5 years.
The key to a great pair of jeans is a great cut, great fit, and durable fabric. I know it is so hard to find a fit and cut at a price tag you are happy with, but I assure you the search is worth it. And really, when you find what you love, buy 2!
It’s also worth noting that a great pair of jeans, or any other denim item, is really worth repairing, even several times. My jeans tend to wear between the thighs, and I have often taken my favourite ones to a local tailor or dry cleaning service to sew and patch up to make them last longer.
I also tend to only wash them only when they get dirty ( mud from taking my child to the park or food usually) other than that, I just air them out and fold them back up.
A great pair of jeans is truly worth holding on to because remember - Loved Clothes Last
Conclusion
Ethically made jeans are better not just for the people who make them and the planet but for consumers as well. They represent a conscious choice to support a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry, so the next time you shop for denim, look at the brands I mention above or consider buying vintage instead. Why wait for a great pair of jeans to be worn it, when they can arrive that way! some of the best vintage denim can be found on Vestiare Collectif
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