Denim is known as one of the most durable fabrics fashion has to offer. This wardrobe staple that dominates our outfits as jackets, jeans, shirts, skirts, and countless other silhouettes, incidentally makes for big a contributing factor to fashions large carbon footprint. The large quantities of water required to produce each pair, coupled with trendy washes that involve bleach and other harmful chemicals, makes denim increasingly unsustainable. But like many other eco-conscious innovations, there are many ways brands are combating these problems. Here are a few ways to choose better when it comes to denim.
Better Cotton
Denim is essentially made of yarn-dyed cotton fabric which is made using a specific weave. Some versions of denim need stretch, in which case spandex is added to the weave, making it less recyclable. One way to pick the better denim would be to go for pieces made of 100 per cent cotton that are of organic origins.
11.11
Image Source: 11-11.us
This Indian brand offers a collection of 100 per cent handwoven Kala cotton, which is organically grown without pesticides or toxins. They make pieces like jackets, jeans, dresses in different hues of blue as well as green.
The Summer House
Image Source: Instagram/thesummerhouse.in
Their denim garments are made from handwoven fabric recycled from garment waste and plastic bottles. Their denim is also pre-shrunk without the use of water in the process.
Upcycled Denim
Another way to use denim with a lower carbon footprint is to use upcycled pieces. While there are many ways to upcycle denim pieces and give them makeovers at home, you can also take it to your tailor to shorten, fix, or upcycle them in your unique way.
Doodlage
Image Source: Doodlage.in
Doodlage, known best for its upcycled, chic collections, also offers a range of denim wear including jackets, tops, skirts, and pants made of out of upcycled factory waste.
Less Waste
Much like other garments in fashion, mass-produced denim results in a lot of waste. That said, opting for brands that limit their production or offer custom-made denim makes your denim pick more sustainable.
Desitude
Image Source: Instagram/desitude
This Homegrown brand offers a range of tailor-made denim wear for both women and men. What’s more? They use khadi denim, which is pre-washed and pre-shrunk. Simply put, you get a well fitted pair of sustainable jeans without much effort!
Thrift
The fact that denim is super durable, makes it the perfect candidate for thrift. With vintage and retro denim styles back in the game, thrifting your jeans is a sustainable and affordable way to go.
Bottom Drawer Vintage
Image Source: Instagram/bottomdrawervintage
An Instagram thrift store that specialises in vintage-style jeans, Bottom Drawer Vintage is a great place to get your dose of sustainable denim from. They also stock a wide range of sizes and colours.
So what’s going to be your sustainable denim pick? Tell us in the comments below!