While Earth Day on April 22 is normally a good time to spend outside honoring the joys of the natural world, social distancing somewhat prevents that this year.
But women can show their Earth Day pride differently by supporting brands that follow ethical standards and honor the community around them.
From jeans made with recycled fibers, to others operating a transparent supply chain, here’s a look at 11 denim brands that can help “green” your closet.
Able’s Andrea High-Rise Super Stretch
Nashville-based sustainable denim brand Able is committed to providing fair and transparent wages to its workers. Its employees’ wages are prominently listed on the brand’s homepage to promote transparency and help shoppers feel good about the clothes they purchase.
Mimi Jeans by M.i.h Jeans
Based in London, M.i.h Jeans uses certified organic cotton and water-saving techniques to craft its denim. It also offers a jeans recycling program, in which it takes any jeans—not just its own brand—and turns it into yarn to make new denim. In exchange, shoppers get a credit for 25 percent off a new pair of jeans.
Reformation’s Eloise Jean
Los Angeles-based Reformation prides itself on its sustainable initiatives and presents a “sustainability report” prominently on each of its item’s product pages. This pair of jeans in particular saves 9 pounds of carbon dioxide, 1.3 gallons of water and 26 pounds of waste during production.
The Westly by Boyish Jeans
Boyish Jeans was founded on the basis of sustainability. It works with sustainable suppliers and cuts back on carbon emissions by keeping its yarn, fabric and manufacturing facilities all within 30 miles of one another. Each product page details the item’s composition and positive environmental impact.
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Stella McCartney’s The Straight Leg Jeans
Over the years, Stella McCartney has honed its sustainability efforts, which include using organic cotton, designing for circularity, making its stores and offices eco-friendly, and more.
Nudie Jeans’ Breezy Britt Black Worn
Nudie Jeans are made exclusively with organic, fair trade or recycled cotton and feature vegan leather back patches. Aside from its design, the brand promotes longevity over all else, and offers a free jeans repair program.
Bella Dahl’s Two-Pocket Classic Button-Down Shirt
Los Angeles-based Bella Dahl offers crafted and trademarked Tencera denim, featuring Tencel Lyocell. As a result, its denim pieces are fully biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
Nobody Denim’s Boho Short
Nobody Denim uses ethical manufacturing methods and special cutting techniques to reduce waste. The Australia-based brand keeps a short supply chain, with its head office, factory, laundry and retail store all located within a 3-mile radius.
E.L.V. Denim’s Blue Match Acid Wash Boyfriend Jean
Using discarded denim, E.L.V. Denim produces jeans with zero environmental impact and only seven liters of water. The East London brand designs and manufactures its entire collection in the same city, in turn reducing carbon emissions.
Eileen Fisher’s Organic Cotton Stretch Straight Ankle Jean
Eileen Fisher has been a Certified B Corp since 2015 and is one of the largest women’s fashion brands to achieve that level of sustainability. It uses organic fibers and certified dyeing, and closely oversees its supply chain to ensure its ethical standards are upheld throughout.
