7 Sustainable Denim Jackets for A Conscious Wardrobe Staple
Image: Able
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Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Denim Jackets
Are you a fashion enthusiast who also cares about the planet? The fashion industry is one of the most significant contributors to pollution and waste, so it's time to change and embrace sustainable fashion! These sustainable jean jackets are stylish and made with ethical and eco-friendly practices. From recycled materials to organic cotton, these denim jackets are created with the planet in mind. Whether you prefer a classic blue jean jacket or want to experiment with something a little more edgy, there's a sustainable option for everyone. Not only will you be positively impacting the environment, but you'll also be supporting brands that prioritize sustainability. By opting for a sustainable denim jacket, you choose quality over quantity and invest in a wardrobe staple that will last for years!
The Environmental Impact of Traditional Denim Jackets
Traditional denim jackets may be iconic and stylish but have a high environmental cost. The production process of conventional denim involves using harmful chemicals, excessive water consumption, and significant carbon emissions. Additionally, the fast fashion industry's focus on cheap and disposable clothing means that denim jackets are often discarded after a few wears, contributing to the growing problem of textile waste.
The production of traditional denim also contributes to water pollution. The dyeing and finishing processes involve toxic chemicals that end up in rivers and other water bodies, affecting aquatic life and ecosystems. Furthermore, the cultivation of conventional cotton, the most common material used in denim, requires large amounts of water and pesticides, further adding to the environmental impact.
What is a Sustainable Denim Jacket?
A sustainable denim jacket is one that you can wear for many, many years, made ethically with eco-friendly materials. We look for many things when deciding if a brand should be featured here on Sustainably Chic, but the material, quality, and manufacturing are some of the most important features.
Click here to read more about sustainable fashion.
We also believe that one of the most sustainable denim jackets is the one you already have in your closet :)
Benefits of Sustainable Denim Jackets
Sustainable denim jackets offer a solution to the environmental issues caused by traditional denim production. These jackets are made with ethical and eco-friendly practices, reducing their environmental impact and providing fair wages for their makers. By choosing a sustainable denim jacket, you're not only making a fashion statement but also taking a stand against the harmful practices of the fashion industry.
Most sustainable denim jackets are made with organic cotton. Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, reducing the impact on soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. Read more about organic cotton & its benefits here. Many sustainable brands also repurpose old denim or other fabrics to create new jackets, reducing the demand for virgin resources and diverting textile waste from landfills. By giving new life to old garments, these jackets contribute to a circular economy, where resources are used more efficiently and waste is minimized. If you want to learn more about circular fashion and why it’s essential for sustainable fashion brands to adopt, read this.
We also always suggest searching through your favorite vintage and secondhand shops to find denim jackets, too!
Our Top Picks for Sustainable Denim Jackets:
1. Able
Price: $122-185
Favorite Denim Jackets: The Merly (comes in 3 washes) and the Lennon Boyfriend
Ethical fashion brand ABLE launched its first denim jacket (the Merly) in 2017 and has since added several more styles! Their denim partners in Mexico provide well-paying, dignified jobs to over 550 women. Denim has been known to dirty waterways in the towns where it is produced. ABLE makes sure to clean all the water used in the production process in its wastewater treatment plant. We love that ABLE is one of the most transparent, sustainable fashion brands, with accessible pricing and more inclusive sizing!
2. Warp + Weft
Price: $44-98
If you are looking for sustainable denim jackets for men and women at an affordable price, Warp + Weft is the place! Their family-run eco-friendly mill is one of the world's largest textile manufacturers, which means they can create high-quality denim that's good for you, the planet, and your wallet. They have many styles, including denim shirt jackets, denim vests, and a few pops of color. Through their partnership with Recover™, Warp + Weft's recycling facility transforms post-industrial and post-consumer waste into recycled fiber that can be woven into new yarn - for future denim styles. This is an excellent example of circular fashion!
3. Outerknown
Price: $268
Pro surfer Kelly Slater is behind this Fair Labor Association-accredited brand, which makes garments that, 90% of the time, are made of recycled, organic, and 'regenerative' materials. Outerknown has two denim jackets - their unisex Tides Trucker Jean Jacket, made from 100% organic cotton, and the men's Blanket Trucker, made from organic cotton & recycled cotton. Plus, the company works with three partners who are certified through Fair Trade USA. Want something a little lighter than a denim jacket? Check out the women's Canyon Jean Shacket with its timeless oversized fit with button-down cuffs.
4. Outland Denim
Price: $182-359
This ethical brand uses traceable, sustainable organic cotton to create timeless denim jackets. Outland is dedicated to abolishing slavery, with freedom and liberty being core to the brand and its values. The brand makes its clothing in Cambodia, where unjust practices are rife in the textile industry. In opposition to this, the brand pays fair living wages and offers a safe, comfortable alternative for working women – often those previously working in dangerous sweatshop conditions. Outland Denim labels include messages from the seamstresses who make the garments, making your purchase all the more special.
5. Whimsy + Row
Price: $176
Whimsy + Row produces limited batches that are all handcrafted in Los Angeles. The brand only uses locally sourced and eco-friendly materials and recycles every scrap of deadstock fabric to turn it into new garments or accessories. Their only denim jacket features a chunky organic corozo button closure, two overlapping pockets on the right, and a single pocket on the left. It is made from 100% organic cotton and comes in classic dark blue and vintage black. Whimsy + Row is also carbon-neutral, and its pieces are made using recycled water and low-impact dyes.
6. Kings of Indigo
Price: €180,00
A denim jacket made with one of our favorite blends - organic cotton and Tencel! The Ota jacket is workwear-inspired, with a hidden button placket and buttons at the sleeve opening. Many Kings of Indigo’s Tencel garments are 100% Tencel or blended with other compostable fabrics, ensuring that biodegradability and sustainability remain intact. Adding Tencel to cotton provides a softer touch & breathability, which makes for a great everyday season-to-season jacket. The brand also publishes information about where their fabrics are milled and where their garments are made - a win for transparency!
7. ArmedAngels
Price: €58.74 - €125.97
This brand is all about detoxing the denim we wear. DetoxDenim means eradicating unnecessary chemicals & bleaching without toxic chlorine. ArmedAngels uses a lot of recycled cotton blended with organic cotton. They are also a very circular fashion brand in that customers can return their old Armed Angels t-shirt or denim via the ‘take-back system’ and they will be turned into new items. They even have a secondhand reselling platform, and they founded a non-profit that supports farmers in their transition to organic farming. This is just another excellent example of how a sustainable fashion brand can become circular!
Sustainable Denim Jacket Care and Maintenance
To ensure that your sustainable denim jacket lasts for years to come, proper care is essential. Here are some tips to keep your jacket looking its best:
Wash Less: Denim jackets don't need to be washed as frequently as other garments. Spot clean any stains and only wash when necessary to conserve water and energy.
Cold Water and Gentle Cycle: When washing your denim jacket, use cold water and choose the gentle cycle. This helps preserve the color and shape of the jacket.
Air Dry: Instead of using a dryer, air dry your denim jacket to save energy and prevent shrinkage or damage. Hang it in a well-ventilated area or lay it flat to dry.
Avoid Ironing: Denim jackets often look best with a slightly worn-in appearance, so avoid ironing unless absolutely necessary. If needed, use a steamer or a low-heat iron.
Store Properly: When not in use, store your denim jacket in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This helps maintain its color and prevents unnecessary wear.
By following these care and maintenance tips, you can extend the life of your sustainable denim jacket and reduce the need for frequent replacements.
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