In a world where every purchase carries the power to influence our planet's future, denim is stepping up to the challenge. Gone are the days of fast-fashion jeans that contribute to environmental degradation—instead, a new era of sustainable denim is emerging, and it’s redefining how we think about our favorite wardrobe staple. In 2025, eco-conscious consumers are seeking out brands that not only deliver style and comfort but also commit to ethical practices, innovative materials, and reduced waste.
This blog post is your ultimate guide to 12 sustainable jeans brands you need to know before buying your next pair. Each brand on our list is paving the way for a greener future by embracing practices such as organic cotton cultivation, recycled fabrics, and fair labor production. Whether you're drawn to classic cuts or modern designs, these brands prove that you can have both fashion-forward looks and a positive impact on the environment.
Discover how your next pair of jeans can be more than just a fashion statement—they can be a step toward a more sustainable future.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us! Cover Image: Organsk
What is Wrong with Conventional Jeans?
Conventional denim jeans often come with a hefty environmental and ethical cost. The manufacturing process is notorious for its intensive water usage, the release of toxic chemicals, and high energy consumption, all of which contribute to significant pollution and resource depletion. A single pair of jeans can consume over 790 gallons of water—from cotton cultivation to dyeing and washing. Moreover, the dyeing and finishing processes used in conventional denim production contribute to roughly 20% of industrial water pollution worldwide due to the release of toxic chemicals. Ethically, many conventional denim production facilities have been linked to poor working conditions, unfair wages, and a lack of transparency in the supply chain. These issues underscore the urgent need for sustainable practices that prioritize both the planet and its people.
What are Sustainable Jeans?
Sustainable denim refers to jeans and other denim garments made with practices that prioritize environmental, ethical, and social responsibility. Unlike conventional denim, which can involve harmful manufacturing processes, sustainable denim focuses on reducing its impact from start to finish. These are the key elements we look for in a sustainable jeans brand:
Eco-Friendly Materials:
• Crafted from organic cotton, recycled fibers, or alternative eco-friendly blends.
• Reduces water consumption and reliance on harmful chemicals.
Innovative Production Techniques:
• Utilizes waterless dyeing and energy-efficient processes.
• Implements strategies to minimize waste throughout manufacturing.
Ethical Labor Practices:
• Ensures fair treatment of workers with transparent supply chains.
• Emphasizes ethical practices from field to finished product.
Environmental Responsibility:
• Aims to lower carbon footprints and conserve natural resources.
• Supports a more sustainable, closed-loop production model.
Now, Our Top Picks for Sustainable Jeans Brands:
1. Organsk
For: Men & Women
Price: $175-255
Sizes: 25-34 W / 27-32 L
We love brands that take circular fashion seriously! organsk® is a sustainable denim brand offering an alternative approach to the linear take-make-dump model. Their exclusively eco-certified organic + recycled denim for men and women automates circular take-back schemes with tiered membership plans. In addition, their jeans are made with e-FLOW + Atmos technologies, which are cutting-edge techniques that use 95% less water, 90% fewer chemicals, and 40% less energy than conventional techniques. On each pair of jeans you browse, you can find in-depth transparency on the product and learn why it is a great sustainable choice for your closet!
2. Able
For: Women
Price: $40-168
Sizes: 23-34 / 16W-24W
ABLE offers a great collection of denim clothing, including high-quality jeans and stylish shorts that are both comfortable and flattering. The fabric is exceptional—durable yet soft, ensuring a great fit for various body types. In addition to jeans and shorts, ABLE also features a range of denim jackets and skirts, all crafted with attention to detail and quality. What sets ABLE apart is its commitment to social responsibility. The brand invests in the education and training of women, empowering them to secure sustainable employment. This initiative helps break the cycle of poverty, allowing these women to thrive and become self-sufficient.
3. Reformation
For: Women
Price: $168-218
Sizes: 23-34
Crafted from responsibly sourced fabrics (like Organic Cotton, Tencel/Lyocell, and EcoLycra), each pair of Reformation jeans reduces water usage, energy consumption, and waste through efficient manufacturing practices. By using only one-third the water and cotton compared to conventional methods, they dramatically reduce resource consumption. The finishing process eliminates harmful chemicals, relying on non-chlorine-based bleaches to wash down denim, ensuring a gentler treatment on both fabric and environment. A neutral-based enzyme further decreases water, resources, and energy usage by two-thirds, setting new industry standards for efficiency. These practices, combined with ethically sourced materials and responsible manufacturing, significantly lower their environmental footprint.
4. Outerknown
Price: $168-198
Sizes: 23-34
Outerknown jeans showcase a perfect blend of sustainable innovation and stylish design. Made with responsibly sourced materials, these jeans significantly reduce environmental impact through practices like minimized water usage, recycled fabrics, and organic cotton. Each pair is crafted in facilities that adhere to rigorous ethical standards, promoting fair labor practices and transparency throughout the supply chain. Outerknown has long been known for their men's collection of denim jeans, and recently they started a line for women. The women's denim collection features versatile, timeless designs that provide comfort and durability.
5. Warp + Weft
For: Men & Women
Price: $88-98
Sizes: 00-24
If you’re in search of budget-friendly denim options, this brand is definitely worth exploring. They offer a wide variety of styles to suit different tastes, whether you're looking for classic jeans, trendy cuts, or plus-sizes. What sets this brand apart is their manufacturing model; they operate an eco-friendly mill recognized as one of the largest textile manufacturers worldwide. This allows them to produce high-quality denim without breaking the bank, with prices for their jeans remaining under $100. We love more affordable sustainable jeans!
6. unpsun
For: Masculine & Feminine
Price: $200-215
Sizes: custom
Unspun creates custom-fit jeans and denim shorts for women and men who want to have a perfect-fitting pair of jeans that is also sustainably made. From waist to stitch, you choose your fit and customize the details, and then, the brand crafts it according to your body shape and measurements. Since the jeans are made-to-order, they are very comfy to wear and flattering, and you are more likely to love and wear them for a long time! It also means that Unspun has no inventory, which prevents overproduction and eliminates the risk of having unsold pieces. The company is also a B Corp, and it works with partners who use OEKO-TEX or Bluesign-certified chemicals, recycle the water they consume, and use energy- and water-saving technology.
7. Everlane
For: Men & Women
Price: $38-148
Sizes: 23-35
Expertly crafted from premium organic cotton, Everlane jeans deliver exceptional comfort and durability, allowing you to look great while making ethical choices. With a diverse range of fits to suit many body types —ranging from high-rise skinny to relaxed straight and modern wide-leg— Everlane ensures that everyone can find the perfect pair that complements their unique shape and personal style. One of the standout features of Everlane is its transparent pricing model, which breaks down the costs associated with each pair of jeans. This transparency allows customers to understand exactly what they are paying for, covering everything from high-quality materials to fair labor practices. Everlane takes pride in partnering with ethical factories that prioritize fair wages and maintain safe working conditions for their employees.
8. Nazeerah
For: Women
Price: $135-175
Sizes: XS-XXL
Nazeerah's sustainable jeans are thoughtfully crafted from 100% organic cotton, sourced from leftover threads that would typically end up in landfills. This innovative approach not only minimizes waste but also champions the principles of circular fashion. By focusing on natural, biodegradable fibers, Nazeerah effectively reduces environmental impact and steers clear of the synthetic microplastics that are prevalent in fast fashion denim. The brand emphasizes versatility and timelessness in its designs, offering styles that seamlessly blend into any wardrobe. Each pair of jeans is produced with ethical practices in mind, utilizing durable, eco-friendly materials that ensure longevity.
9. Patagonia
For: Men & Women
Price: $125-129
Sizes: 0-18 / Short & Regular
Patagonia’s sustainable jeans are thoughtfully crafted from organic cotton, cultivated without the use of harmful pesticides. This not only helps to conserve water but also fosters healthier soil, promoting a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem. In addition to their commitment to environmental responsibility, Patagonia prioritizes ethical labor practices by collaborating with Fair Trade Certified factories. This partnership ensures that workers are compensated with fair wages and provided with safe working conditions, reflecting the brand's dedication to social justice. The dyeing process for these jeans employs innovative techniques that significantly reduce waste, conserving water, energy, and chemicals. By embracing a buy-less, wear-more philosophy, Patagonia encourages consumers to invest in quality over quantity, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry.
10. Nudie Jeans
For: Men & Women
Price: $185-260
Sizes: 24-38 / 28-36 L
Nudie Jeans are meticulously crafted from 100% organic cotton. The brand places significant emphasis on environmental responsibility by utilizing eco-friendly dyes and implementing ethical production methods in their manufacturing processes. In addition to their eco-conscious materials, Nudie Jeans actively promotes the concept of circular fashion. They offer repair services that encourage customers to maintain and extend the lifespan of their jeans. This initiative not only helps reduce waste but also embraces the idea of reusing and cherishing garments rather than discarding them. Further demonstrating their dedication to sustainability, Nudie Jeans has introduced a recycling program designed to repurpose worn-out denim, effectively minimizing textile waste and promoting responsible consumption.
11. MUD Jeans
For: Men & Women
Price: $77-160
Sizes: 25-34 W / 30-34 L
MUD Jeans stands at the forefront of circular denim, using 100% organic cotton and recycled materials to produce sustainable and long-lasting jeans. Their innovative leasing system promotes circular fashion by allowing customers to return their old jeans, which are then recycled into new pairs, effectively minimizing waste. Committed to ethical production, MUD Jeans collaborates with Fair Wear Foundation-certified factories to ensure that workers receive fair wages and enjoy safe working conditions. With a strong focus on transparency and eco-friendly practices, MUD Jeans has become a leading choice for consumers who prioritize sustainability.
12. Outland Denim
For: Men & Women
Price: $217-335
Sizes: 24-34
Outland Denim is a brand focused on sustainable and ethical fashion, utilizing organic cotton and eco-friendly practices to reduce its environmental footprint. They have created their own vertically integrated production facility in order to have total control over their manufacturing. The company empowers women by providing fair wages, training, and safe working conditions, while also supporting survivors of human trafficking and other marginalized communities. Committed to transparency, Outland Denim offers high-quality, timeless designs that are made to endure.
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