Denim is a staple item in anyone's closet; however, the production of denim raises concerns about the durable garment's impact on the environment and the social and ethical issues associated with its production. For example, it is indicated that about 500 billion gallons of water are used to make jeans sold in the US every year, leading to intensive water usage and water pollution. Making a pair of jeans is a water-intensive process with a high water footprint. Water footprint measures the amount of water used to produce each of the goods we use. Another critical environmental issue that comes with denim is the process of fabric dyeing and treatment. Indigo dye gives denim its signature blue color, which comes in many shades. After the yarn is dyed, it is woven into denim fabric. Denim undergoes various finishing treatments to give it unique visual and textural characteristics like fading and fraying. Indigo is not water-soluble so commonly, it includes chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, and potassium permanganate that can pollute the water and be harmful to workers who are exposed to these chemicals.

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The need for more sustainable and ethical denim production practices has led to a growing demand for eco-friendly and socially responsible denim. In recent years, innovative ways have been developed to reduce the environmental and social impact of the denim industry. Circular practices such as using recycled water and recycled materials in the production process, as well as take-back programs to extend the lifetime of the products, have become popular ways to tackle some of the industry's pressing issues. More companies are also utilizing sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and cellulose fibers to minimize the environmental impact of the materials used. Innovative technologies, such as foam dyeing, natural dyes, and laser processing, are also being pioneered to reduce water and chemical usage. Traditional dyeing and finishing processes can consume vast amounts of water. Industry leader Wrangler has developed water-saving technologies such as "Dry Indigo," which uses foam to dye the fabric, reducing water usage by up to 100%. Researchers at the University of Georgia found that natural indigo dyes could secure over 90% dye fixation compared to 70–80% of conventional methods, making it more effective at dyeing fabric and less harmful to the environment. Levi's has also recently partnered with dye manufacturer Stony Creek Colors to pilot the use of plant-based indigo, which may reduce the amount of harmful byproducts. CO2 lasers used in finishing are an effective alternative to potentially dangerous and harmful processes like sandblasting for manufacturers to create visual and textural characteristics like fading, fraying, and patterns in the denim fabric. Practical frameworks like the Jeans Redesign Guidelines published by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation set specific requirements for the durability, material composition, and recyclability of jeans and guidelines for labeling and consumer education.

The prevalence of denim in fashion and its production processes raise important questions about our responsibility as consumers and as a society. Fortunately, the denim industry and fashion in general are making significant progress toward making sustainability being the norm. By adopting low-impact processes and following guidelines, the industry can reduce its carbon and water footprint. Innovative solutions are making it possible for an increasing selection of sustainably made denim products in the market. As consumers, it is important to understand the implications of denim production, and if you can purchase from brands that are putting efforts to make sustainable and socially responsible denim. Here are our guide to US born brands that are making jeans differently.\

1. Boyish Jeans

Instagram | @boyishjeans
Born in | United States
Shipping | Worldwide
Sustainability Certifications | Climate Neutral Certified, Global Organic Textile Standard, Organic Content Standard 100, PETA-Approved Vegan, Global Recycled Standard

Boyish jeans are made using non-toxic dyes and gentle processes to protect water and keep it safe for people and the environment. The jeans are made with sustainable, recycled fabrics that are third-party certified. Boyish jeans indicates that they only use 1/3 the amount of water that regular denim uses and recycle all the water used in this process. The brand transparently communicates their environmental and social impact to consumers through its annual impact reporting.

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2. Re/Done

Instagram | @shopredone
Born in | United States
Shipping | Worldwide

This brand started in 2014 by redesigning and upcycling vintage Levi's and turning them into one-of-a-kind unique pieces. Now the brand has grown to upcycled over 200,000 pairs of vintage Levi's, saving 1.75 million gallons of water by using no water aside from the initial sanitization process of raw goods. If you love preloved vintage, this brand will empower your individuality.

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3. DL1961

Instagram | @dl1961
Born in |  United States
Shipping | Worldwide
Sustainability Certifications | Global Organic Textile Standard, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Organic Content Standard 100

DL1961 is a family-owned brand, creating premium denim with the perfect fusion of fit, fabric, function, and sustainable manufacturing. The brand indicates that their jeans take less than 10 gallons of water compared to 1500 gallons per jean, through the ultra-absorbent fibers and waterless processes. DL1961 also partnered with Recover™ to break down textile waste from landfills and turn it into sustainable, recycled fibers.

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4. Unspun

Instagram | @unspun
Based in |  United Stages
Shipping | Worldwide
Sustainability Certifications | B Corporation

If you ever wish for customized jeans, unspun is the place. You can customize your jeans by choosing the style, fabric, stitch color, waist rise, and leg length combo, and if you use an iPhone, perfect the fit with Unspun’s mobile body scan technology. You can choose to schedule a free fitting over a call or in-person at their San Francisco headquarter. The brand practices automated, localized, and intentional manufacturing to reduce global carbon emissions and uses 24% less CO2 to produce compared to traditional jeans.

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5. Citizens of Humanity

Instagram | @citizensofhumanity
Born in |  United States
Shipping | Worldwide

Citizens of Humanity is a LA based premium denim brand committed to producing high quality denim without social and environmental compromise. The brand uses KITOTEX® and INDIGO JUICE® technologies reduce the amount of water, chemicals, and energy in the production of yarns. The brand reports that they save 15% water, 33% chemicals and 25% energy compared to conventional dyeing processes.

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7. Warp + Weft

Instagram | @warpweftworld
Born in |  United States
Shipping | Worldwide

Warp + Weft pride themselves to create high quality denims through their eco-friendly mill. The brand skips the environmentally harmful bleaching process by opting for Dry Ozone technology, which is fully compliant with International Social and Environmental & Quality Standards. While manydenim brands buy their materials, Warp + Weft created their own premium denim from scratch. The cotton, Lycra and Tencel they use come from the US and highest quality gyes from Europe.

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8. Triarchy

Instagram | @triarchy
Based in |  United States
Shipping | Worldwide
Sustainability Certifications | OEKO-TEX Standard 100, PETA-Approved Vegan, Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Organic Textile Standard

Triarchy seeks to reduce the massive water consumption of jeans production. They do this by using responsibly-made fabrics and dyes with sustainable laundry technology. They thus pride themselves on the world's 1st plastic-free, sustainably elevated jeans.

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