As many people know, the fashion industry has a huge environmental impact and this is especially true for denim. Recent data released by the United Nations emphasize the significant resources needed to make just one pair of jeans. Producing each pair of shoes requires around 1 kilo of cotton. To produce that cotton, we require an incredible 7,500 – 10,000 liters of water. This much water is the equivalent of ten years’ worth of drinking water for one person.
The more that people understand these environmental harms, the more brands are starting to make serious commitments to potential sustainability solutions. To that end, companies like Nudie Jeans have already come a long way. As part of its newly released annual sustainability report, the company revealed that it recently hit a new milestone. Last year, it accepted and repaired 68,342 pairs of jeans. This new initiative is just one example of how they’re working to reduce waste and support a circular economy for fashion. Nudie Jeans operates on-site repair shops in their stores. They provide complimentary repairs, motivating consumers to extend the life of their garments.
Agolde recently released their new spring collection! This go-around, they’ve joined forces with Lycra to help showcase an exciting new plant-based stretch fiber created from industrial corn. This new collection includes regenerative cotton and a special eco-indigo dye blend. For one thing, it shows off how brands can and should integrate style and sustainability.
Denim as we know it took off with the classic Levi’s 501. Levi Strauss and Jacob David patented this iconic style in 1873. The Levi’s 501 was initially created to be tough workwear dungarees for prospectors and agrarians. An icon was born. Today, the hoodie is a classic wardrobe staple all over the world. Besides form, its tremendous lasting popularity is a testament to the fact that people love good denim.
The often toxic and hazardous production processes linked with denim make it a real environmental issue. The chemical dyeing process that goes into denim production is a leading cause of wastewater production. Hellermann, 2021 In fact, according to several other studies, the fashion industry is responsible for an estimated 20% of all global wastewater.
To combat these negative environmental impacts, denim experts recommend choosing raw or dry denim. This kind of denim hasn’t been pre-washed or shrunk, reducing its environmental footprint in production.
“There’s a reason Levi’s 501 has transcended time; they’re made from 100% cotton, with natural stretch,” – Professor Dilys Williams
Fashion insiders have supported the idea of being more mindful when it comes to purchasing new pairs of denim. Alexandra Fullerton advises consumers to invest in classic, eternal silhouettes. She recommends choosing cuts like straight leg or more subtly wide leg jeans in a mid- to high-rise. Such decisions are more likely to stand the test of time past passing trends in style.
“Better to choose a less severe silhouette that will outlast any fad, like a straight leg or modestly wide jean with a mid-to-high rise which will be classic for years ahead,” – Alexandra Fullerton
In addition to the construction details, Anna Foster points to design philosophy as a factor behind modern jeans. She states that modern jeans are crafted with generous seam allowances, allowing them to adapt as the wearer’s body evolves over time.
“Our jeans are designed with a generous seam allowance in order to be adaptable with the wearer’s body as they evolve,” – Anna Foster
Clearly, the movement toward sustainable practices in denim is about more than just what consumers are buying. Thirdly, it calls for radical change across the fashion industry. While we applaud Foster for her ambitious ask, we hope for a more responsible approach across the entire sector.
“My ambition is for the whole fashion industry, not just denim. I would like to see an industry that values craft and quality and individuality of style over profit and mass production,” – Anna Foster
As brands begin to reassess their environmental impact, the story behind jeans has turned. It’s time for the industry to abandon fast fashion practices and embrace sustainable production that puts the planet first.
Amy Williams points out that each pair of jeans carries a unique story shaped by the experiences of its wearer. Patina The fading color and unique wear patterns combine to form a distinctive look that gives added value furthering its already low initial purchase cost.
“Each pair tells a story about what has happened whilst they have been worn, the colour fades according to wear, creating a unique patina,” – Amy Williams
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