From causally cool to denim-on-denim chic, jeans have been staples of our wardrobes for years. However, denim is also one of the most polluting fabrics in fashion, using 7,500 liters of water and nasty chemicals per pair, according to National Geographic. Additionally, the chemicals used to give jeans their distinctive look, such as bleaches and dyes, can have a negative impact on the garment workers' health and our environment. With over 200,000 million jeans being sold yearly, the impact of recycling jeans, using organic cotton, and other sustainable practices these brands below are using can bring a huge change!
P.S. If you have a brand to add to the list, especially one that is BIPOC-owned and inclusive of 4XL+ sizing, let us know by sending us a DM @lucky.sweater !
The label's owner and designer, Caron Callahan, constantly inspired by her friends and neighbors, sets out to make clothes for creative, spirited individuals who love fashion, but don't necessarily follow it.
Materials: Cotton
Sizes: XS-XL
Prices: 130$-370$
In Decade Studio, Designer Molly had devised a way to solve this troublesome jean fit issue while fitting a variety of body shapes and sizes. This novel blueprint is what they call the Ratio‑Fit. This formula allows space for the hips and tush while perfectly fitting the waist. Today, the Decade brand continues to produce ethically and sustainably made garments that are durable, stylish and fit.
Materials: Cotton
Sizes: 25-50
Prices: $195
Gravel & Gold
Gravel & Gold is an independent, woman-owned design collective in San Francisco, California. Since 2008, they have supported one another and a broader community of artists to create joyful, useful items. They share business responsibilities, a studio, and meals, they run workshops, and they take care to express common values through the work they create.
Materials: Cotton
Sizes: XXS (their size 00)-3XL (their size 6)
Prices: $136- $195
Hey Gang
Every HEY GANG piece is made in the USA, in Dallas, Texas, and Los Angeles, California. Each of the sturdy fabrics, such as Japanese and American denim, and organic jersey from Texas grown cotton, is ethically sourced, as are the manufacturing facilities.
Materials: Cotton
Sizes: XXS-XL
Prices: $88 - $325
Kings of Indigo
Kings of Indigo positions itself as a pioneer in this ever‑changing sustainable fashion world, innovating with materials and sustainable production methods, constantly exploring how to reduce the impact on the planet and people. They have a code of conduct, do social audits and give a living wage to their workers. They are one of the most transparent brands in the denim industry.
Materials: Recycled Cotton, Organic Cotton, Natural Fibers, Tencel
Sizes: 24-34
Prices: $109 - $230
Loup
Loup is a Parisian‑inspired women’s wear collection passionate about finding the perfect fit. Pulling vintage details from the wardrobes of icons like Jane Birkin, Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn, Loup combines a love of 1960’s Paris with a touch of modern ease.
Materials: Cotton, Spandex
Sizes: XXS-4XL
Prices: $120 - $180
Mud Jeans
Mud Jeans is a circular denim brand. Their high quality jeans consist of recycled and organic cotton. They use worn out jeans to create new ones.
Materials: GOTS certified Cotton
Sizes: 25-33
Prices: $100 - $200
Nettle Studios strives to be as size and gender inclusive as possible. They believe that clothing is meant to be comfortable and should only aid you in your journey to feeling good.
Materials: Cotton
Sizes: XXS-6XL (check their size chart as they list their sizes a bit differently than similar brands)
Prices: $132 - $160
Nudie Jeans
Nudie Jeans are not designed to be used a few times and then thrown away. They cherish the well‑worn and mended. They also do unlimited free repairs.
Materials: Cotton
Sizes: 24-38
Prices: $129 - $400
RE/DONE | Levi’s
RE/DONE launched in 2014 with the simple idea of taking the old and making it new again, an inherently sustainable goal that pivoted the fashion industry toward a more responsible future. After a tedious nine months of product development – creating one mid‑rise modern skinny fit, and one irreverent, perfectly slouchy, borrowed‑from‑the‑boys relaxed fit – the first run of 300 pairs instantly sold out from their direct‑to‑consumer site.
Materials: Depends on the availability of items.
Sizes: 23-32 waist
Prices: $265 - $1050
Warp+ Weft
This family‑owned company has been in the denim business for three decades. Their 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 environment, and your wallet. The company is size inclusive too!
Materials: Cotton, Elastane
Sizes: 00 – 24
Prices: $22 - $98
Head to Lucky Sweater to explore and swap slow fashion denim brands!
Come for the clothes, stay for the community. Never have to buy again.