Many people now wear jeans almost exclusively, and it’s easy to understand why. They go well with almost anything and are adaptable, strong, and simple to wear. Few people, however, pause to think about how creating traditional denim affects the environment. A single pair of jeans requires a sizable quantity of water, energy, and chemicals, which adds to waste and pollution.
Thankfully, there is a solution to lessen this effect: sustainable denim. You can help the environment while still wearing your favorite jeans in comfort and style by buying sustainable denim. One of the greatest ways to do this is to utilize antique or old jeans. Extending the lifespan of current clothing, not only serves to decrease the demand for new products but also lowers the quantity of textile waste that ends up in landfills.
In addition to the advantages of the environment, antique jeans have a distinct character and style that you won’t find in contemporary denim. Every pair has a backstory and a tale to tell, making them a wonderful complement to any wardrobe. You can help the environment while still looking and feeling wonderful by wearing sustainable denim.
But how can you go about buying environmentally friendly denim? Here are five ideas to help you get going:
1. Look for organic cotton
A form of cotton known as organic cotton is grown without the use of potentially dangerous substances like pesticides and herbicides. Compared to cotton which is cultivated conventionally, it is therefore a more environmentally friendly option. Also, it has less of an effect on the well-being of supply chain workers. When purchasing new jeans, search for the label that says “organic cotton” as many sustainable denim businesses use this fabric in their production. Choosing denim made with organic cotton is an excellent way to support sustainable and ethical fashion practices.
2. Check the production process
Aside from using organic cotton, sustainable denim brands also incorporate eco-friendly production methods to minimize their environmental impact. Some of these methods include reducing water usage, using natural or low-impact dyes, and minimizing the use of harmful chemicals. To ensure that you are making a sustainable denim purchase, check the brand’s website or product tags for information on their production process. By doing so, you can make an informed decision and support brands that prioritize sustainability in their production methods.
3. Choose high-quality denim
Although investing in high-quality denim may cost more upfront, it can save you money in the long run. Well-made jeans are less likely to wear out quickly or go out of style, so you can wear them for years to come. This means that you won’t have to replace them as often, ultimately saving you money in the long term. Not only that, but high-quality denim often fits better and feels more comfortable, which makes it a worthwhile investment in your wardrobe. In light of this, when purchasing jeans in the future, think about shelling out a little extra money to purchase a pair that is sturdy and will last you for many years.
4. Invest in timeless pieces
Choosing classic denim cuts like straight-leg or bootcut jeans may be more environmentally friendly. You won’t feel the need to refresh your wardrobe to match the newest trends because these timeless outfits are constantly in style. Because they are adaptable and can be dressed up or down, these styles are useful in every situation.
By spending less and maintaining a more sustainable wardrobe, you may lessen your influence on the environment by favoring traditional denim styles over contemporary ones.
5. Shop second-hand
If you’re looking to shop sustainably and reduce your environmental impact, shopping for second-hand denim is an excellent option. Second-hand shopping helps to reduce the demand for new production, thereby conserving resources and reducing waste. Yes, shopping second-hand can be truly time-consuming and overwhelming. It’s hard to find your size, photos are often poor and scams are very often.
However, since second-hand became more popular than ever before in the past couple of years, there are countless marketplaces and tech solutions out there that are making buying used easier than ever before. For example, with this extension, you can automatically see second-hand or refurbished alternatives to the items you’re browsing in online stores.
Conclusion
A strong push toward sustainability in fashion has emerged in recent years. Customers are starting to demand more environmentally friendly solutions as a result of the growth of fast fashion and its damaging effects on the environment. There are numerous methods to change things when it comes to denim.
Using superior fabrics that last longer is one easy approach to sustainably purchasing denim. Choose companies that make their products with recycled or organic denim, and stay away from those that do so. Moreover, think about buying used or antique denim because it eliminates waste and gives your clothing personality and individuality.
If you’re on a budget, there are still plenty of ways to shop sustainably. One option is to buy fewer items of higher quality, rather than multiple cheaper items that won’t last as long. You can also consider renting or borrowing denim for special occasions, rather than buying something new.
By making small changes in our shopping habits, we can all do our part to make the fashion industry a little more sustainable. Shopping for sustainable denim through options like Faircado doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive, and it can make a big impact on the environment.
For more tips and tricks on how to live a more sustainable life, check out our magazine.
