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OUR TOP 10 ECO FRIENDLY DENIM BRANDS

by Bonny Osterhage, White Apricot Staff Writer

 

In the fickle world of fashion, trends come and go. But the one trend that stands the test of time is denim. Seriously, can you think of a more universally appealing and versatile item than a great pair of jeans? Worn with a hip tee and boots, they are downtown cool… With a great pair of heels and a blazer, they blend in at the office…and with a sexy top and strappy stilettos, they can boogie the night away.  How many other items in your wardrobe can say that?

 

Thanks to some of the most recognized names in denim, as well as some of the leaders in the organic clothing industry, there are now plenty of jeans that let you and the earth live happily ever after. Most are made from 100 percent organic cotton, dyed with natural indigo dyes and some even feature recycled zippers, buttons and rivets. One unique brand is so committed to recycling that they even make jeans from their own jeans! If you think organic denim is code for “mom” or “hippie” jeans, you are in for a shock. These companies feature all the latest and greatest in colors and styles from the low-riding relaxed fit to the super skinny jean and every fit in-between. Here are our picks for the top ten most eco-friendly and stylish jeans.

 

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7 for all Mankind
Who doesn’t love their “Sevens?”  Now you can love them even more, knowing that they offer a line made from 100 percent organic cotton in both men’s and women’s styles, all in a wash appropriately called Yosemite. These are so popular that the company keeps selling out quickly every time they get them in, so keep checking the website if you don't see them. www.7forallmankind.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aoki

Aoki jeans (aoki is Japanese for green tea) are made from 98 percent organic cotton with 2 percent of stretch. The women’s line is designed to make you look long and lean with three different cuts to fit any body type. Get yours at http://www.shopmodify.com. The Aoki website is not quite ready yet, but keep checking back. www.aokijeans.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Del Forte Denim
Designed for the “eco-chic woman who is transforming the face of fashion,” Del Forte jeans are made from 100 percent organic cotton and come in classic and fashion forward styles. Check out the “reJEANeration” limited edition skirt made from recycled Del Forte jeans. You can see the whole line and find a store near you at www.delforte.com.We found the largest selection at www.btcelements.com and www.thewhitepebble.com.

 

 

 

Denim Therapy
Okay, this one isn’t really a clothing line, but it is a good way for those of you who refuse to part with your favorite jeans to still do something good for the earth. Instead of throwing out your jeans when they become ripped or torn, salvage them by sending them to denim therapy, where they will be reconstructed with a woven-in color matched fabric. www.denimtherapy.com

 

 

Good Society & Sling & Stones
We've grouped these two together because they come from the same designer. Good Society is the "affordable" line, while Sling & Stones is the high end line at about $350 a pair! But, according to the company, Sling & Stones denim is made of American-grown organic Supima cotton, one of the finest and rarest natural fibers on earth. They say that the cost of this fabric alone is more than the entire cost of producing most other ‘premium’ jeans...and they have 24K gold plated hardware... even the thread is real gold. Good Society is also made of 100% organic cotton...just not the rare one. Both lines donate a portion of their proceeds to charities to help people in under developed countries. Both lines are available at www.revolveclothing.com. See the collections and find a store near you at www.slingandstones.com and www.goodsociety.org.

 

 

James Jeans
Mainstream denim brand James Jeans istaking a different approach to eco. While the jeans are not made of organic cotton, the process that they go through to achieve the different washes is green. Rather than using potassium promagnate and a washing machine to "age" the jeans, the company hand brushes a mix of tea leaves, coffee and other natural "reactants" on each pair and then dries them in the open air and sunshine. The story goes that this open air technique was discovered by accident when the staff left a bunch of jeans in a warehouse with a sunroof...hmmmm... But, the result is great looking, soft and comfortable jeans, processed without chemicals. Available at Barneys New York (www.barneys.com) and www.greenrohini.com. www.jamesjeans.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Levi Strauss
The name synonymous with jeans has evolved and produced two eco friendly lines: Levi’s Eco and Levi’s Captial E. What’s the difference? Eco is made with all or a large percentage of organic cotton, while Capital E features all organic cotton, as well as recycled buttons, rivets, zippers and natural indigo dyes. Both lines feature the same style and quality that made this brand famous. www.levistrauss.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Linda Loudermilk Denim
Loudermilk has been leading the organic fashion march for several years, so it is no surprise that she has gone above and beyond in making denim fashionable. Her line, Loudermilk Denim, is not only limited to jeans, but also includes dresses, coats and more, all made with her signature materials including sasowashi, bamboo, soya and other self-sustaining plants. Available at www.kaightnyc.com. See the line and find a store near you at www.lindaloudermilk.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Loomstate Organic Clothing
Inspired by roots of “casual, American style,” Loomstate jeans are made from 100 percent certified organic materials and designed with respect for the ability of the environment to “balance, shape and color itself.” Whether high-rise, low-rise, white or dark denim, these jeans capture that perfectly lived-in feeling. Available at Barneys New York (www.barneys.com). See the collection and find a store near you at www.loomstate.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serfontaine

Okay, here's another one that may not be purely organic in the sense that they do not use all organic cotton, but Serfontaine does substitute organic fruit enzymes for harsh chemicals in the wash process and hand grinding to achieve the stone washed look, instead of pumice stones mined unfairly in third world countries in order to achieve the perfectly distressed look of the jean. They must be doing something right because Brittney, Beyonce, J Lo and Paris couldn’t be wrong. Rock your own pair at www.shopintuition.com and www.kaightnyc.com. Find a store near you at www.serfontaine.com.