Denim is an area of ethical fashion that I didn’t look into until a few months ago, I somewhat made the executive decision to stop buying jeans whatsoever and even now I’ve found that I only wear one pair of jeans to college which are my Levis pair from Depop, fashion experimentation this term has been a wonderful thing. It’s one of the clothing items, however, that I’m don’t overly leap up at the opportunity to find a £5 pair in Oxfam; unlike a jumper or jacket. Yet, despite the fact I would rather buy denim new, ethical denim is quite expensive and for a student who is trying to save I thought that, until I started looking, buying new ethical denim was near impossible.
After a quest to find denim that fits several criteria, one of which being able to easily buy in the UK, I have compiled a list of ethical denim brands and/or places that you can buy ethical denim products. I wanted to make sure that you could buy a pair of jeans for under £100 or the equivalent of and that they were easily accessible to get hold of. Below are some brands that sell sustainable, ethical and quality denim, my Depop jeans have made a feature because although they aren’t a brand in themselves, I think you can find great denim buys on Depop that hardly been worn (and I managed to by my Levis pair for £18!)
Probably my favorite brand for ethical denim has to be Kings of Indigo. I say affordable because I’ve only ever bought a pair of jeans from them in the sale, which is a great way of being able to buy ethically on a budget. Yes the full price items are expensive but when ethical items do go on sale they can be reduced by quite a bit, Kings Of Indigo and People Tree are probably the ethical brands I would most recommend buying when they’re on sale.
For those of you who live in the UK however, the shipping costs €16 (approx. £14) which is potentially a lot if you’re just buying one pair of jeans. After doing a little bit of googling, I found that Zalando sell Kings of Indigo, with the same sales (almost the same, just not quite as extensive) and guess what?? The delivery is free. If you live in the UK I would highly recommend looking on Zalando, but there are a few stunning finds that seem exclusive to Kings of Indigo’s European website as well (there’s a striped mens jumper that I am in LOVE with, but €16 shipping ya know).
‘made using upcycled pre-consumer denim waste. This waste is ground back into fibre and woven into our new Billie Jean Yarn. Using no chemicals and no dyes, we manage to save 20,000 litres of water per kilogram of upcycled material.’
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Photo taken from Nudie Jeans website |
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Photo taken from Monkee Genes website |
If you do have any other ethical denim sites that you love then leave a comment and you may be able to help someone who is also on the hunt! I hope you have all had a fab Christmas and are awaiting an even happier New Year. I’m torn about whether to do a resolutions post, so do let me know if you’d like a chatty end of year/new year post, merci beaucoup :))
lots of love, eleanor xx
This. Thank you so much for sharing!! I’ve found it surprisingly easy to go ethical and sustainable in every area of my wardrobe apart from my much loved jeans!! This is just the post I’ve been looking for, thank you! Jeans are such a staple in so many people’s wardrobes, I wish it was easier to find an ethical pair xx
Em
emsirose.blogspot.com
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