Your love for denim doesn’t have to be destructive. We love a great pair of jeans, but we don’t love that the production of denim, which is primarily made from cotton, is one of the most resource-intensive processes in the textile industry. Growing cotton alone consumes vast amounts of water and chemicals, with an estimated 22,500 liters of water required to produce just 1 kilogram of cotton. Further down the line, conventional denim production uses around 7,000 liters of water per pair of jeans, involving intensive dyeing and finishing processes with synthetic indigo and harsh distressing techniques that can cause significant pollution, affecting both the environment and factory workers. The good news is that the shortfalls of these traditional methods don’t mean you have to abandon your love for jeans.
As consumer demand for sustainability rises, more brands are stepping up, adopting innovative techniques to minimize their environmental impact and create responsible denim. When you are looking to buy, opt for jeans from leading brands that utilize low-water practices, more friendly dying techniques, and regenerative agriculture systems. It can feel overwhelming to weed through the vast amount of choices in the marketplace, but thankfully the LVRSustainable selection is here to help you find the brands that are here to do good and advocate for change and innovation so you don’t have to choose between doing good and looking good. Here’s a closer look at how some of the leading brands in our catalog are making strides toward responsible denim production.
Acne Studios
We love Acne Studios is for its forward-thinking designs and progressive approach to fashion. The Swedish brand’s sustainability efforts are woven deeply into its aesthetic, with 89% of their cotton sourced organically and a growing focus on regenerative agriculture. They introduced RegenAgri certified cotton to their denim collection, supporting soil health, biodiversity, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. In 2023, 71% of Acne’s denim styles were produced using low-impact methods, including ozone and laser treatments that reduce water, energy, and chemical consumption. The brand’s creative ambition is matched by its dedication to ethical production, ensuring their denim is as responsible as it is trend-setting. Acne Studios demonstrates that sustainability can be integral to cutting-edge design, creating pieces that are made to last in both style and durability. Discover jeans to feel good about and more from Acne Studios.
Citizens of Humanity
Citizens of Humanity has always been synonymous with premium denim, offering modern sophistication in every stitch. But beyond the luxurious feel and iconic fits, they are transforming the denim industry with regenerative agriculture. Not just organic, their Integrity Grown™ Cotton ensures that the soil used in cotton farming is healthier, more resilient, and more biodiverse, reducing the negative effects of monoculture. Citizens of Humanity is also pioneering the use of laser distressing, ozone treatments, and E-Flow technologies, cutting water usage in half compared to conventional methods. With the KITOTEX® and INDIGO JUICE® technologies, they further reduce water, chemical, and energy consumption. In short, Citizens of Humanity combines high-fashion appeal with planet-friendly innovation, making their denim as smart as it is stylish. Invest in conscious classics and make the most of your wardrobe with denim from Citizens of Humanity.
AGOLDE
AGOLDE is known for its cool, vintage-inspired denim that defines effortless style. As part of the Citizens of Humanity family, AGOLDE is also committed to minimizing environmental harm without sacrificing style. They’ve integrated friendly dyes like Indigofera Tinctoria, a natural indigo derived from plants, and vegetable dyes from acacia bark, reducing the use of harmful synthetic chemicals. AGOLDE’s Fall ’22 collection marked a new era of sustainability, with water-cleaning systems at their laundry facilities and actionable plans to fully recycle water. Their commitment extends beyond denim aesthetics, embracing cleaner production methods and constantly evolving their practices to inspire industry-wide change. Their chic, minimalist designs now come with a cleaner conscience, making it possible to look stylish while doing better for the planet and its people. Refresh your denim with better choices from AGOLDE and other conscious styles to pair with the perfect pair of jeans.
Collectively, on a large scale, reducing our environmental footprint requires cutting resource consumption and designing pollution out of clothing altogether.
– United Nations Environment Programme
Loulou Studio
Loulou Studio is celebrated for its refined, minimalist aesthetic that seamlessly merges Parisian elegance with laid-back luxury. In a commendable effort to better its practices, the brand has taken a conscious step with the launch of its denim capsule made entirely from 100% organic cotton. By choosing organic cotton, Loulou Studio ensures that its denim is grown without harmful pesticides, insecticides, or chemical fertilizers, which protects both ecosystems and workers. Organic farming also conserves soil health and limits water and energy use, reflecting the brand’s commitment to responsible production. Produced in Italy, each piece in the collection maintains the label’s high standards of craftsmanship while embodying a more ethical approach to fashion. With this, Loulou Studio delivers timeless style without compromising on impact, making a strive toward sustainability an integral part of its chic vision. Create your look with Loulou Studio jeans and everything to pair them with.
As consumers, we have the power to choose denim brands that prioritize conscious production, transparency, and environmental and social stewardship. From regenerative cotton farming to innovative water-saving technologies and the diminution of harmful chemicals, LVRSustainable brands are leading the charge toward a more responsible denim industry. By supporting these initiatives, we not only help reduce the environmental impact of denim production but also promote a future where fashion is both stylish and sustainable.
