Sustainable Denim for Spring (+ a huge list of sustainable brands)

well hello + happy Wednesday. I’m excited to share with you my current favorite denim (I mentioned them in April’s Monthly Closet Recap) that is also from a sustainable denim brand. WIN. I may sound like a broken record, but as I’ve mentioned I’m working toward better consumption habits all the way around. For me that means less shopping in general, more sustainable brands and buying secondhand!

Look, I still have a LONG way to go, as only one item from my April shopping was from a sustainable brand, and when I share my monthly recap at the end of this month, it will be the same for May. But, I’m learning, looking into new brands, unfollowing accounts on Instagram that promote constant consumption, and following new slower fashion + sustainability focused accounts.  

This is a lifestyle change for me, and lifestyle changes take TIME, especially if you want them to last. Hence why I think fad diets are dumb, and you should work to make lifestyle changes if you want to get healthier.

Anyway, let’s dive in. These jeans are from the Japanese brand Edwin. I found them at Shopbop and was able to purchase as part of my on-going collaboration. Edwin manufactures their jeans at Saitex, which is the world’s cleanest denim facility. (You can read more about their approach here).

(Before I go any further, I want to acknowledge that the ability to focus on sustainability is a privilege and I do recognize that.) Sustainable brands are often more expensive, and these jeans are an example of that. Luckily, wearing the clothes you already own + purchasing resale are often more cost effective alternatives that are even more sustainable!

I discovered Edwin because I had been on the hunt for a lighter wash, cotton, straight distressed pair of jeans. Aka the quintessential summer jean. I had credit at Shopbop, so I started looking there, and found Edwin. Knowing nothing about the brand, I started Googling it (of course haha), and was excited to learn they were a sustainable denim brand.

If you are someone who loves stretch denim these are not for you haha. They are 100% cotton, which I love, but I know that’s not for everyone. With jeans I look for between 98-100% cotton because they will break in so well.

Looking into Edwin got the ball rolling, and that same day I spent a few hours looking up sustainable brands online + on Instagram. I’m going to be sharing the list of what I’ve found so far today as well as some resources I used to find them. I know this list will continue to grow, so I plan to come back and continually edit this blog post and add to the list!

AND, I’m using the word sustainable as a “catch all” of sorts. Each of these brands has a page on their site dedicated to their efforts – some are taking more than others! Definitely do your own research if a certain issue is very important to you 🙂

Also, if you have any brands you love that I missed – let me know!

***As I was linking all these sites almost every single one offered a discount for email sign up! Don’t forget to do that if you find a piece you want to add to your closet.

And now, the list of sustainable brands:

GLDN – dainty and beautiful jewelry
Poppy & Sage – hand woven bags (perfect for summer!)
Minor History – leather goods + bags
Cuyana – Women’s (simple, beautiful leather goods + some clothing)

Frank and Oak – Men’s + Women’s
Christy Dawn – Women’s specifically dresses – (20% off sitewide right now)
Jamie & the Jones – Women’s
Reformation – Women’s
Everlane – Men’s + Women’s
Vetta Capsule (currently running 20% off sitewide) – Women’s
Eileen Fisher – Women’s
Amour Vert – Women’s
Sezane – Women’s mainly
Jenni Kayne – Women’s + Shoes
Mara Hoffman – Women’s + Swim
Tradlands – Women’s
Boden – Men’s + Women’s + Kid’s
KOTN – Men’s + Women’s
Pact – Men’s + Women’s + Kid’s
ABLE – Women’s + Shoes
Whimsy + Row – Women’s
Back Beat Co. – Women’s
Sotela – Women’s clothing (emphasis on inclusive sizing)
Lacausa Clothing – Women’s
Monsoon London – Mens + Womens + Kids
Encircled – Women’s
Thought Clothing – Mens + Womens
Outerknown – Mens + Womens
Epoque Evolution – Women’s
United by Blue – Men’s + Women’s
Fair Trade Winds – Gifts + Clothing
Petite Studio – Women’s Petites
Indigenous – Men’s + Women’s
People Tree – Women’s
Thom Kelly – Men’s + Women’s
Dudley Stephens – Women’s Fleeces
Los Angeles Apparel – Men’s + Women’s + Kid’s
Summersalt – Women’s Swim + Lounge

Veja – Men’s + Women’s + Kid’s shoes
Nisolo Shoes – Men’s + Women’s
Rothy’s – Women’s shoes + bags

Boyish Jeans – Women’s sustainable denim
Levi’s – Men’s + Women’s + Kid’s
Edwin USA – Men’s + Women’s sustainable denim
Outland Denim – Men’s + Women’s
DL1961 – Men’s + Women’s + Kid’s
E.L.V. Denim – Women’s

Patagonia – Men’s + Women’s + Kid’s
Athleta – Women’s + Girl’s (but Hill City is their men’s brand)
Girlfriend Collective – Women’s activewear (on my list to try this year!)
Outdoor Voices – Men’s + Women’s activewear
Alternative Apparel – Men’s + Women’s + Kid’s cozy basics + lounge
Groceries Apparel – Men’s + Women’s

Polywood Furniture – outdoor furniture!

Truly, I haven’t delved too far into furniture or jewelry yet. But I will share when I do! Oh, and before I forget, here are a few websites with good information:
The Good Trade
Reve-En-Vert
A Conscious Curation
Fashion Revolution

Thanks for stopping by today. Again, please send me any awesome sustainable brands that you know about! And quickly – my boots + top are old but I’m linking similar items below if you’re interested. Have a great day!