Sustainable. Eco. Green. Conscious. Recycled. We regularly hear these words on the tags of our clothes, but what do they actually mean? Despite many of us looking to sweatpants and shorts for the pandemic, denim jeans will remain a staple always. However, its production only leads to the usage of tonnes of water and harmful chemicals are often involved in the process. Choosing pieces that are built to last is also vital for a sustainable wardrobe. But also, what you do with your old denim is just as important as shopping smartly, ensuring your clothes don't end up in landfill is crucial. To put it simply, when shopping for denim now, make sure you pick the sustainable path. Brands and industry stalwarts are seeking to produce jeans more sustainably and ethically. It's crucial that we all shop our jeans more sustainable and here's everything you need to know.
This Is How You Can Make A Purchase Of Sustainable Denim Jeans
1. Opt For Natural Fibers
Look for jeans that are made of as close to 100 per cent of the natural fibre possible. Try organic cotton as it uses less water. Other plant-based fibres such as lyocell or hemp use less water and are also more environmentally friendly options.
2. Don't Look For Stretchable Denim
Denim which is stretchable is made of a blend of cotton and polyester. The mix of natural and synthetic means it's difficult to recycle. You should actually make sure to know where and how your garment would end up later. When washed, these polyesters have microplastics that can eventually reach the ocean by one's rigorous washing of these numerous polyester clothes.
3. Look For Safe Water Treatment
A large number of chemicals typically used to dye and treat jeans are hugely damaging to the environment, polluting waterways that are vital for local communities. Opt for brands that use low water dyeing and treatment techniques, too.
4. Try Vintage Or Upcycled Denims
Considering the amount of denim already out there, buying second-hand remains one of the most planet-friendly options. And upcycled clothing is really chic and stylish nowadays. Extending the life of a garment and using it the maximum way possible can reduce its carbon and water footprints.
5. Do Not Over-wash
Extending the life of your jeans also means caring for them properly. That means not over-washing them, which will save water and reduce microplastics being released, too. Plus, denim ages better when it is washed less.
6. Just Repair It
Repairing any tears in your jeans instead of throwing them out will also make them last much longer, lowering their overall environmental impact. Darning can be done in such a creative way; you can add to the individual nature of denim and even make it look more trendy than before.
Simple Points To Ponder When Selecting Sustainable Denim
Make sure you know where your garment has come from, who has made your clothes and where and how it's going to end after many years.
Read up on what your garment is made from and how that can impact the environment.
Invest in good quality products that will last a lifetime. Reduce your shopping spree behaviour.
Check that the garment can be recycled, upcycled and anything that can give give a new lease of life once you're done.
(Also Read: Alia Bhatt On Fashion Advice And Balancing Sustainability With Her Personal Style)
