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If you live in the US or want some alternatives to the region’s iconic—but unsustainable—denim brands, check out our list of more ethical denim brands from the USA.
Jeans are synonymous with America, but the biggest brands aren’t sustainable
Few garments are as closely associated with the United States as blue denim jeans are. After all, Levi’s, which refined and popularised the style, was founded in the region, and many of the world’s biggest denim brands also hail from the USA, including Gap, Lee and Frame.
But America’s biggest denim brands aren’t doing or disclosing enough to be considered more responsible or ethical. None of those mentioned above received ratings above our middling score of “It’s a Start” when our analysts last reviewed their sustainability. That’s disappointing, because they all have the power and finances to influence and improve their supply chains for the better, especially when compared with smaller brands.
Why sustainability in denim is important
Sustainability in denim is really important because indigo dyeing has its own set of challenges, including health risks to workers in factories, extensive water usage, and wastewater treatment. Not to mention the challenges of recycling garments like jeans that aren’t necessarily designed to be taken apart easily, which is necessary for textile recycling: think of all those rivets, buttons and zips.
One upside of denim is that it is highly durable, so if a brand works to reduce its impact and manufacture its jeans more ethically, and the consumer who buys them keeps the jeans in circulation for as long as possible (ie wearing, repairing, and then reselling or keeping for a long time), then the garment can be a good choice.
So, with all that said, which US denim brands are doing the work to be more responsible? Here, we’re sharing 10 more sustainable denim brands (or those that sell it as a main category) from all around the United States.
