05 Apr

Our Favourite More Sustainable Denim Jackets to Rock Year Round

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Everybody looks cooler in a denim jacket, it’s just a fact. And double denim has made a solid comeback in the last few years, which we love to see… unlike Justin and Britney’s questionably iconic head-to-toe denim at the 2001 MTV Awards, but we won’t talk about that.

The ultimate wardrobe staple

Cringe-yet-innocent fashion moments aside, denim jackets aren’t only stylish—they’re durable, great for layering, and match just about anything. Pair your jean jacket with a slip dress and some boots for subtle cowgirl vibes, or, yes, with actual jeans for a power move.

Whether you like them lightwashed or embroidered, they’re a fantastic staple for any wardrobe. Buuuuut there’s one problem: most denim jackets you’ll find at your local mall or fast fashion chain store are made with conventional cotton, AKA one of the thirstiest fabrics on the planet. That’s where more sustainable denim jackets come in, and their hero material: organic cotton.

While organic cotton’s reputation has been on somewhat shaky ground in recent years owing to issues with certification legitimacy and transparency in supply chains, there’s no denying true organic cotton it’s a step up from conventional cotton for people and the planet. Organic cotton farming practices avoid using harmful chemicals while aiming for environmental responsibility and the use of fewer resources, which is good news for the fields and the farmers.

Your best bet for a more responsible cotton is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton, which can be found in a lot of the options below. Fair Trade certified cotton garments also help to guarantee the health and safety of workers in the supply chain. Even better, look for recycled or second hand options on your hunt for the perfect wardrobe all-rounder.

From the unisex undyed jacket, to the classic lightwash jacket, and the belted denim jacket, there are options aplenty. So, without further ado but just a little to-do, here are our favourite more sustainable denim jackets to rock year ’round.

Mother of Pearl

Rated: Good
woman of colour wearing black boxy sustainable denim jacket by Mother of Pearl

Dolly Black Jacket – Ships internationally from the UK

Mother of Pearl is a more sustainable and ethical luxury womenswear and accessories designer brand from the UK that celebrates individuality and authenticity. The brand uses a high proportion of lower-impact materials including organic cotton and ensures the payment of a living wage across some of its supply chain.

Who says more sustainable denim jackets have to be cookie-cutter? This unique oversized black denim jacket is A Look.

Find the jacket in sizes XS-XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Mother of Pearl.

Shop Mother of Pearl @ Rêve en Vert.

Shop Mother of Pearl Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

MUD Jeans

Rated: Great
people wearing organic cotton denim jackets time wardrobe essentials by MUD Jeans

Taylor Jacket – Ships internationally from the Netherlands

Dutch denim brand MUD Jeans is all about responsibility. Not only does it offer a repair service, but it also provides a rental service where you can lease a pair of jeans for up to a year. MUD Jeans uses a combination of GOTS certified organic cotton and post-consumer recycled cotton.

It doesn’t get more universal and versatile than this one—a unisex, timeless cut denim jacket available in sizes XS-2XL at the time of writing. Yes, please.

See the rating.

Shop MUD Jeans.

Outland Denim

Rated: Great

Taylor Signature – Ships internationally from Australia

Outland Denim makes premium denim jeans and clothes, and offers employment opportunities for women rescued from human trafficking in Cambodia. This Australian brand was founded as an avenue for the training and employment of women who have experienced sex trafficking.

We’re loving this more sustainable denim jacket made from a combination of Lyocell, organic cotton, and recycled cotton.

Find the jacket in sizes XS-XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Outland Denim.

Shop Outland Denim @ Good.

Baukjen

Rated: Good

Organic Denim Jacket – Ships internationally form the UK

Baukjen is a London-based womenswear brand, with a focus on environmental responsibility and more sustainable style. Its clothes are designed for you and designed for good. The brand uses lower-impact materials, which helps limit the amount of chemicals, water, and wastewater used in production.

Baukjen’s organic denim jacket is a classic.

Find the jacket in UK sizes 6-18 at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Baukjen.

Yes And

Rated: Good

Gisele Motor Cycle Jacket – Ships internationally from the US

Yes And aims to banish the stigma that more sustainable fashion has to sacrifice style, quality, fit, colour, comfort, or price. With this US-based brand you can actually have it all, and more.

Its products, including this cool denim motorcycle jacket, are certified organic, low-impact dyed, and more responsibly made.

You can find the jacket in sizes XS-XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Yes And.

The R Collective

Rated: Great
woman wearing eco-friendly denim vest by The R Collective

Vent Vest – Ships internationally

The R Collective’s womenswear collections are made by reusing rescued excess materials from leading luxury brands and reputable manufacturers. The brand uses a high-proportion of lower-impact materials, which limits the amount of chemicals, water, and wastewater used in production. It also ensures the payment of a living wage in its supply chain.

If you like your denim jackets sleeveless, this vest is the one for you.

This garment is available in “one size” only.

See the rating.

Shop The R Collective.

Shop The R Collective @ ourCommonplace.

Whimsy + Row

Rated: Good
A medium wash denim jacket by Whimsy + Row.

Hayden Jacket in Dark Denim – Ships internationally from the US

Whimsy + Row is a conscious lifestyle brand born out of a love for quality goods and more sustainable practices. Since 2014, its mission has been to provide ease and elegance for the modern woman. By limiting each garment to short runs, Whimsy + Row utilises deadstock fabric, reduces packaging waste, and takes care of precious water resources.

This dark blue denim jacket was inspired by the founder’s trip to Japan and features those signature chunky buttons.

Find the piece in XS-XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Whimsy + Row.

Shop Whimsy + Row @ Earthkind.

Afends

Rated: Good

Unisex Organic Denim Jacket – Ships internationally from Australia

Offers

Someone wearing denim jeans by Afends.

Afends – Men’s Denim

Laid back or loosened up. Reworking denim staples, with worn washes and utilitarian details. Made from organic cotton and hemp. Find your fit for denim that never dies. Buy 1 pair of jeans, get 1 free Men's Denim. (Ends: 30 SEP)

Shop now
Someone sitting on denim jeans wearing womens denim jeans by Afends.

Afends – Womens Denim

Pick your go-to player with our must-have high rise jeans, classic 90-inspired flared jeans or low rise baggy fits. Find your fit for denim that never dies. Buy 1 pair of jeans, get 1 free Women's Denim. (Ends: 30 SEP)

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Afends is a Byron Bay based fashion brand leading the way in organic hemp fashion, using renewable energy in its supply chain to reduce its climate impact.

This unisex cement wash denim jacket is all kinds of cool.

You can find the jacket in sizes XS-XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Afends.

Non

Rated: Good
An oversized grey wash organic and recycled cotton denim jacket by Non.

Raglan Jacket – Ships internationally from the UK

Non is a UK-based label that offers raw selvedge denim jeans, jackets, and accessories that are designed to last.

This relaxed fit grey wash denim jacket is made from half-and-half organic and recycled cotton.

The jacket is available in sizes S-XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Non.

Nudie Jeans

Rated: Great
A slim fit vintage wash menswear denim jacket by Nudie Jeans.

Bobby Blue Tribe Denim – Ships internationally from Sweden

Nudie Jeans designs 100% organic and recycled cotton denim and is transparent about its production. The brand also offers a free repair service, resells second hand products, as well as recycles worn out items.

For a classic vintage wash more sustainable denim jacket, the Bobby is the real deal.

Find the jacket in sizes XS-2XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Nudie Jeans.

Shop Nudie Jeans @ Farfetch.

Shop Nudie Jeans Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Armedangels

Rated: Great
A dark green recycled cotton denim jacket by Armedangels.

AANOJ Recycled Cotton Denim Jacket – Ships internationally from Germany

Innovative, responsible, and on-trend. Germany’s Armedangels gets a top score overall from us. The brand covers all the basics in womenswear, menswear, and kidswear. Armedangels’ quality and long-lasting pieces are made from lower-impact and certified materials, like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified cotton. The brand also adopted the Fair Wear Foundation Code of Conduct to protect its workers abroad.

This cool deep green denim jacket is made entirely from recycled cotton.

It’s available in sizes S-2XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Armedangels.

Shop Armedangels @ Earthkind.

E.L.V. Denim

Rated: Good
woman wearing half half deadstock denim jacket by ELV Denim

Dark Blue / Light Blue Contrast Jacket – Ships internationally from the UK

E.L.V. Denim transforms old discarded denim into modern, sophisticated, and even made-to-measure jean jackets, pants, and accessories.

If you really can’t decide between a dark and light wash, why not have both? This anti-waste, more sustainable denim jacket is made from vintage denim and stitched together to serve us a fashionable Frankenstein’s monster look.

Find the jacket in sizes XS-XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop E.L.V. Denim @ Rêve en Vert.

Shop E.L.V. Denim.

Kuyichi

Rated: Good
man wearing classic dark blue sustainable denim jacket by Kuyichi

Bourne Dry Selvedge – Ships internationally from the Netherlands

Established in 2001, Kuyichi is the first organic denim brand. With high labour and environmental ratings, the brand designs responsible and durable, yet trendy and modern pieces that never go out of style.

For real denim lovers, this is the ultimate timeless jean jacket. Wear the sleeves rolled up for a laid back look.

Sizes XS-2XL are available at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Kuyichi.

Shop Kuyichi @ Staiy.

Kings of Indigo

Rated: Good
An ecru organic cotton denim jacket by Kings of Indigo.

OTA Ecru Jacket – Ships internationally from the Netherlands

Kings of Indigo makes quality denims, tops, and accessories inspired by American classics with a Japanese eye for detail. The brand uses GOTS organic cotton as well as recycled cotton and wool, and avoids all chemicals from the REACH chemical list.

For an unconventional denim jacket look, our editors are loving this boxy ecru jacket made from 100% organic cotton.

It’s offered in sizes XS-XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Kings of Indigo.

ASKET

Rated: Good
black man wearing lightwash classic denim jacket by Asket

The Washed Denim Jacket – Ships internationally from Sweden

ASKET has been creating timeless wardrobe essentials since 2015 with revolutionary sizing and fair pricing. The brand disregards seasonal collections, cuts out all the middlemen, and only sells directly to you—putting its entire focus on building a single permanent collection.

Its stonewashed more sustainable denim jackets are simple and iconic, without all the fuss and flair. Perfect to complete an effortlessly clean look.

Find the jacket in sizes XS-XL at the time of writing, with S-L sleeve lengths available too for the perfect fit.

See the rating.

Shop ASKET.

Outerknown

Rated: Good
A light wash organic cotton and TENCEL blend denim jacket by Outerknown.

Jefferson Boyfriend Jacket – Ships internationally from the US

Founded by surf champion Kelly Slater, Outerknown is a more sustainable brand that aims to blend style and function with the protection of natural resources. The brand is Bluesign certified and has partnered with the Fair Labour Association.

Add this versatile layer to your wardrobe—an iconic everyday piece in that favourite oversized “boyfriend” silhouette made from an organic cotton and TENCEL blend.

Find the look in sizes XS-XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Outerknown.

Shop Outerknown @ Wearwell.

Shop Outerknown @ Good.

Boyish

Rated: Good
woman wearing cropped vintage style denim jacket ethically made by Boyish

Harvey Jacket – Ships internationally from the US

Love the & Other Stories vibe, but hate their fast fashion business model? Boyish has all the quality, fit, and authentic washes that you could want without the harmful practices.

The Harvey more sustainable denim jacket is inspired by your favourite vintage. It has a slight oversized fit, cropped length, and comes in a destructed medium eco-wash.

Find sizes 2XS-XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Boyish.

Editor's note

Feature image via E.L.V. Denim, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands.

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