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09 Jan

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-L 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.

Kings of Indigo

Rated: Good
Someone wearing short denim jacket by Kings of Indigo.

OTA Cindy Mid Worn 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 a worn, workwear-inspired denim jacket look, our editors are loving this short regular fit jacket made from organic cotton and TENCEL Lyocell.

Find it in sizes XS-L at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Kings of Indigo.

Triarchy

Rated: Great
Someone wearing a cropped oversized shirt-jacket by Triarchy.

Ms. Castro Cropped Oversized Shirt – Ships internationally from the US

US-based Triarchy creates more sustainable jeans, skirts, shorts, jumpsuits, and jackets. The brand’s production system uses 85% recycled water by consistently reusing the “thick indigo laden sludge” that unmonitored factories dump into water systems.

This cropped oversized shirt doubles for an edgy jacket that’s all kinds of cool.

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

See the rating.

Shop Triarchy.

Shop Triarchy @ LVRSustainable.

Outland Denim

Rated: Great
Someone wearing a denim jacket by Outland Denim.

Jenny Denim Jacket – 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.

E.L.V. Denim

Rated: Great
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.

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 most sizes XS-XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Whimsy + Row.

Shop Whimsy + Row @ Earthkind.

MUD Jeans

Rated: Great
Someone wearing a denim jacket by MUD Jeans.

Janet 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.

This unique blue wash denim jacket is made from a blend of organic and recycled cotton, and features a wide fit, and wide cuffs to boot. Find it in sizes S-L at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop MUD Jeans.

non

Rated: Great
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.

Armedangels

Rated: Great
Someone wearing a selvedge style denim jacket by Armedangels.

Regular Fit Organic 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 selvedge style denim “shacket” is made entirely from recycled cotton.

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

See the rating.

Shop Armedangels.

Shop Armedangels @ Earthkind.

Kuyichi

Rated: Good
Someone wearing a light blue denim jacket by Kuyichi.

Bourne Vintage Blue Jacket – 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 S-2XL are available at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Kuyichi.

Nudie Jeans

Rated: Great
Someone wearing a vintage wash denim jacket by Nudie.

Danny Greasy Denim Jacket – 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 Danny is the real deal.

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

See the rating.

Shop Nudie Jeans.

Shop Nudie Jeans @ Farfetch.

Shop Nudie Jeans Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

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.

ABLE

Rated: Good
People wearing signature denim jacket by ABLE.

Merly Jacket – Ships within the US and Canada

ABLE is a US-based slow fashion brand that pays a living wage to women who have faced extraordinary circumstances. With thoughtful design and a level of quality that guarantees its products for life, its pieces aren’t just an investment for your wardrobe, they are an investment in women around the world.

The brand’s signature Merly denim jacket is made from a soft cotton and Lyocell blend for a relaxed fit.

Find the jacket inclusive-sized from 2XS-3XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop ABLE.

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.

Baukjen

Rated: Good
Someone wearing a denim jacket by Baukjen.

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.

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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