A good pair of jeans is one of those pieces you wear on repeat. But denim production is famously resource-heavy. It uses a ton of water, chemicals, and often involves poor labor practices.
So it’s pretty cool that more and more brands are rethinking denim with organic cotton, recycled fibers, and cleaner production methods. And the result? Jeans that look amazing, feel great, and are better for people and the planet.
What Makes Jeans Eco-Friendly?
I’ve been curious about this for awhile, so I started looking for brands that are using organic or recycled materials, non-toxic dyes, and water-saving production techniques. Transparency in supply chains and fair working conditions also matter – because sustainability isn’t just about the fabric, it’s about who makes your clothes too.
Here are a few brands doing this really well:
1. Ninepine
Ninepine is my personal favorite. Their jeans have that perfect stretch-meets-structure balance, and I love that they keep releasing new colors (I’ve been tempted more than once). They use organic and recycled fabrics, and their designs are minimal, timeless, and versatile enough for everyday wear.
Price range: €90–€120 (about $95–$130)
🌍 Based in Europe, ships worldwide.
2. Kuyichi
Kuyichi was one of the first denim brands to go all-in on sustainability, and they’ve stayed true to that mission. Their jeans are made with organic cotton, TENCEL, and recycled fibers, and they’re produced under fair working conditions. Classic, simple designs that are built to last.
Price range: €110–€150
🌍 Ships worldwide from Europe.
3. Nudie Jeans
This Swedish brand is legendary for its repair program – you can get your jeans fixed for free at their stores, which keeps them in circulation for years. Their denim is made from organic cotton and often includes recycled fibers too. Plus, they’re transparent about every step of their supply chain.
Price range: $140–$220
🌍 Ships worldwide, with repair shops across Europe, the US, and Asia.
Outland Denim makes jeans with a purpose: they provide fair employment opportunities for women who have experienced exploitation. Their denim uses organic cotton and water-saving dyeing processes, and the fits are classic with a modern edge.
Price range: $150–$200
🌍 Ships worldwide from Australia.
5. Boyish Jeans
Based in Los Angeles, Boyish has a strong focus on vintage-inspired designs and sustainable fabrics. They use organic cotton, recycled cotton, and TENCEL, along with eco-friendly dyes and laser finishing (instead of harsh chemicals).
Price range: $150–$200
🌍 Ships worldwide from the US.
6. Armedangels
This German slow fashion brand makes jeans from organic cotton with less water and energy than conventional denim. Their fits are relaxed and modern, the kind of jeans you can wear on repeat without thinking twice.
Price range: €100–€130 (about $110–$140)
🌍 Ships worldwide, with most availability in Europe.
7. Reformation
Reformation’s denim line is designed with both fit and sustainability in mind. They use organic and recycled fabrics, and their Los Angeles factory runs on renewable energy. If you want eco-friendly jeans with a fashion-forward edge, this is a great pick.
Price range: $148–$218
🌍 Ships to the US, Canada, UK, and EU; international shipping available with customs.
8. ÉTICA
ÉTICA is a smaller brand making big strides in responsible denim. Their jeans are produced with reduced water and energy, and they use sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and TENCEL. The styles lean toward relaxed, everyday comfort with a polished look.
Price range: $160–$200
🌍 Ships mainly within the US, with limited international availability through select retailers.
9. Patagonia
For rugged, practical denim, Patagonia is a great option. Their jeans are made with organic cotton and Fair Trade Certified sewing. They’re less about trend and more about durability, but that’s exactly why they last.
Price range: $99–$129
🌍 Ships worldwide.
Jeans are the kind of thing you live in, so it’s worth finding a pair that feels good in every sense. And if you’re going to wear something for years, it might as well be well-made and low-impact. Thankfully, that’s no longer a rare combo in denim.