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Our editors have worn and reviewed sustainable denim for years — these are our favorite brands offering thoughtfully made and size-inclusive barrel jeans.
Barrel jeans are kind of having a moment. The flattering waist, the curved leg, the tapered ankle… they look great with everything from sweaters to t-shirts, and we’re definitely going to be wearing them all year long. We looked for the best sustainable barrel jeans that aren’t just great to look at but also are made with materials and processes that don’t harm the environment. And did we mention they look so good too?
What should you look for in sustainable jeans?
When shopping for sustainable jeans, it’s important to consider the materials, manufacturing processes, and the overall quality of the jeans. Look for eco-friendly materials like recycled fibers, organic or regenerative cotton, and hemp. Third-party certifications are a great way to ensure the integrity of the brand and the materials. Some to look for include GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), OCS (Organic Content Standard), GRS (Global Recycled Standard), and OEKO‑TEX for low‑toxicity/harmful‑chemical safety. Also look for brands that use nontoxic dyes and water-efficient processes to help limit pollution and water waste. Many of the brands on this list specifically outline how they are limiting waste and water waste in their manufacturing processes. Finally, look for jeans that will last. The most sustainable way to shop is to find items that will last a long time and stay out of landfills longer. For denim, look for high-quality materials. Also, be sure to follow the recommendations for washing from the brand, and only wash your denim as needed. And when you do, avoid bleach, use mild detergent, and air-dry to extend the longevity of your jeans.
Our criteria:
We’ve worn, loved, researched, and reviewed sustainable fashion brands for almost a decade. These denim brands are our favorites offering sustainable barrel jeans that are made to last and to fit many different bodies. All of the brands on this list meet our criteria for sustainable denim outlined below.
- SUSTAINABLE | These brands combine ethics and quality, pushing forward eco-friendly manufacturing, ethical labor practices, and asking tough questions about supply chains while making your new favorite pair of jeans.
- DURABLE | All of the denim on this list is made to last, that’s part of what makes it so sustainable. A good pair of jeans should last for years.
- SIZE-INCLUSIVE | We’ve included brands that offer a large range of sizes so there’s a good fit for anyone in the market for new jeans.
Looking for more denim? Read our editor’s review of our favorite ethical denim brands. Or want to refresh your closet with more sustainable pieces? You’ll certainly find something on our list of 99 sustainable and Fair Trade brands.
1. KOTN
Best For | Organic cotton barrel jeans
Sizing | Women’s 25-32; Men’s 28-36
Prices Starting At | $158
Founded by three friends, Kotn started with the goal to make a perfect cotton t-shirt. The B Corp focuses on natural fibers and building lasting communities with the cotton farmers they work with. The Women’s Philae Denim are Kotn’s version of the barrel leg jeans. They’re made from 100% cotton and ethically crafted in Turkey. Kotn also has barrel jeans for men: the Men’s Sakkara Denim, also made from 100% cotton and featuring that same light curved shape. Kotn also gives back through The ABCs Project, donating a portion of proceeds annually to fund and build schools in Egypt, where the cotton farms they work with are located.
2. Everlane
Best For | Classic barrel jeans
Sizing | Women’s 23-33
Prices Starting At | $128
Everlane is a reader favorite, and we love it too — they’re extremely transparent about their social responsibility, and they use high-quality natural materials that look and feel great. There are a few barrel jean styles at Everlane to check out. First, the cult-favorite Utility Barrel Jeans, which are made of regenerative cotton denim with just a touch of stretch for a comfy, classic barrel jean feel. The Way-High Curve Jeans are a much more dramatic silhouette, feature a high-rise waist, and are made from organic cotton. Finally, while not technically a barrel jean, these Way-High Gardener Cropped Jeans definitely resemble that signature barrel leg. We love their workwear-inspired design and that they’re 100% GOTS Certified organic cotton.
3. Reformation
Best For | Cropped barrel jeans
Sizing | Womens 23-34
Prices Starting At | $198
Reformation is known for its chic, vintage-inspired, and sustainable designs, and its barrel jeans are no exception. The Tyler Mid Rise Barrel Jeans are a relaxed mid-rise jean with a cropped barrel leg, and we love the sophisticated simplicity of them. They’re made from 80% organically grown cotton and 20% recycled cotton, making for a non-stretch fit that feels good on you and the environment. Ref’s jeans are made in Turkey in factories where employees are paid fair wages. And their eco-friendly processes save thousands of gallons of water. They’re also dedicated to circularity — or Happy Endings as they call it — with free in-store hemming, perks for reselling, and a recycling program.
4. Warp + Weft
Best For | Subtle curve barrel jeans
Sizing | Women’s 24-32
Prices Starting At | $98
Some people don’t want an exaggerated barrel jean shape, and we hear you! For barrel jeans with a more subtle curve, we love Warp + Weft’s BNA Soft Curve Barrel Jeans. The high-rise, vintage-inspired jeans are made from cotton, including some recycled cotton. One thing that’s really cool about Warp + Weft is that the family-owned company uses vertical integration, which means they oversee the entire process of the garments being made, from fiber to the finished piece, ensuring that it’s eco-friendly and sustainable.
5. AGOLDE
Best For | High-rise barrel jeans
Sizing | Women’s 23-34
Prices Starting At | $238
Agolde is a denim label first, so you know there’s a lot of thought and intentionality behind all of their jeans. Their goal is to focus on design, comfort, and sustainability, and they personally test every fit and fabric. Agolde has two barrel jeans designs, both a simple yet classic take on the pants. The Luna High Rise Pieced Taper barrel jeans are high-waisted with a full-length leg and made from a mix of regenerative cotton, post-consumer recycled cotton, and recycled lyocell. The Low Curve Jeans are a more subtle barrel jean, with a mid-rise waist and a relaxed fit. These are made from 100% regenerative cotton for a more rigid material.
6. Just Black Denim
Best For | American-made barrel jeans
Sizing | Women’s 24-31
Prices Starting At | $118
Just Black Denim is an LA-based denim brand dedicated to local US manufacturing and quality craftsmanship. They have several barrel jeans styles, all handmade right in LA. The Classic Barrel Jeans are made from 100% cotton, creating a structured look that holds its barrel shape, giving them a vintage feel. The Utility Seamed Barrel Jeans are a more relaxed, comfort fit, made mostly from cotton but with a touch of Spandex for the slightest bit of stretch. You might notice some variations in the jeans, from length to shading, and that’s because they allow for some variance in the handmade jeans.
7. Quince
Best For | Affordable barrel jeans
Sizing | Women’s 23-33
Prices Starting At | $50
Quince jeans are a crowd-favorite for a reason. They’re comfortable, affordable, and sustainable — and they look great! The Bella Stretch Barrel Jeans are only $50, and they’re made from lyocell tencel and Organic Content Standard (OCS) certified cotton. They’re OEKO-Tex Certified, and hundreds of reviews vouch for their quality and comfort, too. We’ll take a pair (or two), please!
8. Ética
Best For | Edgy barrel jeans
Sizing | Women’s 24-34
Prices Starting At | $228
Prioritizing sustainable sourcing, low waste, and clean manufacturing, Ética creates high-quality pieces that are as thoughtful as they are beautiful. They have a few styles of barrel jeans, all crafted using InCloud, their patented treatment for washing denim in a sustainable way. We love the Franklyn Utility Barrel jeans because of their edgy look; they’re ultra high-rise with utility pockets and an ankle tab that cinches to create an even more dramatic silhouette. For a more casual look, the Quinn Relaxed Barrel jeans have a relaxed, modern fit. Both jeans are made from 100% recycled cotton and with a wash process that uses natural dyes and zero harmful chemicals. They’re also produced in an ethical factory certified for its social responsibility and clean production practices. And every purchase plants a tree through One Tree Planted.
9. DL1961
Best For | Dramatic silhouette barrel jeans
Sizing | Women’s 23-34
Prices Starting At | $229
For a more dramatic silhouette and unique options, DL1961 is the place. They have several barrel jeans, from pairs with fun patterns like the Miro Barrel High Rise Jeans to ones with side slits like the Rori Wide Barrel High Rise Jeans. They have more classic options, too, of course. Like the Taylor Relaxed Barrel Ultra High Rise Jeans, for example. DL1961 uses organic and recycled cotton in its jeans, and they manufacture them in their family-owned factory so they can oversee the entire process. They’re dedicated to sustainability, circularity, and traceability. And another cool thing? They have a virtual styling service to help you find the perfect fit.
Featured image is from Reformation
Brianna Schubert is a writer and editor based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade, an editorial assistant at Motley Bloom, and a freelance writer. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Since 2023, Brianna has combined her expertise and investigative skills to deliver thoughtful reviews of sustainable products and home goods, helping readers make informed, eco-conscious choices. Brianna is also the writer behind The Mood Board, a Substack newsletter for creativity and inspiration. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking up a new recipe, reading and recommending books, cuddling with her cat, or yapping with her friends at a café. Say hi on Instagram!
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