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I researched and tested the best brands offering sustainable denim that’s thoughtfully made, durable, and size-inclusive, too.
Many of us live in and love our denim.👖 A good pair of jeans blends fashion and function in a way that not many pieces of clothing can. That’s why, when we searched for sustainable denim brands, we looked specifically for brands that combine ethics and quality to revolt against the trends of fast fashion and the detrimental environmental impacts of irresponsible denim production.
What should you look for in sustainable jeans?
When purchasing a new or used pair of jeans, it’s important to consider the following: Look for eco-friendly materials like organic and cotton, recycled fibers, or hemp, which reduce the environmental impact of production. Regenerative cotton is also a sustainable favorite, as it goes even further to restore the soil and improve the surrounding ecosystems. Third-party certifications are another way to ensure the integrity of a brand, so look out for GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), OCS (Organic Content Standard), GRS (Global Recycled Standard), and OEKO‑TEX for low‑toxicity/harmful‑chemical safety. You should also prioritize shopping for brands that use non-toxic dyes and water-efficient processes to help minimize pollution and water wastage — a single pair of jeans can be responsible for consuming up to 3,800 gallons of water from field to closet. (Yikes.) Lastly, ensuring your new pair of sustainable jeans are durable is a must — well-made jeans that are built to last help reduce waste, so check for reinforced stitching and high-quality fabrics that can withstand the test of time. Properly caring for your denim will also contribute to your pair’s longevity, so wash your jeans as infrequently as feasible to preserve both color and fabric strength. When you do wash, turn them inside‑out, use cold water, mild detergent, avoid bleach, and air‑dry rather than using a dryer when possible.
When should I shop for secondhand denim?
Shop secondhand when looking for durability, reducing waste, or trying styles you may not want to invest heavily in; it’s great for well‑made denim, classic cuts, or rare washes. Buy new if you aren’t able to find a precise fit, want newer sustainable technologies or fabrics (e.g. regenerative organic, certified supply chains, new stretch denim), or if for any other reason secondhand options don’t meet the fabric or fit standards you care about.
How to find the perfect fit for jeans?
Generally speaking, if you can fit two fingers inside the waistband of your jeans, you’ve found the right fit. If it is difficult to fit two fingers in your waistband, they’re too small. If you can fit more than two fingers, the pair is too big. For trying to find the right fit online, measure your waist, hips, inseam, and rise (how high or low the jeans sit) because brands differ a lot in their sizing/forms. When possible, try on multiple styles and cuts (straight, skinny, wide, relaxed) to see what feels comfortable. Also check fabric content — denim with stretch will fit differently than 100% cotton — and be mindful that raw or unsanforized (aka not pre-shrunk) denim may shrink, so account for that.
Our criteria:
We’ve worn, loved, researched, and reviewed sustainable fashion brands for almost a decade. These jeans and denim brands are our favorites offering sustainable options that are made to last and to fit many different bodies.
While this review considers brands holistically, weighing each’s sustainability and safety criteria, it is also heavily influenced by my own personal preferences and lifestyle: I am 5’1”, prefer petite sizes, and have had two babies in the last five years. My priorities when shopping for denim are comfort, fit, and durability. I lean toward stretch and function, because as one of my fellow colleagues and mother of two said in a recent review, we need our clothes to work as hard as we do. These are my thoughts on each of the brands below, and we regularly update this list with new selections that meet the criteria 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.
These sustainable denim brands are pushing the limits when it comes to eco-friendly and ethical manufacturing, asking tough questions about supply chains, and building products that last — or, in this case, your new favorite pair of jeans.For American-made denim, check out our guide to the best denim brands made in the USA.
Table of Contents
Our overall favorite | Reformation, $138+
Best for Parisian style | Sézane, $125+
Best for high-end, fashion-forward styles | Ética, $198+
Best for curvy bodies | Loup, $180
Best for affordable, organic cotton jeans | Quince, $50+
Best for free in-shop hemming | Buck Mason, $168+
Best for a variety of cuts | Everlane, $128+
Best for American-made | Just Black Denim, $98+
Best for hemp denim | Jungmaven, $185+
Best for size and length variety | Mott & Bow, $107+
Most affordable | Warp + Weft, $88+
Best for workwear | Patagonia, $129+
1. Reformation
Best For | Sexy silhouettes
Sizing | Women’s 23 – 34
Prices Starting At | $138
For the pair I tried:
Fabric composition | 57% organically grown cotton, 43% TENCELL lyocell
Stretch | Y/N
Sizing | Runs large
Reformation’s vintage-inspired jeans are sure to turn heads, from its simple bootcuts to flirty shorts. Made from organic cotton, Tencel, and two percent elastane, this denim will last you for years to come. These pieces are sewn together in Turkey where employees are paid fair wages. Plus, Reformation’s eco-friendly processes save thousands of gallons of water, too. Chic, affordable, and sustainable.
Our Editor’s Review: “I have always been impressed with the way Reformation has built a brand that offers sustainable, classic, and sexy styles alike. This was my first Ref pair and they felt like butter the first time I slipped into them. While I’d certainly opt for one of their shorter inseams and perhaps a higher waist (I’m learning this suits both my petite frame and my post-kid curves) these get a 10/10 from me.”
2. Sézane
Best For | Parisian style
Sizing | Women’s XXS – XXXXL (0 – 16), men’s 27 – 38
Prices Starting At | $125
For the pair I tried:
Fabric composition | 99% organic cotton, 1% elastane
Stretch | Yes
Sizing | Runs true to size, size up if between sizes
Sézane jeans are the perfect mix of chic, sustainable, and intentional design — celebrating every curve with their iconic Parisian-style silhouettes. Made from organic cotton with just a hint of elastane, these jeans offer comfort and style while touting an OEKO-TEX certification, so you can strut in style knowing they’re free from harmful chemicals. Plus, Sézane is all about sustainability — from using recycled packaging to road transport for a lower carbon footprint, they’ve truly thought of it all.
Our Editor’s Review: “Sezane denim is a dream – this was my first pair and has become one of my favorite pairs of denim I’ve ever owned. I tried the Brut Sexy and they’ve become my go-to pair when I’m not sure what to wear. Organic cotton sophistication sums up my wardrobe priorities, and Sezane is the epitome of this ethos. The site notes that one should size up if between sizes, and I found this to be true!”
3. Ética
Best For | High end, fashion-forward styles
Sizing | Women’s 24 – 34
Prices Starting At | $198
For the pair I tried:
Fabric composition | 65% cotton, 35% polyester
Stretch | No
Sizing | Runs true to size
TGT staff favorite Ética’s denim feels soft and well-worn right away, like our favorite pair of jeans we never want to take off. We especially love the wide-leg styles so our legs can breathe! A vertically integrated company, the brand has full transparency in its supply chain. Living up to their name (ética is the Spanish work for “ethical”), the brand demonstrates a commitment to exceeding Fair Labor standards by providing their workers with living wages, health benefits, and free meals. In addition to a safe environment for their workers, they offer ability-inclusive employment to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. Love that!
Our Editor’s Review: “Ética’s denim is high end and the brand offers styles that are elevated and fashion forward, as well as timeless, classic styles. From denim skirts and belted jackets to skinny, bootcut and every other cut of jean you can imagine, each piece meets the same high standards of ethics and responsibility. And while I know we’re here to primarily talk about pants, I fell in love with Etica’s Blaise Jacket and she has become my new personality.”
4. Loup
Best For | Curvy bodies
Sizing | Women’s XXS – 4X (up to 53” hips)
Prices Starting At | $180
For the pair I tried:
Fabric composition | 98% cotton, 2% spandex
Stretch | Yes
Sizing | Runs true to size
If you’ve ever struggled with the right fit for jeans — we know we have — then you’ll love Loup as much as we do. Designed with real bodies in mind, curves included, this NYC-based brand offers work pants you can also play in. Available in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors, you can grab the gorgeous terracotta wide-leg pants or the pinstripe crop denim jeans and everything in between. Best of all, Loup touts a generous repair program so you can enjoy this ethical denim for years to come.
Our Editor’s Review: “Loup denim has a quiet comfort to it and is effortlessly flattering. I tried the best-selling Simone Wide Crop and have noticed myself reaching for these more often than most. They’re deemed the “perfect butt” high-waisted style, and as someone who is trying to figure out which styles suit me post-babies, I always feel good in my skin when I have these on.”
5. Quince
Best For | Affordable, organic cotton jeans
Sizing | Women’s 25 – 33
Prices Starting At | $50
For the pair I tried:
Fabric composition | 72.7% organic cotton, 26.5% lyocell, .8% spandex
Stretch | Yes
Sizing | Runs true to size
Quince jeans are the ultimate blend of style, comfort, and sustainability, making them a must-have for any wardrobe. Their premium super-stretch fabric hugs your curves just right, moving with you for that perfect, flexible fit. Made from super-soft organic cotton, these jeans not only feel amazing but also come with some serious eco-friendly credentials. The black jeans are crafted from a mix of organic cotton, recycled polyester, and a bit of stretch for comfort, while the dark and medium washes boast 94% organic cotton. Plus, Quince jeans are OEKO-TEX certified, so you know they’re free from harmful substances — at only $50 a pop, you can’t miss grabbing a pair (or two).
Our Editor’s Review: “Quince makes denim shopping a breeze with affordable styles, various washes, and three different inseams to choose from on every pair. The brand rings in with the lowest priced organic cotton denim that I’ve seen, which makes theirs the easy choice for affordable, organic denim.”
6. Buck Mason
Best For | Free in-shop hemming
Sizing | Men’s 28 – 40, women’s 23 – 32
Prices Starting At | $168
For the pair I tried:
Fabric composition | 100% cotton
Stretch | Yes
Sizing | Runs true to size
Buck Mason was founded by Erik Allen and Sasha Koehn with the ideals of American staples (from tees to Oxford shirts to ethical denim) at its core. To date, the brand has made hundreds of thousands of products in the U.S. growing its domestic production by over 100 percent per year since 2014. The team has now expanded to international production as well, ensuring that products are fairly and responsibly made. You can also find Buck Mason’s retail shops across the US.
Our Editor’s Review: “Buck Mason’s offers beautifully crisp and impeccably tailored wardrobe essentials, and their denim is no different. Aside from their attention to design detail, my favorite part of shopping with the brand is their free in-house hemming service, an essential for procuring denim that is the perfect fit, and because most these pairs have a default 31” inseam. Additionally, if you have the chance to go in person, don’t miss it! Lounging on their designer couch and sipping a complimentary beverage from their in-house minibar is truly a top-tier shopping experience.”
7. Everlane
Best For | Organic cotton denim
Sizing | Women’s 23 – 35, men’s 28 – 40
Prices Starting At | $128
For the pair I tried:
Fabric composition | 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane
Stretch | Yes
Sizing | Runs true to size
Our readers named Everlane as their favorite denim brand and our team agrees — there’s a style for every body type and at accessible prices. (See all our reader favorites here). Even better? They are committed to clean denim produced in factories that use recycled water and renewable energy, using organic cotton, microplastic-free dyes and recycled trim to have the least harmful environmental impact possible.
Our Editor’s Review: “Everlane offers classic styles and a wide range of trending styles too, making the brand a one stop shop for pretty much anyone in the market for jeans. I myself have purchased dozens (not an exaggeration!) of pairs from them during the last decade as my size and lifestyle has evolved over the years. I only wish they offered petite sizes, but even still, I’ve never had a problem finding something that suits me for my current size and phase of life.”
8. Just Black Denim
Best For | American-made
Sizing | Women’s 24 – 33
Prices Starting At | $98
For the pair I tried:
Fabric composition | 96% cotton, 3% elasterelle-p, 1% spandex
Stretch | Yes
Sizing | Runs true to size
For the jeans of your dreams in any cut you can imagine, we look to Just Black Denim for our favorite easy-going styles. Each pair is meticulously crafted by hand in their LA factory, and dyed with a sustainable liquid indigo ink that uses less water and’ll stay pigmented for many washes to come. They also won’t break the bank — you’ll be able to snag some classic denim shorts, skirts, and everyday jeans for under $100! Just Black Denim offers tall and petite lengths for your perfect fit, with extended sizing available and on its way for many of your favorite styles.
Our Editor’s Review: “Just Black denim offers affordable jeans with extended and petite sizes, a combo I’ve rarely seen. These pairs are also made with elasterell-p, a specialized type of polyester, which is known for its durability and resistance to chlorine and heat (a comfort to me, someone who is known to run my denim through the dryer, despite being advised not to!).”
9. Jungmaven
Best For | Hemp denim
Sizing | XS – 2XL
Prices Starting At | $185
For the pair I tried:
Fabric composition | 55% hemp, 45% organic cotton
Stretch | No
Sizing | Runs true to size
Jungmaven is built on a commitment to sustainability, using hemp, a low-impact, regenerative crop, as the foundation for its clothing. Their garments are made to last, with timeless designs and durable materials that reduce waste. All production is done responsibly in the USA, supporting fair labor and lowering environmental impact. Through thoughtful design and ethical practices, Jungmaven promotes a more conscious approach to fashion.
Our Editor’s Review: “Jungmaven’s denim was a happy surprise, especially for the part of me that loves a laid-back, utilitarian and practical piece. I tried the Denim Ocean Pant, which is a no-nonsense pair complete with an elastic waistband, drawstring ties, and slouchy wide legs. Their pull-onableness is perfect for when I want something that looks put together but feels like sweats. I have my eye on the limited edition, hand stamped Floral Disco Twill Pant next!”
10. Mott & Bow
Best For | Size and length variety
Sizing | Women’s 24 – 33, men’s 27 – 42
Prices Starting At | $107
For the pair I tried:
Fabric composition | 94% cotton, 5% polyester, 1% elastane
Stretch | Yes
Sizing | Runs true to size
Sourcing quality cotton denim from the world’s finest mills like Turkey’s Orta Andalou and blended with sustainable Modal, Mott & Bow is making the best denim at an accessible price. By keeping production in-house — at a longstanding family-run fair wage factory in Honduras — Mott & Bow can sell directly to consumers without all the retail markups. Our Mott & Bow jeans are as comfortable and stretchy as our favorite leggings; if you’re looking for skinny jeans (that aren’t distressed beyond recognition), this is the brand for you!
Our Editor’s Review: “My favorite thing about Mott & Bow denim is that they offer an entire section of Mom Jeans that feature a high waist that is snug at the top, relaxed through the thighs, and a tapered hem for a flattering fit. Every pair is also available in three different inseam lengths, something I always look for as a person under 5’2”.”
11. Warp + Weft
Best For | Affordability
Sizing | Women’s 00 – 24, men’s 28 – 42
Prices Starting At | $88
For the pair I tried:
Fabric composition | 99% cotton, 1% lycra
Stretch | Yes
Sizing | Runs true to size
As one of the more size-inclusive, ethically made, and sustainable denim companies on the market, it’s no surprise that Warp + Weft is on our list. This family-owned brand of three decades is obsessed with the perfect fit, with options up to women’s size 24 and 44” waists for its Big and Tall collection. Warp + Weft also saves and recycles 98 percent of the water it uses, thanks to its vertical manufacturing operation. Now that’s the kind of denim we want to invest in.
Our Editor’s Review: “Warp + Weft’s denim immediately scores points for being a longtime family-owned brand that is incredibly efficient with their water consumption and recycling, and is a must-browse for anyone looking for affordable, size-inclusive denim. Bonus – they arrive incredibly comfortable and soft, with no break-in time needed.”
12. Patagonia
Best For | Workwear
Sizing | Women’s 0 – 18, men’s 28 – 44
Prices Starting At | $129
For the pair I tried:
Fabric composition | 66% organic cotton, 20% hemp, 14% TENCEL
Stretch | No
Sizing | Runs small
Patagonia is a leader in responsible business, known for its deep environmental commitment and activism. They prioritize sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics, and invest in fair labor and ethical manufacturing practices worldwide. Beyond products, Patagonia actively supports grassroots environmental movements and donates a significant portion of profits to the planet. Their mission, “We’re in business to save our home planet,” guides every decision they make.
Our Editor’s Review: “Patagonia is the north star for responsibly made outerwear, and I was thrilled to learn they make a select few styles of denim pants as well. I tried Patagonia’s Slim Work Denim Pants, and they are as utilitarian as it gets. These pants are durable, which is exactly what you want when looking for a pair of work pants, and have absolutely no give, which is an important note if that’s something you value. For my own lifestyle, I wouldn’t personally wear these regularly because flexibility is a must for me, but I will be happy to have these in my closet for the days I’m spending more time outdoors or at our Midwest family farm.”
Kate Arceo is the Community Manager at The Good Trade. She has a Bachelor of Science from Evangel University and has over 5 years of experience reviewing sustainable home and lifestyle brands, as well as organic kids’ apparel and nontoxic cosmetics. When she’s not hosting dinner parties with her husband at their home in Southern California, you can find her sipping a latte at their local coffee house or shopping for strawberries with her kids at the farmers market. Say hi on Instagram!
The post Our Editor Reviews Sustainable Jeans Brands – Fall 2025 appeared first on The Good Trade.
