By Mélinda Mettai
Denim is a key piece in every closet. We bought so many different types of denim on our lifetime and we found ourselves disappointed in many occasions for different reasons: the poor quality, the wrong shape, not trendy anymore… Especially when turning our wardrobes into a more sustainable one. But now, after a long trial and error, we can share with you the best advice for denim shopping and why choosing sustainable and organic denim is better for your health and the planet.
Know the composition
Certain products used during the fabrication of our textile like denim can really affect our health and the environment.
We need to be very careful when buying them because it will be in contact with our skin during the whole day. Plus, during the washing, some of the chemicals will be released in the washing water and then pollute our oceans.
Nonylphenol (NP) and Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)
Indeed, Greenpeace made a report entitled Toxic Threads: The Big Fashion Stitch-Up in 2012. We can find that brands like Zara, Mango, Levi’s have been tested positive for using Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE), chemical compounds frequently used as surfactants, in particular detergent and waterproofing agent, in the production of textiles.
You can also find Dichloromethane extremely irritating. It is a solvent often found in jeans made in Asia.
The list is far from being exhaustive. In our clothes, we also find: lead, benzide, pentachlorophenol…
This information can be a little bit scary, but to take action and solve any problems we first need to learn more about it.
Choose sustainable brands
It’s important when buying denim to look for sustainable brands. Why ? For different reasons : the quality, the transparency during the fabric process, investing your money for a fair trade and fair wages.
Some of our favorite clean brands
Neuw Denim: Their Zero collection is one of our favorites (zero: water waste, chemical distressing, washing waste).
Sezane : They listened to customers reviews and re-build their denim collection with: more fitted and flattering cuts, models suitable for all body shapes, and above all, an eco-responsible line certified GOTS or OEKO-TEX.
Balzac: One of the most sustainable and ethical fashion brands out there. They are always on the work of more responsible denim.
Boyish: Transparency and non-toxic denim like we love ours.
E.L.V Denim: Environmental & social sustainability are at the heart of E.L.V. DENIM.
Find your shape
After finding our perfect clean pair of jeans, we need to find the best shape for our morphology. Here is our most precious advice to know which one is yours, you need to feel comfortable.
Each denim shape for each body type
Ted Jean by Balzac Paris
95€
If you are searching for the perfect bump effect you can go with models like this.
Mid Blue / Light Blue Contrast by E.L.V Denim
295£
The high-waisted jeans are perfect for highlighting the rounded buttocks.
Ultimately, to find the perfect denim invest in local, organic, transparent brands that you absolutely love, you will be protecting your health, the environment and meaningful business.
Melinda Mettai
Mélinda, also known as @thelastwaves on Instagram, is a sustainable fashion stylish. She loves sharing her natural lifestyle approach also, including beauty, make-up and homemade DIY.
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