Tips How To Buy Sustainable Jeans
Buying sustainable jeans is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and support ethical practices in the fashion industry. Here at sustainablefashion.ie we will show you 10 steps to help you buy sustainable jeans.
1. Understand What Makes Jeans Sustainable
Start by learning about what makes jeans sustainable. This includes factors like the materials used, production methods, labour practices, and the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
2. Research Brands
Look for brands that are known for their sustainable practices. Research their certifications, mission statements, and customer reviews to gauge their commitment to sustainability.
3. Check for Certifications
Look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for organic cotton, Fair Trade for ethical labour practices, or B Corp for overall sustainability. These certifications can help you identify responsible brands.
4. Choose Organic Cotton
Look for jeans made from organic cotton, which is grown without harmful pesticides and typically uses less water.
5. Recycled or Upcycled Jeans
Consider jeans made from recycled or upcycled materials. Some brands use old jeans to create new ones, reducing the demand for new resources.
6. Invest in Quality
Sustainable jeans are often more expensive, but they tend to be of higher quality and can last longer. Investing in a good pair can save you money in the long run.
7. Consider Ethical Manufacturing
Check if the brand has ethical labour practices, such as fair wages and safe working conditions for their workers.
8. Check the Supply Chain
Brands that are transparent about their supply chain are more likely to be sustainable. Look for information on where and how the jeans are produced.
9. Wash and Care Responsibly
After purchasing sustainable jeans, remember to wash and care for them in an eco-friendly manner. Washing jeans less frequently and in cold water can extend their lifespan.
10. Support Local and Small Businesses
Smaller, local businesses often have a lower environmental footprint and are more invested in their communities. Look for jeans made by local or independent brands.
11. Secondhand Shopping
Consider buying Secondhand jeans from thrift stores, vintage shops, or online platforms. This extends the life of existing jeans and reduces the demand for new production.
12. Repair and Customise
If your jeans get damaged, try to repair them instead of discarding them. You can also personalize your jeans to give them a unique, sustainable twist.
By following these steps, you can make a more informed and sustainable choice when buying jeans, contributing to a more eco-friendly and ethical fashion industry.
How to Wash Jeans Properly
There are several ways we can all extend the life of our beloved jeans. Here we are going to show you simple ways to help you wash your jeans properly.
1. Check the care label: The care label on your jeans will provide important information on how to wash and care for them. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions if available.
2. Spot clean if possible: If your jeans have minor stains or spots, consider spot cleaning them with a damp cloth and a mild detergent rather than washing the entire pair.
3. Turn your jeans inside out: Turning your jeans inside out before washing helps preserve the colour and prevents excessive wear on the outside.
4. Use cold water: Cold water is gentler on denim and helps prevent fading and shrinking. Use a gentle cycle on your washing machine.
5. Use a mild detergent: Choose a detergent that is specifically designed for dark or denim fabrics. Avoid using harsh detergents or ones with bleach.
Be Careful of Fabric Softeners
6. Don’t overdo it with detergent: Use the recommended amount of detergent for the load size. Excessive detergent can leave a residue on your jeans.
7. Avoid fabric softeners: Fabric softeners can break down the fibers in your jeans and affect their durability. Skip the softener when washing denim.
8. Zip up and button your jeans: Fastening the buttons and zipping up the zipper before washing helps prevent them from snagging on other items in the wash.
9. Wash with similar colours: To prevent colour bleeding, wash your jeans with other dark or similar-colored clothing items. Avoid washing them with whites or very light colours.
10. Don’t overload the washing machine: Overloading can cause friction and damage to your jeans. Wash them in a reasonably sized load to ensure they have enough room to move freely.
11. Skip the spin cycle: After the wash cycle, consider skipping the spin cycle or using a low-spin setting to minimize creases and wrinkles in your jeans.
12. Air dry if possible: The best way to dry jeans is to hang them or lay them flat to air dry. This helps prevent shrinkage and maintains the fabric’s shape. Avoid hanging them in direct sunlight, as it can lead to fading.
13. If using a dryer, use low heat: If you must use a dryer, select a low-heat setting to prevent excessive heat exposure. Remove the jeans when they are slightly damp, as over-drying can lead to stiffness and damage.
14. Iron or steam as needed: If your jeans become wrinkled, you can use an iron on a low heat setting or a steamer to remove wrinkles. Be sure to turn them inside out to protect the colour.
And Finally
By following these tips, you can extend the life of your jeans and keep them looking their best for a long time. Remember that washing jeans less frequently can also help preserve their colour and shape.
