What to wear with a denim jacket? Where can I buy denim jeans for men? I want denim jeggings! Denim maxi dresses are so cute!
All these searches for denim products but do you know its features, environmental footprint or how to take care of it?
Below I outline some basic stuff that we, as conscious consumers, must know about denim.
Some Basic Knowledge about Denim
Denim is a textile used to make the infamous blue jeans that have become wardrobe staples for many around the world. It has been rising in popularity all over the world for decades now.
- Denim is actually just a sturdy and dense cotton yarn woven in a warp-faced style.
- Being cotton, denim is originally breathable with not very high heat retention abilities.
- The stretchability of raw denim is on the lower side. Stretchable jeans and leggings we see today are made from cotton-polyester blends.
- The natural, undyed colour of denim is ecru. It is the natural hue of cotton.
- Denim is a highly durable material and can last years if it is well taken care of.
- Denim fades in time and gets a worn out look which is often desired as a fashion detail.
- Over time, denim becomes more comfortable. It softens with age, and its indigo dye gives it a unique character.
Environmental Facts and Figures about Denim
As mentioned in the section above, denim is made out of cotton. Cotton is grown in around 80 countries. More than 100 million households around the world are directly engaged in cotton cultivation hence relying on it for their income. |Source: Sustainable Cotton Ranking 2017 by PAN UK, Solidaridad and WWF|
Up to 10,000 litres of water can go into producing one pair of jeans. From growing the cotton crop, to dyeing the cloth in your favourite shade of indigo, denim jeans is one of the thirstiest items in your wardrobe. |Source: www.acs.org|
The 4th largest sea in the world, the Aral Sea, disappeared in 2015 as the rivers that flowed into it were diverted to feed cotton crops. |Source: What My Jeans Say About The Garment Industry, Fashion Revolution|
Know that distressed jeans that we are all drooling over? The sandblasting technique uses natural sand to remove the dark indigo pigmentation from the garment to give it a worn out look. If adequate safety measures aren’t provided to workers, the practice of natural sandblasting technique can lead to hazards like lung silicosis. |Source: Killer Jeans A Report on Sandblasted Denim by Labour Behind the Label and Fair Trade Center|
1/3rd of the Jeans we buy come from Xintang, China. PH levels in the waters around Xintang go as high as 11.9-12.1, due to the waste products that are discharged in the rivers from factories. This renders life for fish and other species impossible, and causes skin, eye and mucous irritation to humans. |Source: What My Jeans Say About The Garment Industry, Fashion Revolution|
3kg of chemicals go into a single pair of jeans made in Xintang. Lead, Cadmium and Copper have leached into the soil there, while Cadmium levels are 128 times above the norm. Synthetic indigo dye has been found to leach out from factories into rivers with devastating effects. |Source: What My Jeans Say About The Garment Industry, Fashion Revolution|
Denim Care
Remember, denim is durable but not indestructible!
- Fewer washes: You can wear denims up to 10 times without washing them. Did you know, the personalized creases on denim that start showing up on your jeans are because of fewer washes? Also, if stained just use soap water and a brush to clean the particular dirty spot. Furthermore, leave your denim in the freezer overnight, it kills 99% of their bacteria and odor producing germs.
- Cold Wash: Cold wash is better for your clothes as it prevents fabric from fading or shrinking. You can turn your jeans inside out to preserve color too. Moreover, using cold water to wash is energy efficient and better for the environment (as well as your wallet).
- Air Dry: Heat and dryers are bad for the fabric. They affect it’s durability as well as shape and color. So it is best to air dry or line dry denims inside out under some shade.
- Pull up from the waist-band: Remember to pull your jeans up using the waistband. If you pull on those belt loops instead, chances are you’ll need some mending soon!
- Skip Ironing: Preventing heat as much as possible through out the denim care cycle keeps the fabric healthy and durable. Most creases on your jeans iron out naturally within a few minutes of wearing them.
- Repair or Upcycle: Darn any rips or holes instead of discarding your denims. Levi’s has these tailor tips on its youtube channel that you can view for tips and tricks. And if you’re bored of your denims, upcycle them! I painted a pair of jeans last year that I was thoroughly bored of. You only need some acrylic or fabric paint and summon your inner artist.
Painted Jeans : Front pattern 
Painted Jeans : Back drip 
Upcycled Jeans
Checklist for buying a new pair of Jeans
- Right Size: Chances are, this piece of clothing will be part of your wardrobe for years. And something you can use really well! Always remember to buy the right size when it comes to your denim.
- Textile Composition: Look for the fabric tag and try to find a 100% cotton fabric (maybe even hemp, ten cell or recycled cotton). Although, this will not help if you are looking for a denim fur jacket.
- Sustainable Certifications: Best will be for the fabric composition label to have any of these certifications: GOTS certified, Fairtrade certified cotton, Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), Cotton Made in Africa (CMiA), Organic Content Standard, Global Recycled Standard, Cradle to Cradle certification etc.
- Avoid Stretch: Avoid cotton-polyester blends of spandex, elastane or any other synthetic fibre as polyester is very unsustainable
- Avoid Distressed: Try to avoid distressed or torn denim. Instead get a new pair that looks new and create a custom crease over time with regular wear.
- Buy raw: Buy good thick raw denim for longevity. This is the kind you’d want if you eventually want it to take your shape. And it’ll age beautifully with you.
Click here to see how I upcycled a light denim Men’s Shirt into Women’s