14 Responsibly-Made Denim Pieces to Shop for Fall

Refresh your denim collection with minimal harm to the planet.

As we head deeper into fall and temperatures start to dip, it’s natural to reach for denim as the first building block of an outfit. But if you ignored your denim collection last year in favor of sweatpants and staying safe at home, it might be looking a little… lackluster these days.

Whether it’s your body or your style preferences that changed since you last zipped up a pair of high rises, you might be itching to bring a couple of new pieces into your wardrobe. But when it comes to denim, it’s important to think before you shop. Traditional denim production has a famously heavy environmental footprint, requiring massive amounts of chemicals, energy and water. However, several brands, from Levi’s to Madewell to Ganni, have made it a priority to innovate this process to reduce waste and pollution significantly, without sacrificing style, function or comfort.

Our number-one tip for shopping sustainable denim? Look for brands that use TENCEL™. (Fortunately, there are a lot.) TENCEL™ offers eco-fibers that are derived from renewable wood sources from sustainably managed forests, and are produced via eco-responsible production processes, traceable via blockchain technology, and compostable and biodegradable. They are also produced using less water than cotton alternatives. TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers also give denim a natural softness and comfort — in addition to giving you, the shopper, peace of mind.

If you’re not sure where to start, browse the gallery below for our eco-friendly fall denim picks, from jeans and jackets to shirts and dresses.