So, I started researching eco jeans. They are made using much less water, no pesticides, organic cotton, and sustainable techniques, with as little waste as possible. This led to me to entire new world of higher end eco jeans, selvedge, stretch jeans, and more. I bought several pairs of new jeans. Here’s my report!
Gap Kaihara Selvedge
Selvedge is a huge deal with denim aficionadas. It is manufactured at speciality mills, has a tighter weave, plus the seam on the outside is way more sturdy.
Selvedge tends to have a tighter, denser weave than non-selvedge. The higher density gives the denim a sturdier hand. The use of the older selvedge loom technology also creates variations on the denim surface (due to inconsistencies in the weaving process) compared to denim woven on modern looms. These variations make the denim visually unique and highly desirable.
The word selvedge comes from “self-edge.” The edge of the denim has a clean finish, since it will not unravel, the edge of the fabric is used as the garment’s outseam. Therefore, looking at the inside of the outseam, is an easy way to identify a pair of jeans made from selvedge.
This is why you will see people wearing jeans that are rolled up. This is to show the selvedge stitching.
The Gap has a really good reputation for jeans, including selvedge. These Kaihara jeans are heavier than most and are still quite comfortable.
Revtown
OMG. Italian demin with stretch fabric added. These are the most comforable jeans I’ve found. It’s like wearing sweats except they look great too. The company was founded by former Under Armour executives.
Wear them. Wash them like any other clothes. Wear them again.
The shape and color will stay and you’ll get a great look, perfect fit and ridiculous comfort every time.
Hah! Truth. Some jeans, especially selvedge, have almost comically elaborate instructions for washing. Like, turn them inside out, then soak in a tub with a little soap. Revtown says just treat ours like any jeans, no worries.
Everlane
Runner up for most comfortable. Also with stretch fabric. Super eco-conscious. Very reasonably priced. Their jeans come in several fits for men and women.
Royal Robbins
I bought new Royal Robbins jeans on eBay at a nice discount, with the tags still on them. Royal Robbins is an outdoors line of clothes designed to look good, be comfortable, and last forever. Their quality is always superb. This demin is not stretch, and shouldn’t be, because it’s meant for outdoors where it could snag on something. Stretch demin might rip slightly if snagged on, say, cactus. These won’t.
What kind of eco jeans do you like?