8 Types of Denim & How To Wear Them Sustainably

Not all denim was created equal! Some styles might be a better match for your preferences or aesthetic.

Plus, since you’re interested in ways to wear this fabric more sustainably (I KNEW you were one of the good ones), there are a couple of things you should know.

So, let’s look at the different types of denim to find the right one for your style and ethos.

What is denim, exactly?

Even though it’s often used as a synonym for jeans, denim is technically the material itself. 

It’s a warp-faced fabric (woven in a special way, which makes it sturdier and creates subtle diagonal ribbing patterns) traditionally made of cotton and dyed in a blue or indigo hue.

Denim fabric and sustainability

Unfortunately, denim isn’t the most sustainable fabric:

• It has a bad environmental footprint – Denim is made of cotton, which is one of the worst fabrics for the planet. It requires a lot of water (7,600 litres for a single pair of jeans) and a chemical-heavy production and dyeing process. And in some cases, those dyes are toxic and get dumped into bodies of water untreated
• Fast fashion denim is even worse – These jeans and items are usually made to fall apart after a few wears, and they’re mixed with synthetic fabrics (more on that soon)
• Denim trends keep changing – Distressed looks, cuffed or wide-leg jeans… Denim is iconic and timeless, but if you were to follow trends? You’d need to bin your denim items every few weeks (which is literally what fast fashion brands want, so that you keep buying more)

Instead, when picking the right types of denim for you, focus on:

• Ethical denim brands – These companies try their best to reduce the impact of this iconic but challenging material
• Finding your style – The most sustainable thing you can do with your clothes? Keep them and rewear them as much as possible! So, instead of looking for trends, focus on the types of denim items YOU love!

8 types of denim fabric and style: what they’re best for and what makes them more or less sustainable

1. Raw denim

Also known as ‘dry denim’, these items are unwashed and untreated. So, they have a firmer and stiffer texture and will fade naturally over time.

Best for: hardcore denim fans, a classic or authentic vintage look, a unique worn-in vibe

Sustainability notes: this type of denim fabric can be considered more eco-friendly because it skips the washing and dyeing stage. Just keep in mind that it might shrink a little after washing it for the first time

2. Sanforised denim

This type of denim is pre-shrunk and smoother. 

Best for: casual and versatile looks, a softer and more comfortable fit, consistent sizing

Sustainability notes: it involves additional chemicals and a higher energy use. So, it’s even more important to look for ethical jeans brands

3. Selvedge denim

This means “self-edge”. It’s a type of denim with a narrow white band on either side of its fabric (which is more visible on the cuffs and usually includes red or orange yarn in the middle) to prevent it from fraying.

Best for: premium quality

Sustainability notes: selvedge denim is even more durable and sturdy. So, by investing in it, you’ll help reduce waste

4. Coloured denim

Most denim items involve indigo dyes, but you can find them in different colours too, ranging from white to black and pastels like pink and yellow.

Best for: a unique look, and creating some contrast when wearing denim with blue or light blue items

Sustainability notes: these dyes require a more resource-intensive process, and some of them can be toxic. So, consider looking for brands using safe dyes and water-saving technique 

5. Stretch denim

This consists of cotton and a synthetic fibre (like elastane or spandex) to make it softer and stretchy.

Best for: comfy and casual outfits, skinny jeans, jeggings

Sustainability notes: unfortunately, this is one of the WORST types of denim for the environment because those fibres aren’t biodegradable and they make it harder to recycle that item. But if you prefer it because it’s softer and more practical, consider choosing second-hand options or recycled materials

6. Acid-wash and distressed denim

This denim is either physically or chemically distressed (for example, through sandblasting, pumice stone, or bleach) to achieve a faded look. 

Distressed denim items can also involve rips and fraying.

Best for: a worn look, streetwear, a vintage aesthetic (it was particularly popular in the 80s but came back several times, like in the early 00s), a rebellious and non-conformist vibe, creating a more interesting look when wearing monochrome tops

Sustainability notes: traditional distressing processes require more energy and chemicals, increasing the environmental footprint of your item. So, consider looking for distressed denim made with laser or ozone technology instead

7. Organic cotton denim

This looks just like your traditional denim but, unlike conventionally grown cotton, it doesn’t involve pesticides, it requires less water, and it even promotes soil regeneration.

Best for: literally any denim garment or aesthetic, but with a more sustainable touch

Sustainability notes: this type of denim is a lot more eco-friendly, but consider looking for third-party certifications (like GOTS) to avoid greenwashing

8. Recycled denim

This denim is made with post-industrial or post-consumer waste (for example, old jeans that would otherwise end up in landfills). It’s broken down and re-spun into new fabric.

Best for: any style (it looks the same!) but with a more sustainable touch

Sustainability notes: this is probably the BEST type of denim from an environmental perspective. It bypasses the more energy-intensive production process and reduces waste. Consider looking for third-party certifications too, like the Global Recycled Standard

Find different types of ethical denim items on Project Cece

Worried it’s going to be difficult to find denim clothes made by sustainable brands? It really doesn’t have to!

At Project Cece, we brought hundreds of fair trade brands in one place and added filters to simplify your choices.

So, when browsing different types of denim styles (as well as other fabrics and garments, of course), you can see exactly what makes them sustainable. Jean-ius, right?

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