
Rethink the Way You Buy Jeans
Let’s talk about America’s favorite piece of clothing: jeans. I’m jean obsessed. Growing up my brothers used to mock me because of my different colored jeans. They even had a song for when I wore my pink pair… “Logan pink pants Porter” still rings in my ears to this day. Nonetheless, my love for the classic pair of jeans has never faded.
It didn’t occur to me how jeans were actually made until I watched the Trust Cost. I figured cotton and a little bit of stretch make the ideal jean. I knew so little about how much jeans and the cotton production ruin the environment surrounding the factories and cotton farms. I never knew that although cotton is only planted on 2.4% of agriculture land, it accounts for nearly 11% of pesticide sales in the world. I never even though of the beloved plastic elasticity in my jeans being the exact reason why it is so hard to recycle jeans. The more I researched the more I started to feel guilty about the cheap pair of $12 jeans I found at Marshalls. Who made those jeans and what conditions were they made in? I started asking myself more and more questions and found myself researching until the wee hours of the night. That’s when it occurred to me that needed to make a vow to stop buying cheap, fast fashion jeans and either thrift of invest in ethical jeans that will last. So when I was looking for a new pair of white jeans, I found Everlane.
Jeans | Boots | Sweater (Sold out… Similar) | Jacket (Similiar) | Belt (Same on eBay)
Everlane is a slow fashion company that focuses on basics with a touch of creativity. The reason I found this basic store so incredibly comforting is that they show the factories that make their clothes on the website and then break down the cost of the item directly (see their jean factory here). I know, wild. So let me take you through the process of making these jeans and explain to you why these ones, in particular, are the white jeans you need for spring.
“Belly” washing machines that are used in standard denim manufacture plants waste up to 1,500 liters of water per pair of jeans (about 132 Gatorade coolers).
Depending on where you live water may not seem that important because it always seems like it is raining or snowing (ex: these snowy pictures). But 35% of the world’s population doesn’t have proper access to clean water. Instead of wasting all of that water, Everlane’s factory, Saitex, uses a closed water system and super-efficient jet washing machines. The result? Only .4 liters of water is lost due to evaporation. By being conscious of the water consumption, Everlane is making a difference in jean production and the community around the factories.
Often times factories in developing countries dump polluted water back into the waterway, which directly affects the surrounding communities.
Saitex recycles 98% of all used water and when it comes out the other side, it’s so clean you can actually drink it. You don’t have to worry about Everlane’s factories polluting the surrounding areas. Instead, you can have a clear conscious buying a pair of wicked cute jeans.
Most denim factories use an insane amount of energy for their factories because they have to constantly dry the jeans.
Saitex airdries 85% of their jeans and the rest of the jeans are dried with energy coming from solar panels. This has allowed their factory to reduce energy usage by 5.3 million kilowatts of power and reduce CO2 emissions by almost 80%. Kudos for clean energy!
All denim creates a toxic byproduct called sludge.
No matter how clean a denim factory is, jeans will still create a byproduct called sludge. This byproduct is nearly impossible to get rid of until Saitex found out that when you mix sludge with concrete the toxic material can no longer leech into the environment. The factory uses this method to make concrete bricks to build affordable homes. So far, Saitex has built ten homes with these bricks. So not only are they creating jeans but they’re actually creating homes from a byproduct!
My top four picks for your white jean wardrobe:
Everlane ($68) | Able ($128) | Amour Vert ($178) | DL1961 ($188)
So if you’re ready to buy another pair of white jeans for this spring and summer why not buy a pair that is better for the environment. When you’re buying a pair of jeans that are better quality make sure to check what the jeans are actually made of. Look for the ratio of cotton to spandex and make sure that you’re not just buying a cheap pair of jeggings that will only last a few washes. A good pair of jeans will be made out of either 100% cotton or 99% cotton with 1% spandex. Staples, like jeans, that you wear again and again deserve to be invested in.
What do you think about Everlane? Did you know how jeans were produced? Let me know in the comments down below. (Also, I’m very curious if you think it’s wrong to wear white before Memorial Day… I clearly have no shame).
As always,
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25 Comments
Michelle
Love the Info. Thank you. I’m going to look into those white everlane jeans. They look awesome
PeculiarPorter
They’re so awesome! I forgot to mention they do run small! So order a size up from your normal size. I had to exchange my pair for a bigger size 😊
K.M. Sutton
I love this! I will have to check them out! I actually am not a huge fan of jeans (what!?!) partly because I rarely find some that fit well. Thanks for sharing!
Also I nominated you for the Mystery Blogger Award! I hope you are having an amazing day hun! <3
https://ankhoryou.com/2018/03/20/mystery-blogger-award-and-unique-blogger-award/
PeculiarPorter
Thank you so much! It’s all about finding the perfect pair that you love. I hope you find the pair that works for you.
Also, thank you so much for nominating me! That is so kind of you. ❤
Lace n Plaid
Great post! I love Everlane and DL jeans. 🙂
PeculiarPorter
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for stopping by ❤
Courtney
I LOVE this post. SO educational. I will absolutely be shopping with Everlane. This has absolutely made me re-think everything about jeans. I seriously don’t own a pair anymore and when I do buy a pair, I’m doing my due diligence to research.
Courtney
Betty Juliet Diaries
http://bettyjulietdiaries
PeculiarPorter
I’m so happy to hear that, Courntey! I was so blown away by how much information was out there about ethically made jeans. I really think companies need to be more outspoken about how they are are combatting issues with the environment and labor rights. Hopefully the more we become aware of what we’re consuming the more companies will change the way they run things.
Kelsey Barlow
I never knew this-great info! I’m definitely going to check out Everlane! And I am all for white jeans any time of year!
PeculiarPorter
I feel like you would love them! They’re a great alternative to express jeans and very affordable. 💕
Diva Named Dom
I’ve heard about Everlane and I think it’s great that they’re creating a sustainable business infrastructure that takes a holistic look to not only business, but how their business impacts the world. It’s also a hipster-friendly model so the millennials can shop in peace! I hope they open more storefronts or pop-ups because I am the type to buy 10 pairs of the same jeans (just because they actually fit my big ol’ butt).
Dom | http://www.DivaNamedDom.com
PeculiarPorter
I couldn’t agree more, Dom! They just opened a store in San Fransisco and they said that they will be opening a few more this year! Fingers crossed that they open ones near our homes. Also, I’m the same exact way when it comes to buying jeans. If it fits me in all the right places you bet your bum I’m buying a few pairs! 💕💕
mackenziemick
ahhh such a great post! Thanks so much for sharing my love!
XO, MK
http://www.mackenziekateri.com
PeculiarPorter
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you liked it 💕
Katya
I only have a few pair of pants but this post is really informative. Thank you for sharing!
StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova
PeculiarPorter
Thank you so much for stopping by Katya 💕😊
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