Fall Denim: Our Guide to Ethical Jeans
This post is the culmination of an entire years worth of jean try ons. So rest assured, it's going to be a good one! We basically live in jeans during the fall and winter, so having several pairs that blend fit and fashion together is a must. If you add on ethical manufacturing or responsible production to that list - well you've got yourself a game changer! So here it is folks, our ultimate guide to ethical denim. We own, regularly wear, and 100% recommend every single pair of jeans on this list. It's a long one, so we've organized the list by fit - from tight to loose - in case you want to scroll forward to a particular style.
REFORMATION HIGH & SKINNY
Ethics: Made with organic cotton and recycled fibers, reduced water use
Sizing: Kim is wearing a size 26
Price: $98
The stretch on these skinny jeans is UNREAL. Kim even wore a pair of thermal leggings under these jeans and they still fit! We love wearing oversized shirts and sweaters with these jeans to balance out the slim fit. And for under $100, these are a style steal!
AGOLDE RILEY HIGH RISE STRAIGHT
Ethics: Made in the USA
Sizing: Kim is wearing a size 26, but recently had them taken in at the waist.
Price: $168
A classic pair of not-so-rigid denim. They fit extra snug when Kim first got them over a year ago. But have slowly loosened up in the waist, so much so that Kim had them taken in to get them back to their flattering snug fit. We love the cropped length on these, it looks so cute with sneakers and flats. Making these our go-to weekend jeans.
Ethics: Made in the USA, supports non-profit organizations that help at risk teens and low income families in LA.
Sizing: Kim is between sizes and is wearing a 26 that has been taken in at the waist
Price: $235
High and mighty! The ultra high waist on these jeans are so good, especially if you love tucking in your tops like Kim does. Not to mention the nice accentuation it gives to the waist line. Kim is a big fan of 90s fashion, from the fit to the light wash, these jeans have that perfect throwback vibe! Now, we feel compelled to mention that these are the most expensive pair of jeans on this list and are quite an investment. However, the quality of the denim and the fit are really worth it, especially if you're like us and wear slim fitting jeans often. Kim will definitely be holding onto these jeans for years and years. Which is why she got them tailored to fit her perfectly.
REVICE EX-BOYFRIEND
Ethics: Made in the USA
Sizing: Kathleen is wearing a size 26
Price: $88
The perfect vintage looking jeans! Kathleen loves that the denim is rigid and has kept its shape after a few wears. These are a great affordable alternative if you like the high waisted slim look of the Hudson jeans.
JUST BLACK DENIM BUTTON DOWN GIRLFRIEND
Ethics: Made in LA
Sizing: Kathleen is wearing a size 26
Price: N/A
These jeans were sent as a gift from the new denim brand, Just Black. These are the most comfortable thing ever, according to Kathleen. The fit is slightly slouchy while still showing off your shape. The finish on these jeans is also a nice lived in black, rather than a true black.
JUST BLACK DENIM SPLIT SEAM FLARE
Ethics: Made in the USA
Sizing: Kim is wearing a size 26
Price: N/A
We call this the shoe lovers jean, haha. The slit in the front is so perfect for showing off a cute pair of shoes. Thrown on an oversized blazer or a thick sweater with a belt on top to cinch the waist and you've got one chic outfit!
JUST BLACK DENIM HIGH RISE SLIT FLARE
Ethics: Made in the USA
Sizing: Kathleen is wearing a size 26
Price: N/A
Talk about legs for days! These have a very similar fit to the ones above, with slits on the side rather than the front. Kathleen loves the amount of stretch on these, so the fit is nice and tight on the hips and thighs while still being super comfortable.
Ethics: Made in the USA
Sizing: Kathleen is wearing a size 26
Price: $94
We love the baggy distressed goodness on these jeans. They still fit tight around the hips, which does wonders for the booty.
AGOLDE 90S MID RISE LOOSE FIT
Ethics: Made in the USA
Sizing: Kim is wearing a size 26 for an extra baggy fit, size down if you want a true fit
Price: $188
Another distressed baggy jean option! What makes this one different? Well, the rise is a bit lower and the length is a bit shorter. Also, instead of being a true straight cut, the 90's jean kind of makes a "c" shape... if that makes any sense? Like, it gets tighter at the waist, loosens up at the thigh, and comes back in a bit at the ankle.
Ethics: Made in the USA
Sizing: Kim is wearing a size 25
Price: $188
We are all about the waistline detail on these jeans. It looks so good with a tight fitting turtleneck (or bodysuit or any other type of top) tucked in! These jeans have a very easy fit and you definitely want to size down as they run a bit large.
DL1961 HEPBURN HIGH RISE WIDE LEG
Ethics: Made with long staple cotton that is either recycled or organic, reduced water and energy use in the manufactring process, made in the USA
Sizing: Kim is between sizes in this jean, she is wearing a size 26 that has been taken in at the waist.
Price: $198
These are Kim's favorite pair of wide leg jeans, the distressed hem is the perfect finishing touch! Kim tried on both a size 25 and 26 in these. The 25 fit too tight on the hips for a wide leg jean, so she went with the larger size and had them tailored around the waist. She is such a huge fan of DL1961 denim because of their commitment to sustainability. This brand is so thoughtful about their entire production cycle - from where their fibers are sourced, to how much water is used in the dyeing and distressing process, to using solar energy when possible - they are really taking the steps to be as eco-friendly as can be.
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