Eco-fashion no-no: the faded jean style

When faded jeans entered the fashion scene, it became a major faux pas not to have the lightwashed, distressed denim hugging our hips. Yes, the tag explained the machinery horror it went through to achieve this delicious style we craved, but we ignored it. We didn't think cute jeans had anything to do with the environment, but, like so many other things, it does.

Basically, faded jeans get their distinct look from overwashing. We know this; we've seen countless pairs of jeans succumb to washer/dryer suicide, but we did our laundry over time, meaning we expended our energy when needed. 

Now imagine thousands upon thousands of pairs of jeans tossed in several industrial-sized washers and dryers to create this intensive faded look. Imagine how many companies took part in delivering this style to our local malls. This translates into extreme energy overload.

Here are some ways to keep your jeans green:  

• Support vintage, thrift, & consignment shops

Image: Suat Eman/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

You can donate your jeans to these places depending on the condition. By donating, these shops may give you a little cash or tax write-off. Also support the recycling process by shopping. You may find your dream pair of jeans on the rack. 

• Clean jeans as necessary

Smelly and dirty jeans are not delightful, but in reality we may not stain our jeans as much as we think we do. We also know overwashing and overwearing can lead to decay, but taking into consideration the amount of energy used to clean your jeans will make a difference. 

• Look for green tags

Since we're driven by clothing sizes, we check tags simply to see if it's our size, but we rarely read the extra wording that describes what materials went into the jeans. By looking at the label, you'll learn a little more about your jeans, and hopefully you'll find one that contains organic fabrics.

• Show your creative side

Years ago, I used to cut old pairs of jeans into handbags after seeing the DIY project in my Seventeen magazine. Get in touch with the artiste inside by making scarves, shoelaces, cloth necklaces, and a variety of other fashionable accessories from an old pair of jeans you feel are unwearable or un-recyclable. 

While faded jeans come and go, think about the many electrical processes that negatively impact the environment just to make a fashion statement. Buying regular jeans actually last longer because they're not halfway dead by the time you buy them.


It takes 2/3 of a pound of chemical pesticides and fertilizers to make enough conventional (the opposite of organic) cotton to make a pair of jeans. With so much not-so-eco-friendly materials and processes going into perfecting your jeans, the least you can do is contribute your greenness to the cycle.