Can a denim brand be 100% sustainable? That is the question this years kingpins denim fashion show was trying to answer. At this year’s kingpins denim fashion show in New York City, I was impressed by the stunning, upcycled and fully sustainable pieces that I saw. I was struck by the fact that all these pieces continue to look absolutely stunning and knowing they were made with the environment in mind made me ponder if other denim brands could achieve the same. In recent years, sustainability has emerged as a crucial consideration for various industries, and the jean sector is no exception. As one of the most popular and ubiquitous fashion items globally, jeans are a staple in nearly every wardrobe. 

The environmental footprint of the jean industry is substantial. Traditional denim production involves extensive water use, with estimates suggesting that it takes around 1,800 gallons of water to produce a single pair of jeans. The dyeing process, particularly with synthetic indigo, contributes to water pollution with toxic chemicals. Additionally, the energy-intensive manufacturing processes and transportation further worsen carbon emissions. By adopting sustainable practices, jean companies can significantly reduce their environmental impact. 

Although practicing sustainability would be better for the environment the initial investment to switch over may not be something most denim brands would want to commit to. Most companies also may not want to scrap all of their design and manufacturing practices to completely overhaul their entire brand just to spend even more for new equipment. I personally agree that it may not be the easiest process to do all at once but as long as denim companies take one small step in the right direction and do the rest later they will be a part of an enormous shift in how fashion treats our planet. 

Kingpins show is a good example of how fashion doesn’t have to be detrimental to the health of the planet and can still look amazing while doing so.