Let’s talk denim with style and a bucket load of soul…

Practical, reliable, versatile, stylish and sometimes a statement piece – denim is a must-have item in almost every wardrobe.  In fact, most clients will tell me that their jeans are the one thing in their wardrobe they are most grateful for. It’s shopping for them that’s usually the hard part, with an overwhelming choice in front of us. But, what if you knew your jeans were also having a positive impact on communities and a gentler footprint on the planet?  Would that help narrow down the choice for you?

Feeling good in what we wear is about so much more than looking good. Let me introduce you to a few denim brands making a difference – socially conscious, ethical and sustainable.

Nobody Denim

Melbourne brand, Nobody Denim, started in the backstreets of Fitzroy just over 20 years ago. Manufacturing locally they are proud to keep jobs onshore and keep the Australian textile manufacturing industry alive.  This also means they have increased transparency and a shorter supply chain, which minimises the carbon footprint of each garment.  During COVID-19 they have been able to pivot their business partnering with the Royal Melbourne Hospital to make scrubs for essential workers. When we can venture back to the shops again I highly recommend visiting their store in Brunswick St, Fitzroy and having a play with all of the options to find your true fit and cut.

Style with Soul Suggests: I’m loving this straight leg for a fresh look for Spring. Pair the Adelaide Jean Chronicles with a tucked in tee for an effortless chic look.

Outland Denim

Australian brand, Outland Denim, was founded as a way to provide training, employment and career progression for women who had experienced exploitation. One of the things I love most about what Outland Denim do is their personal messages from their makers inside the garments.  At a time when we really need to be more aware of who is making our clothes and what conditions they are working under, this really does bring home the importance of celebrating the maker and valuing what they have made.  With a strong commitment to sustainability they also invest in water and energy saving technologies and continue to work closely with their partners to look for innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact.

Style with Soul suggests: The Harriet Ankle Length is a reliable versatile skinny jean option for the wardrobe and one of their most popular sellers.

Arnsdorf

Arnsdorf are a Melbourne and New York based womenswear brand. All of their garments are designed and made right here in Melbourne.  They paused their brand in 2012 feeling uneasy about the fashion industry, only to realise that they could be part of the change the industry needed.  They are committed to ethical, sustainable and transparent practices and only release small considered trans-seasonal collections. While denim is only a part of what they do, I was keen to include them in this list as they have been working hard to not only create the best fitting jeans but also create a denim with smaller environmental impact.

Style with Soul suggests: Add a statement pair of jeans to your wardrobe with the Calder wide leg.  For those creative souls consider the patchwork option  and wear with a bright knit, if you’re more of a classical soul go with the indigo and pair with heels and a vintage blouse. If your size isn’t in stock, just register your interest. Also, let’s not overlook that detail on the back of the jeans – stunning!

Justice Denim

With every pair of Justice Denim jeans sold the brand commits to paying for one month of funds to a child’s education who has been rescued from slavery. A combined mindset of slow fashion and social impact has led Justice Denim to already providing 1245 weeks of education for children rescued from slavery. Passionate about ethical and sustainable fashion they are proud to work closely with denim crafters right here in Melbourne.

Style with Soul suggests: It’s so awesome to see a specialised denim brand providing a maternity option for women. Check out the Maternity Freedom Skinny Leg if you’re looking for a maternity option and be sure to share this little tip with any expecting mums.

Let’s chat price point?  If some of these items are more expensive than you would usually spend on denim, here are a few things to keep in mind. They are ethically manufactured meaning everyone in the supply chain is paid a living wage and working under fair and safe working conditions, many of the brands have also invested in technologies and research to find the most sustainable options for production. So think of it as not just buying a pair of jeans but investing in your wardrobe, people and the planet.