The 9 Best Denim Jackets From Sustainable Brands (2025)
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Our editors have worn and reviewed sustainable fashion for years — these are our favorite brands offering sustainable denim jackets that are thoughtfully made, durable, and size-inclusive.
A well-fitting jean jacket can transform your style, layer your look, and, of course, keep you warm. However, denim production can be costly in terms of environmental and human damage. Most cotton used in denim is grown with toxic chemicals, which many farmers are forced to pick in unsafe working conditions. Once the cotton is sourced, thousands of gallons of water are needed for production. Fortunately, there are better alternatives.
Instead, we can choose sustainable and organic denim. While the price point is higher, it’s because we’re investing in practices that align with our values: Fair labor and local production, responsibly grown and sourced materials, upcycling and recycling, and carbon-neutral shipping. Plus, authentic, well-designed denim can last a lifetime, so it’s well worth the investment.
What makes denim sustainable?
Sustainable denim is all about reducing the environmental impact of traditional denim production, which is known for using tons of water, harsh chemicals, and energy. One of the biggest game-changers is using organic or recycled cotton, which cuts down on water use and avoids harmful pesticides. Some brands also blend in alternative fibers like hemp or Tencel, which are more sustainable and require fewer resources to grow. Plus, many eco-friendly denim brands use innovative dyeing and finishing techniques that minimize water waste and pollution.
Another key factor is ethical production. Sustainable denim brands often prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and transparent supply chains, making sure workers aren’t exploited in the process. Durability also plays a huge role — high-quality, well-made jeans last longer, reducing the need for constant replacements. And if you really want to go the extra mile, some brands offer take-back programs or repair services to keep your denim in circulation longer. So, when shopping for denim, look for organic or recycled materials, eco-friendly washes, and brands committed to ethical practices. We’ve featured plenty of them below, so read on!
Our criteria:
We’ve worn, loved, researched, and reviewed sustainable fashion brands for almost a decade. These jeans and denim brands are our favorites offering sustainable jackets that are made to last and to fit many different bodies. We regularly update this list with new selections that meet the criteria below.
- SUSTAINABLE | These brands combine ethics and quality, pushing forward eco-friendly manufacturing, ethical labor practices, and asking tough questions about supply chains while making your new favorite jean jacket.
- DURABLE | All of the denim jackets on this list are made to last, that’s part of what makes them so sustainable. A good jean jacket should last for years.
- SIZE-INCLUSIVE | We’ve included brands that offer a large range of sizes so there’s a good fit for anyone.
We’ve selected our favorite jackets below, but if you’re looking for something more affordable, shop for pre-loved jackets! For more denim finds, don’t miss out on these sustainable jeans brands.
Best Overall | Most Affordable | Most Size Inclusive
1. Quince
Best For | Affordable denim jackets
Sustainable Materials | 100% OCS and/or OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton
Size Range | XS – XL
Price | Starting at $50
Quince is committed to producing high quality garments that are sustainably made and affordably priced. Their denim jackets are made with 100% organic cotton (no blends here!) and is certified OEKO-TEX Standard 100, meaning no hazardous chemicals were present in its development. Whether you’re into medium, dark wash, light wash, or black denim, you’ll find these shades available in a variety of styles including in their classic, cropper, oversized, or shirt jacket designs. For that staple denim jacket that matches everything, Quince’s got you covered!
Customer Review | “I love the feminine fit and stitching detail. The buttons add style. I bought the dark indigo, and I love the darker blue and how many combinations I can pair it with. A great quality denim jacket at a reasonable price.” – Vicki V. (Read all reviews.)
2. Patagonia
Best For | Workwear denim jackets & vests
Sustainable Materials | Organic cotton, recycled materials, hemp, TENCEL Lyocell
Size Range | XS – XXL
Price | Starting at $159
Patagonia is a pioneer in sustainable outdoor fashion and prioritizes transparency when it comes to how and where its clothing is sourced. This Fair Trade certified company uses sustainable materials and provides traceability details so you know exactly how and where your clothes are made. For an outdoorsy vibe, the Work Denim Vest is not here to play! Made with tough hemp denim that’s low impact on the environment, this jacket is highly abrasion-resistant for peace of mind when on the job. For warmth and comfort, the Pile-Lined Trucker Jacket is a solid choice thanks to it’s fleece lining, crafted from recycled poly.
Customer Review | “This is a must for every wardrobe because it goes with just about everything. Classic deep blue denim and warm Sherpa inside is well made, warm, and stylish. Love it!” – RLo (Read all reviews.)
3. Reformation
Best For | Contemporary denim jackets
Sustainable Materials | Organic cotton, recycled cotton
Size Range | XXS – XL
Price | Starting at $198
Reformation is one of our top picks for on-trend, sustainably-made clothing you’ll be wearing for years to come. The company is committed to their Climate Positive Roadmap that’s dedicated to moving towards better materials, circular practices, reducing energy, and carbon removal projects. These commitments are reflected throughout their clothing collections, including their denim jackets, which are all made from a blend of both organic cotton and recycled cotton. You can even scroll down on the product page to learn about each product’s footprint. We’re eyeing this fashion-forward Denim Trench Coat for those breezy days!
4. Everlane
Best For | Chic denim jackets
Sustainable Materials | 100 percent organic cotton
Size Range | XXS – XXL
Price | Starting at $148
For jean jackets that are well fitted, the perfect length and made with microplastic-free dye, look no further than Everlane. Made with organic cotton and water-saving techniques, these innovative denim jackets are about to be your new best friend. We love the cute and classy styles, including the Denim Barrel Jacket and Denim Chore Blazer. Plus, if a colored denim jacket has been on your radar, you’ll adore Everlane’s ecru, cocoa, and neutral shades. Throw on some sunnies and an oversized tote bag for the cutest and easiest outfit pairing!
Customer Review | “Love love love. The style and fit are beautiful and so is the chocolate color.” – Debincd (Read all reviews.)
5. Levi’s
Best For | 90’s denim jackets
Sustainable Materials | Sustainable cotton, TENCEL Lyocell
Size Range | 2XS – 4XL
Price | Starting at $90
For most of its denim, Levi’s sources cotton from sustainable farmers and leverages water-efficient practices. Their jackets are sustainably made with 100 percent cotton, recycled cotton, and even TENCEL Lyocell. Most styles have an oversized, extra-relaxed look, which is ideal for layering. With versatile pieces for all and responsible production, it’s clear why Levi’s has been a household name for decades. Shop preloved denim jackets at Levi’s secondhand shop!
Customer Review | “Fit? Perfect. Not too tight, but not too loose. Just relaxed enough to move with you and wear a sweater under it if desired. Color? Perfect. A great medium wash. Softness? Perfect. Like I’ve worn it for years! An instant staple in my closet.” – Allie (Read all reviews.)
6. ABLE
Best For | Size Inclusive denim jackets
Sustainable Materials | Sustainable denim, Lyocell
Size Range | XXS – 3X
Price | Starting at $149
ABLE employs artisans from around the globe and pays far more than just “living” wages to help sustainably lift people from poverty. The brand’s Merly Jacket is handcrafted in Mexico and like all its denim — it’s made with sustainable cotton, Lyocell and 100 percent recycled water throughout production. This timeless fit and distressed feel gives you a serious edge. With styles available in sizes up to 3X, ABLE is committed to inclusive sizing for all. Read up on their detailed sizing guide here.
Customer Review | “I had been eyeing the Merly since the day it came out, but I never pulled the trigger because I thought “it’s just a jean jacket.” I was wrong. It is the most buttery denim I have ever worn. I love wearing it over tank tops or dresses or simply draped over my shoulders w/the sleeves tied.” – Anonymous (Read all reviews.)
7. Warp + Weft
Best For | Cropped denim jackets & vests
Sustainable Materials | Responsibly sourced cotton
Size Range | XS – 3XL
Price | Starting at $98
The family-run team behind Warp + Weft has been in the denim business for more than thirty years, meaning they know a thing or two about the perfect jean jacket. A classic American style with a twist, these denim jackets are sustainably made with cotton denim – and come in a number of colorful washes, including cloud and ruby red. Best of all, we love that this brand offers inclusive sizing on its denim jackets through 3XL.
8. EILEEN FISHER
Best For | Denim jackets for the office
Sustainable Materials | Organic cotton, hemp
Size Range | XXS – 3X
Price | Starting at $198
EILEEN FISHER is all about timeless fashion that’s circular in nature. Firstly, the company creates sustainable designs that use less water, energy, and eco-friendly fabrics. The team also repurposes damaged clothing items into artwork and sells preloved items through their online marketplace, EILEEN FISHER Renew. When it comes to their denim jackets, what we love most is their versatility! Between undyed options and softer hemp and cotton blend pieces, these jackets can be worn over your office fit or easily thrown on when walking your pup.
Customer Review | “I purchased the black in this jacket along with matching pants and love it. Its fabric is soft and comforting, still looks pulled together coming off a long flight in a airplane chilly cabin. I wear it with the black silk tank and also the white linen t-shirt.” – NYCgirl (Read all reviews.)
9. NOWA Jeans
Best For | Recycled denim jackets
Sustainable Materials | Recycled cotton, cotton
Size Range | XS – M
Price | Starting at €139.00 EUR
NOWA Jeans transforms discarded denim into timeless fashion, proving that sustainability and style go hand in hand. Instead of allowing high-quality materials to end up in landfills, they give them a second life, significantly reducing water, energy, and chemical waste. Designed in Portugal and ethically produced, these denim jackets are made from GRS-certified recycled denim, and are trendy, comfortable, and built to last. For NOWA, recycling isn’t just responsible — it’s fashionable!
Featured image from ABLE
