9 Best Sustainable Jeans & Pants Brands For Men (2024)
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Our editors have researched and reviewed denim from hundreds of brands — these are our top picks for sustainable denim and pants for men that will last for decades to come.
What’s more quintessential to a man’s wardrobe than denim? (Nothing, we dare say!) Denim is our most trusted friend in our wardrobes — it matches nearly everything, is great for work and play, and offers a casual yet clean-cut style we love. Unfortunately, most denim is processed from questionable cotton and is often treated with pesticides or hazardous chemicals. Even manufacturing can be environmentally taxing, using hundreds of gallons of water for just a single pair.
Instead, we’re featuring the best sustainable denim brands below that are changing the denim game. From organic and upcycled cotton blends to low-waste production and secondhand shops, these jeans are comfortable, conscious, and curated perfectly for your closet. 👖
Why organic cotton in denim?
Organic cotton is better for our planet and for producers of cotton clothing; it’s healthier for consumers too. Exposure to pesticides can cause a range of health issues — from headaches and nausea to long-term chronic illnesses. Wearing organic cotton denim is the preferred choice for the betterment of our health, wellness, and sustainability of the planet.
Our criteria:
Our team has a decade of experience wearing and researching sustainable clothing brands, and we’ve used that experience to select the best brands offering sustainable men’s denim. We regularly update this list with new favorites that meet our criteria.
- ORGANIC | These sustainable clothing brands provide high-quality organic and sustainable denim, using cotton free from pesticides.
- AFFORDABLE | We’ve included a range of brands that offer men’s denim at a variety of price points, including more affordable options.
- DURABLE | Each of these brands is made with durable fibers that are soft, strong, and feel like new even after washing. We love a pair of jeans that fits better with every wear!
Need some style inspiration? Pair your sustainable denim with these ethical footwear brands and fair trade fashion brands for men.
Best Overall | Most Affordable | Best for Comfort
1. Outerknown
Best For | Selvedge denim
Ethics | Fair trade & ethical production, sustainable materials, gives back to various causes, secondhand shop
Sizing | 23 – 38
Prices Starting At | $168
Outerknown is committed to serving the planet, instead of harming it. The brand prioritizes responsible sourcing, Fair Labor certified practices, and circular design through its secondhand shop — as well as moderately affordable pricing. Our favorite is the selvedge denim which is spun from organic cotton and woven with tight bands on the edges (aka what selvedge means!), so they’re crafted for extra durability. Jeans are among the most worn parts of a wardrobe, so we highly recommend investing in a pair or two from Outerknown — you won’t regret it.
Customer Review | “I am 70+ years old and have become an avid OuterKnown customer. I needed a pair of jeans to fit my aging body. Even though the OK models are very youthful, upon trying on a pair at one of the CA locations, they fit perfectly. They had the right rise and the right size in the legs. I am going to go back and buy the darker blue this time. BTW, the jeans look really good with the chroma… I am getting pretty hip in my older years!” – James L. (Read all reviews.)
2. Patagonia
Best For | Performance jeans
Ethics | Certified B Corp, Fair Trade certified production, sustainable & upcycled materials, gives back via 1% for the Planet, secondhand shop
Sizing | XXS – 3XL
Prices Starting At | $99
You probably guessed that Patagonia is a leader in activewear — but did you know you can find men’s denim and twill here, too? That’s right! Check out the various styles here, including jeans made from hemp denim and performance twill jeans sewn from organic cotton and polyester. (Patagonia’s on track to use only bio-based polyester by 2025.) Though they’re all styled like normal jeans, we love the added performance details, from the weather-resistant and moisture-wicking fabric to the durable pockets. Patagonia’s line is made ethically, like in a Fair Trade certified factory in Sri Lanka. Consider these jeans to be for some serious work and play.
Customer Review | “I’ve had trouble finding jeans that don’t either strangle my thighs or are super loose. I’m a trail runner so have a little more thigh but I’m not a power lifter. Most jeans are so skin tight in the thigh that I have to do a bunch of squats and lunges to stretch them out when I first put them on to not be miserable in them all day. These are the most comfortable jeans I’ve tried so far and don’t feel flimsy like some of the stretchy jeans out there. I think there’s some room for improvement, like bringing the waist slightly higher, but I’m very happy with them. They’re slightly pricey, but I feel like they’re worth it for the fit, comfort and Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability and ethics around supply chain.” – Dave (Read all reviews.)
3. Everlane
Best For | Athletic fit jeans
Ethics | Organic cotton, sustainable factories, responsible production, recycled packaging
Sizing | 28 – 40
Prices Starting At | $98
Every year, Everlane releases an Impact Report showcasing the brand’s biggest wins as well as its shortcomings. In its most recent recap, the team shares that they’re pursuing a partnership with the Apparel Impact Institute, engaging with activist organizations, continuing to commit to fair wages, and more. As for the bottoms, there are five main denim ‘fits to choose from: Skinny, slim, straight, tapered, and athletic. And we haven’t seen many other brands carrying athletic fits otherwise (with a slightly tapered leg but a roomier hip and thigh). Equipped with four-way stretch, this style is perfect for everyday wear.
Customer Review | “I have bought lots of jeans over the last couple of years and this is easily ranked at the very top one of them. It’s very comfortable yet durable. I’m definitely coming back for more jeans!” – Faisal A. (Read all reviews.)
4. Warp + Weft
Best For | Affordable jeans under $100
Ethics | Vertically integrated company, responsible production, energy-efficient factories, natural materials
Sizing | 28 – 48 (XS – 1XL)
Prices Starting At | $74
For in-style denim that doesn’t break the bank, Warp + Weft can’t be beat. This vertically integrated company does everything in-house, from sourcing and processing the American-grown cotton to the assembly and finishing, which means they can also keep prices affordable. Plus, the team aims to be as size-inclusive as possible, with men’s inseam lengths from 28 to 36, in-between waist sizes (31, 33, 35), and extended Big & Tall sizing up to a 48 waist. These straight and slim fits are classic choices — and sewn with a hint of stretch, they’re incredibly comfortable, too.
5. Quince
Best For | Budget-friendly organic cotton & linen pants
Ethics | Produced in BSCI Certified factories, premium organic & natural materials, eco-friendly packaging, transparent manufacturing & pricing
Sizing | 29 – 44
Prices Starting At | $50
Looking for pants that are comfy enough for lounging but sharp enough for a wedding or date night? Quince has you covered! Their collections blends luxury and comfort, like their Stretch Wool Dress Pant which are office approved yet feel like yoga pants – and their Organic Stretch Corduroy Pants that are perfect for swapping in for your everyday jeans. Made from premium materials in BSCI-certified factories, most of these pants boast GOTS and OEKO-TEX certifications. Plus, they’re super affordable, with most styles starting at just $50!
Customer Review | “These are some of the softest corduroy pants. They are super comfortable with a slim leg profile. Snug around the calves. Probably going to order another pair when my size is back in stock. Love them.” – Aaron (Read all reviews.)
6. Taylor Stitch
Best For | Denim jackets & shirts
Ethics | Organic & deadstock materials, responsible production, recycled packaging, gives back to environmental causes, secondhand shop & repairs
Sizing | 28 – 38
Prices Starting At | $168
Taylor Stitch’s tagline is “responsibly built for the long haul,” and we’ve gotta agree. Every step of the production process here has been thoughtfully considered, including the Long Haul Guarantee for repairs and replacements and the secondhand ReStitch program, so you can get the most out of your pieces. We’re also obsessed with the natural selvedge jeans, made with 100 percent organic cotton. Don’t forget to check out the “Workshop” for additional denim products that are still being crowdfunded until they’re sustainable enough to produce without excess waste.
Customer Review | “Nice solid fabric for everyday wear. Good looking. I will be buying more.” – Charles B. (Read all reviews.)
7. Buck Mason
Best For | Slim & standard fits
Ethics | Responsible production, sustainable materials
Sizing | 28 – 38
Prices Starting At | $148
Buck Mason is all about timeless American style — and nothing says America quite like the quintessential pair of jeans. The BM team scours the globe for the highest quality materials and production; case in point: Most of the denim here is milled in Japan and sewn with a bit of stretch for comfort. We love the various dyes and colors here, and that the styles are impeccably fitted without feeling baggy or too tight. And if you really want to unleash your inner American cowboy, don’t sleep on the full saddle jeans either. 🤠
8. Carhartt Reworked
Best For | Utility pants
Ethics | Secondhand store, repair program, recycled program
Sizing | 28 – 54
Prices Starting At | $24
Carhartt Reworked is a secondhand shop offering durable, like-new gear including their well-loved utility pants! The brand is committed to sustainability, keeping tons of clothing out of landfills by offering hardwearing gear that’s made to last generations. With plenty of size options and over 34,000 reclaimed items sold, Carhartt Reworked is perfect for anyone looking for quality and affordability. Plus, they back their products with a promise of repair, replacement, or credit if anything doesn’t meet your expectations!
9. Levi’s
Best For | Vintage & secondhand denim
Ethics | Eco-friendly practices, secondhand shop, gives back to various causes
Sizing | 6 – 58
Prices Starting At | $70
Denim that’s already broken in? Yeah, sign us up! As one of the biggest denim brands in the world, Levi’s has a responsibility to be as sustainable as possible — especially since denim production can be particularly wasteful. That’s why we’re thrilled that Levi’s has the SecondHand shop, which stocks hundreds of vintage styles. Narrow down your needs by size, fit, condition, or collection, and enjoy deeply discounted prices. (Since sizing varies by decade, use this video from the team to help determine your size.) Take clothes out of the landfill and put ‘em right in your closet.
Featured image from Outerknown
