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If you live in the US or want some alternatives to the region’s iconic—but unsustainable—denim brands, check out our list of more ethical denim brands from the USA.

Jeans are synonymous with America, but the biggest brands aren’t sustainable

Few garments are as closely associated with the United States as blue denim jeans are. After all, Levi’s, which refined and popularised the style, was founded in the region, and many of the world’s biggest denim brands also hail from the USA, including Gap, Lee and Frame.

But America’s biggest denim brands aren’t doing or disclosing enough to be considered more responsible or ethical. None of those mentioned above received ratings above our middling score of “It’s a Start” when our analysts last reviewed their sustainability. That’s disappointing, because they all have the power and finances to influence and improve their supply chains for the better, especially when compared with smaller brands.

Why sustainability in denim is important

Sustainability in denim is really important because indigo dyeing has its own set of challenges, including health risks to workers in factories, extensive water usage, and wastewater treatment. Not to mention the challenges of recycling garments like jeans that aren’t necessarily designed to be taken apart easily, which is necessary for textile recycling: think of all those rivets, buttons and zips.

One upside of denim is that it is highly durable, so if a brand works to reduce its impact and manufacture its jeans more ethically, and the consumer who buys them keeps the jeans in circulation for as long as possible (ie wearing, repairing, and then reselling or keeping for a long time), then the garment can be a good choice.

So, with all that said, which US denim brands are doing the work to be more responsible? Here, we’re sharing 10 more sustainable denim brands (or those that sell it as a main category) from all around the United States.

More ethical denim brands from the United States

Triarchy

US-based Triarchy creates more sustainable jeans, skirts, shorts, jumpsuits, and jackets. The brand’s production system uses 85% recycled water by consistently reusing the “thick indigo laden sludge” that unmonitored factories dump into water systems.

Find most of the jeans in US sizes 24-32.

See the rating.

Shop Triarchy.

Shop Triarchy Pre-owned @ eBay.

Minimalist

Anchored in timeless design, Minimalist is a curated collection of women’s ready-to-wear pieces all made in New York and designed to be recycled at their end of life. It seeks to be part of the solution to make fashion more sustainable, using certified lower-impact materials and ensuring fair wage and work conditions in the local New York City factories it supports.

Find it in sizes XS-L.

See the rating.

Shop Minimalist.

SLVRLAKE

US-based SLVRLAKE draws inspiration from its hometown of Los Angeles, set against the diverse landscape of California. The brand is committed to using lower-impact materials and is on a mission to create timeless garments that are built to stand the test of time.

Find most pieces in sizes 23-32.

See the rating.

Shop SLVRLAKE.

Shop SLVRLAKE Pre-owned @ eBay.

Outerknown

Founded by surf champion Kelly Slater, Outerknown is a more responsible brand that aims to blend style and function with the protection of natural resources. The brand is Bluesign certified and has partnered with the Fair Labour Association.

Find the range in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Outerknown.

Dickies

Dickies has made a public commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but is not taking adequate steps to ensure payment of a living wage for its workers. However, it is a better option than other major workwear brands for protective construction and other gear.

Find the range in inclusive sizes 2XS-6XL.

See the rating.

Shop Dickies.

Shops Dickies Pre-Owned @ eBay.

Toad&Co

Toad&Co is a US brand working in a more socially and environmentally minded way. Its women’s and menswear is equally suited for the rigours of the trail or the tavern.

Most items are available in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Toad&Co.

Editor's note

Feature image via Triarchy, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion and beauty brands’ impact on people, the planet and animals.

We updated this article on 11 June 2026. Our editors frequently make updates to articles to ensure they’re up to date. We refreshed our round-up of brands.