Finding “Green” Jeans in Styles That Flatter

How many pairs of jeans do you have in your closet? None? One? Ten? Whether you live in them, save them for after hours, or keep them just for cleaning the garage, they are a staple in many wardrobes and chances are you have at least one pair in your closet. If not, now is the time to get a great pair with stretch for added comfort. Read on for a little help finding a great pair.

While most people think of jeans as a kind of “down-to-earth” way of dressing, the fact is that they are not always the most eco-friendly clothing option. The amount of pesticides that go into making a pair of conventional jeans is mind-boggling. Because of this, the demand for organic, eco-friendly denim is growing fast, and the designers are responding. That said, as with many eco-friendly clothes, most of these are currently designed for young, thin women who like a lower rise, although, thankfully, some have a mid-rise.

Want to know which brands are “green”?

Try one of these:

www.levi.com (“eco” jeans run about $69-$78)
www.greenloop.com for “of the earth” jeans (made with cotton & hemp) (about $96)
www.loomstate.org to find a list of stores (about $155)
www.delforte.com to find a list of stores (about $192) 
www.shopmodify.com has a great pair of higher rise organic jeans (Monroe Jeans) as seen here on the right ($179)

You can also look for jeans made by Linda Loudermilk, Anna Cohen, even Sheryl Crow is designing her own line of eco-friendly jeans due out this Fall ($65). And, if you live in the Boston area, check out the eco-friendly shop “Envi” on Newbury Street.

There’s one snafu. Finding a great fitting pair of jeans is probably one of the most frustrating shopping experiences for many women. There are so many styles, shapes, cuts, pocket designs, washes, rises, and weight of fabric to choose from that it can easily feel overwhelming. If this sounds familiar, there are two things you can do. First, go to www.zafu.com. They run you through a list of questions that helps determine proper fit and style options (with many eco-friendly jeans to choose from) to help you select the perfect pair. Or, go towww.ujeans.com and they will customize your jeans. While not organic, the do commit to being environmentally friendly (by way of their washes and dyes) and socially responsible.

Before you purchase a pair of jeans, refer to these 7 tips:

1. Choose stretch denim. Not only is it more comfortable, it is also more forgiving and will hold its shape longer.
2. If anything, buy your jeans a tad snug. Now that most of them have stretch in them they will relax a bit as you wear them, and you do not want them to get too baggy or sloppy looking quickly!
3. Most women can wear boot cut and flared leg jeans because they make any figure look long and lean.
4. Unless you are tall and very thin, avoid skinny jeans and especially tapered jeans (fuller at the hip and tapered down to the ankle).
5. Whatever you do, do not hem your jeans too short.
6. The darker the denim the slimmer the look. Black is the most versatile of all.
7. Remember to look at the fit and styling in the back as well as the front. You want to be sure they are not bagging and the pockets are flattering.

Jeans can be a great staple in your casual wardrobe, and it will be well worth the time spent finding that perfect pair. If they can be eco-friendly (and by definition they are already animal-friendly), that’s even better!