Sustainable fashion will never go out of style. Emma Watson famously had an all-sustainable press tour wardrobe, companies like EcoAge are transforming what it means to be eco-friendly on the red carpet, and two of your favorite fashion brands just made a huge step forward by partnering with Fair Trade on a new line of stylish and sustainable denim.
J.Crew and Madewell both launched brand new collections for men’s and women’s denim that range from fashion forward wide-leg jeans to skirts to overalls — all of which are Fair Trade certified, which means that each pair was made under safe, healthy working conditions and that the factories producing the jeans are operating under the highest social, environmental and economic standard.
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“It is so refreshing to see companies like J.Crew and Madewell step up to offer a better denim product that is not only beautiful and on trend, but also eco-friendly and socially responsible,” said Maya Spaull, Vice President of Apparel & Home Goods at Fair Trade USA in the press release. “Denim is a staple wardrobe item around the world, and is an iconic part of American fashion culture. We all wear it, yet often do not stop to think about where it comes from and who made it.”
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By purchasing a pair of Fair Trade denim, shoppers are ensuring that workers get a fair wage, benefits and equal rights, plus, J.Crew Group (which owns both companies) pays a premium that goes into a Community Development Fund that’s run by workers in the factory. The employees all vote on what to spend the extra funds on, which could go directly into their paychecks or fund an on-site daycare center or clinic, whatever the group decides on.
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Fair Trade began 20 years ago and now includes over 1,300 brands that follow the nonprofit’s strict ethical standards, including Patagonia, West Elm and Athleta to name a few. But the addition of J.Crew and Madewell is a significant step forward in the apparel category of Fair Trade.
“We’re all connected by the products we buy and the clothes that we wear,” said Paul Rice, Founder & CEO of Fair Trade USA in a statement. “Fair Trade connects purchase to impact — this monumental initiative from J.Crew and Madewell not only uplifts the thousands of employees involved in the apparel production, but it also empowers shoppers in the United States to select and wear styles that were created in line with their values. The industry is watching.”
With all eyes on Madewell and J.Crew, the companies aren’t planning on making this a one-time thing. J.Crew Group is working with Fair Trade on a long-term partnership and plan to unveil more styles soon.
What’s even better than the fact that your pair of jeans will give back, is the fact that they’re still priced consistently with other J.Crew and Madewell styles. Pieces in both collections range from $60 to $128 and are available to shop now. And to get you started, we rounded up a few of our favorites, below.
Buy It: Madewell Cali Demi-Boot Jeans in Tierney Wash: Eco Edition, $125; madewell.com
Buy It: Madewell The Stretch Jean Jacket: Eco Edition, $118; madewell.com
Buy It! Madewell 9″ High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Paloma Wash: Raw-Hem Edition, $128; madewell.com
Buy It! J.Crew Vintage straight eco jean with button fly, $89.50; jcrew.com
Buy It! J.Crew Vintage straight eco jean in medium wash, $89.50; jcrew.com
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