If you love denim but want to shop with a lighter footprint and a reasonable budget, this guide is for you. Below you’ll find what makes jeans “sustainable,” the certifications that matter, smart shopping tips, and a curated list of affordable brands that deliver on ethics and durability—without the designer markup.

Quick picks

• Under $100: Warp + Weft, Wrangler Indigood, Revtown, Lee (Indigood), Uniqlo BlueCycle (best on a tight budget), Levi’s SecondHand
• $100–$150: Everlane (Saitex), Outerknown S.E.A. JEANS, MUD Jeans, Armedangels, Boyish (often on sale)
• $150–$200: Nudie Jeans, DL1961, Kuyichi, Kings of Indigo, Outland Denim, Reformation (select styles)

Why sustainable denim matters