Five sustainable denim favorites for spring and summer.

A good pair of jeans will last you the rest of your life (or until you wear them to shreds). It’s important to pick a good pair, made from organic or recycled denim. Cotton production pollutes soil and waterways, damages wildlife habitats and accounts for over 10 percent of the global use of pesticides. Now that spring seems finally here to stay, it may be time to invest in a new pair. Here are five of our sustainable denim favorites for spring and summer.

1. Kuyichi Denim
Kuyichi was one of the first brands to make denim from recycled and organic cotton, grown completely free of pesticides. These are made from 98 percent organic cotton and 2 percent elastane. We love the faded effect, distressed look and contrast stitching.
$99, YOOX

2. Nudie Jeans Tight Long John Org. Twill Rinsed
Although the brand markets exclusively to men, many of Nudie’s style fit women just as well. The Tight Long John is one of them. Last year, the Swedish label managed to transition its entire high end denim line to 100 percent organic. The darkness in the shade of this pair comes from sulpha that has been added to give it a less red cast. The copper trims are also organic.
$179, Nudie Jeans Co.

3. Levi’s Water<Less Classic Rise Demi Curve Boot Cut Jeans
All the styles in Levi’s CurveID line are specifically designed for different body types. They fit in all the right places—no more pinching, pulling, or bent-over backside reveals. The effect is an overall smoother silhouette and jeans that look like they were made for you. This particular pair is also part of Levi’s Water<Less collection, an initiative designed to significantly reduce the amount of water needed to produce denim.
$50, Levi’s

4. The Remy by Big Star Denim
The all classic boot cut is always in style. The medium blue wash of the Remy is very versatile and easy to pair with anything in your wardrobe. Big Star Denim uses special ozone technology to create their washes. This uses less water, less energy and less chemicals.
$98, Kaight

5. Mid Rise Trouser by Reuse Jeans
The perfect shade of medium blue of these flares bring to mind the carefree attitudes of the ’70s. Channel your inner flower child and pair them with fringe and florals for festival season, or dress them up with a fitted navy blazer and simple whit tee. Reuse Jeans are sustainably made in China, from pre-consumer recycled denim.
$95, Reuse Jeans

Images courtesy of the brands featured

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Whether you go for sexy or androgynous when styling these menswear-inspired eco-fashion picks, it’s time to borrow from the boys.

With Father’s Day right around the corner, women all over the country are thinking about the men in their lives and perhaps even shopping for gifts for them. Why not take it a step further and dress the part as well. With these menswear-inspired eco-savvy picks you will be the coolest girl on the street. You can either go for sexy with dramatic eye makeup, red lips and big hair or do the androgynous thing, with minimal makeup and hair pulled back into a messy low ponytail. Either way, it’s time to borrow from the boys.

Hank Rey Org. Shade Blue Jeans by Nudie Jeans Co.
Loose-fitting denim in a very washed out light blue shade is totally right this summer. These, by Nudie Jeans Co., are made from Turkish organic cotton denim and have organic trims as well. The wash and abrasions are done using old school techniques that cause minimal environmental impact. Roll them up and wear with killer heels or low Doc Martens.
$225, Nudie Jeans Co.

Vegan 3 Eye Gibson Dr. Martens
These classic 3-eye Gibson shoes by Dr. Martens are completely vegan. Recent advances in materials and manufacturing processes has allowed these classic worker boots to be made entirely from animal-free materials without compromising quality and durability. Felix microfiber uppers emulate the good qualities of leather in texture and breathability, and the shoes are built on traditional Dr. Martens soles with all synthetic glues and materials.
$115, Moo Shoes

Tiboli Beater
Melissa Dizon, the designer of Eairth, is known for her innovative use of draping, slashing, tucks and multi-seaming. This version of a classic wife-beater (side note-we despise the name of that garment) features a V-shaped mix of materials that gives it a flattering feminine edge — perfect for pairing with those other, more loose-fitting men’s-inspired pieces. Organic materials, mixed with a strong artisanal mentality, the use of natural dyes and age-old manufacturing processes ensures that each piece is one of a kind.
$68, Juno & Jove

Half Bar Globe Watch Pendant by Love Nail Tree
This timeless piece is a throwback to the times when men all used to wear their watches on chains instead of their wrists. Maybe your grandfather once did? Honor that heritage by wearing this brass necklace, made from a working vintage watch. Love Nail Tree is an LA-based company that aims to use storytelling to “move people to action and inspire a deep change within them.”
$36, Love Nail Tree

We Are All Smith Hoodie
This unisex pullover hoodie by We Are All Smith is something a girl would give to her boyfriend just so she can borrow it, and what’s wrong with that? Made from a natural fleece alternative and dyed with low-impact dyes, it offers both comfort and warmth with a distinct sustainable appeal. At this time it’s only available in size large, but that’s totally fine with us.
$69, Smith Town Market

Honest By Recycled Wool Caban Coat
This impeccably cut navy blue coat is designed by Bruno Pieters and comes in a limited edition of 20 pieces. Made out of recycled wool and entirely finished with organic cotton bias tape, it features both unique, sharp tailoring and a comfortable oversized fit. A pioneer in fashion industry transparency, Honest By lists the actual production cost and total carbon impact of all materials combined, which for this piece is 5,74 kg of CO2 — the equivalent of driving a car for 22.3 miles or using a classic light bulb for 220,77 hours.
$1,009, Honest By

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For a weekend at the bucolic Blackberry Farm in Tennessee, fill your bag with comfortable yet stylish clothing that can stand a day in the fields.

When packing for a weekend stay at the bucolic Blackberry Farm, a pastoral 4,200-acre estate in the Great Smoky Mountains, bring comfortable yet stylish clothing that can stand to be outdoors in the field, veggie patch or pasture.

Victoria Knit Jumper by People Tree
A comfy sweater is a must-have on any casual getaway. This cream-colored one, by British label People Tree has a great, loose fit that scores some serious fashion points too. It’s Fair Trade certified and hand knitted in Nepal from 55% cotton and 45% banana tree fiber.
Approx. $138, People Tree

Ripegoods Lucky Horseshoe Necklace
A lucky charm to wear around your neck that is more than appropriate for a farm. This handcrafted gold fill horseshoe necklace comes in two different sizes, both hammered and brushed to a matte finish and affixed to an oxidized sterling silver chain. Committed to sustainability, Ripegoods mother and daughter design team, Kathie and Lindsey Fieldman, use recycled and reclaimed metals to craft their pieces.
$58, Ripegoods

The Lost Coast Overnight by Heather Heron
Pack all your stuff in this rustic yet stylish weekender bag by California-based designer Heather Heron. Made from recycled vintage military fabrics and dolled up with some patchwork, each bag is unique and will hold everything you need for the weekend.
$640, Heather Heron

The Vegetable Wash Skinny Jean
A good pair of jeans are practically a requirement for spending time on a farm. These vegetable wash jeans from Kaight are perfect for a day in the veggie patch. Each pair is handwoven in Romania, and absolutely unique. Customers can find out how by entering a special code located on the inside seam.
$165, Kaight

Castor Fishtail Parka by Nudie Jeans Co
This classic fishtail parka was made for the boys, but that does not mean us girls can’t wear it. Made from cotton twill with a detachable lining, drawstring detailing and lots of pockets, it’s perfect for a weekend in the countryside. Swedish brand Nudie Jeans Co has made a long-term commitment to sustainability and developed special techniques for dyeing and distressing their clothing that are not harmful to the environment.
$599, Nudie Jeans Co

Mod. 2 Scarf by Beryll
You gotta throw some plaid in there when you’re going to a farm, and this scarf is the perfect way to do that. Made by LA-based company Beryll, whose motto is “handcrafted by good people, worn by good people,” it will keep you warm through many chilly summer eves and will only look better with age.
$148, Juno & Jove

Aiglentine Natural Rubber Boots
Farms tend to get muddy, so bringing a pair of rubber boots along is probably a good idea. French company Aigle has been making rubber boots since 1853. They are all still handcrafted in France, from high quality natural rubber. These are great boots that will last you for a very long time, they’re also washable and fast-drying.
$218, Aigle

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Your Weekend Bag for a stay at the Treehotel in the North of Sweden includes local eco-labels and modern takes on Swedish classics — designed to keep you warm.

When packing for a weekend at the Treehotel, a gathering of fantastical dwellings nestled high up in the trees of Northern Sweden, you need to keep in mind that Nordic winters are just a tad colder than most of us are used to. Embrace Swedish style with local eco-labels and updates on classics like clogs, a Sami parka and Lovikka mittens. It may also be a good idea to pack a thermos and fill it with one of Swedes’ favorite warming winter beverages — glögg or vargtass, a mix of vodka and lingonberry juice.

Thin Finn Dry Flat Selvage Denim
Swedish denim brand Nudie’s The Dry Selvage line is a special concept made from select selvage denim from Japan, Italy and Turkey, featuring the highest denim qualities — denim with cashmere, hemp and organic cotton, and so on. Styles are all unisex, and the Thin Finn is one particularly favored by the ladies.
Approx. $340, Nudie Jeans Co.

Fjällräven Luhkka Cape
We love this Luhkka Cape, inspired by a traditional Sami garment, by classic Swedish outdoor brand Fjällräven. Even if there is a snow storm, you will have to leave your treehouse to eat, use the facilities or warm up in the sauna. The lightly insulated G-1000 material provides protection against rain, snow, sleet and bitter winds, and the large kangaroo pocket in front is great for keeping your hands warm and toasty. Best of all, this cape will look just as good in the city as it does in the Nordic wilderness.
$299, Fjällräven

Hildur Cashmere Cardigan
If you go to the Treehotel, chances are you came to relax. This cozy, slightly over-size cashmere cardigan by Swedish eco-label Righteous Fashion will certainly help you do that. There’s enough fabric that you can almost wrap yourself in it like a blanket. Handmade in Nepal from 100% Fair-Made Cashmere Wool.
Approx. $420, Righteous Fashion

Shearling Clog Boot
What’s more Swedish than a clog? This updated take on the classic everyday footwear has a shearling lining that is sure to keep your toes warm when trudging through the snow. Sven’s Clogs are handmade with pride in a 36-year-old factory in Chisago City, Minnesota. What we like most is that you can choose the style, leather option and color, as well as the base color to make your own perfect clog.
$360, Sven’s Clogs

 Lovikka Mittens
Every Swedish kid goes through many pairs — usually knitted by a grandmother — of these traditional Sami-style mittens during their childhood. They are supposedly easy to make if you feel like taking on a DIY project (try this pattern). If not, they can be purchased from Swedish arts and crafts stores, perhaps a good souvenir to bring back from your trip?
Approx. $45, Hantverkstan

Ambika Boutique Front Fold Hat
Ok, so it’s not Swedish, but we so love this fluffy hat with front and earflaps, made with friendly fur. On her farm in Upstate New York, designer Ambika Conroy raises angora rabbits that are shorn every three months according to their natural cycle. The fibers are then hand-carded and spun into the yarn Ambika uses to create her designs. Best of all, because of the angora rabbits’ long fibers, it doesn’t shed.
$275, Ambika Boutique

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