Momotaro jeans are Japan’s premier artisanal denim brand. Read how they’re sustainable and why we should shop for more denim brands like these.
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The perfect pair of jeans will fit you like a glove and are a trusted friend you’ll turn to again and again… and again. Among the denim brands receiving attention for their gift of the perfect pair, is Momotaro jeans. This Japanese denim brand is spoken about like a folklore among denim enthusiasts and is renowned for its quality, durability, and artisanal dyeing techniques making them the perfect pair of jeans. As consumers shift towards sustainable and slow fashion, it’s these very characteristics that are bringing brands like Momotaro jeans to the forefront of the denim industry.
Known for their high-quality Japanese-made styles, Momotaro jeans is not just about style, but also about a rich history that combines traditional craftsmanship with innovation. The denim industry has been overrun by the some of the same environmental problems plaguing fast fashion- water and chemical pollution, waste, and irresponsible farming. Yet, it’s denim brands like Momotaro Jeans who prioritize sustainable practices- water recycling, using natural dyes, durability, and regenerative and organic farming- who show how brands can produce garments that not only look good but also respect the environment.
Beyond the Hype: Sustainable Practices in Denim Manufacturing
Momotaro Jeans operates with a clear vision: to create beautiful products made by artisans without harming the planet. Their dedication is visible at every stage, from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing.
Like other sustainable brands, Momotaro Jeans believes that sustainability starts at the beginning- the farm. The brand uses certified organic cotton grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers. This approach not only protects the environment but also ensures healthier working conditions for farmers. Conventionally-grown cotton uses pesticides that can cause health issues such nerve cell disruption and impaired memory and it degrades the soil and increases the risk desertification. Organic and regenerative cotton is grown without harmful pesticides, chemicals, and fertilizers.
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For the conventional denim industry, the dyeing process uses large amounts of water and carcinogenic chemicals that contribute to wastewater and marine pollution. Momotaro Jeans and other sustainable denim brands employ efficient toxic-free manufacturing practices that require less water and energy. These include using plant-based dyes free of harmful chemicals and microplastics, room-temperature water that requires less energy to heat, and recycling water.
Momotaro also stands out by focusing on waste reduction. Jeans are produced under limited cycles. They repurpose scrap materials into bags for the jeans, ensuring that no part of the fabric goes to waste. Each pair also comes with a 10-year warranty to be repaired as needed.
Durability and Longevity: Investing in Quality, Reducing Consumption
Momotaro Selvedge Denim Straight-Legged Jeans are made from Cotton grown in Zimbabwe and indigo dyed. $315
Discarded clothing represents a huge environmental problem. An estimated 92 million tons of clothes are dumped into landfills yearly in the U.S. This is in part thanks to fast fashion’s take-make-waste model. On the opposite end is slow fashion and the ethos of choosing durable products and less frequent replacements. Momotaro Jeans exemplify this principle. Well-constructed jeans last longer, which is a win for both consumers and the environment. And, as mentioned before, the brand offers a 10-year warranty to preserve jeans for customers. Torn jeans are repaired using patches. Old hardware is replaced. And split seams are resewn.
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Slow fashion brands like Momotaro encourage customers to repair rather than replace. They provide resources and tips for extending the life of your jeans, promoting a culture of sustainability. Investing in a timeless pair of denim means owning a piece that can last for years. Momotaro’s heirloom-quality jeans remind us to value longevity over fast fashion.
The Future of Sustainable Denim: Eco-Conscious Practices To Look For
Four Objects Utility Pant In Organic Cotton Twill is woven in Japan from 100% organic cotton. $315
Slow fashion is about choosing pieces of clothing you’ll love now and for years to come. It’s about knowing what looks good on your body and fits into your lifestyle, and choosing pieces built to last. It might sound like a lot, but in reality, it’s that innately personal connection you have with a piece of clothing you slip on again and again- whether it’s the worn-in t-shirt or the pair of jeans that have the perfect fit. Considering that the average person wears only 30% of what’s in their closet, it’s also a way to maximize the money, time, and space you spend on clothes.
Slow fashion brands are dedicated to expert craftsmanship. These are also pieces you can wear for years and will require small repairs here and there. To that end, here are a few things to look for when shopping for quality over quantity.
- Natural Fabrics: Natural fabrics are cotton, linen, wool, cashmere, and silk. Unnatural manmade fabrics are plastic-based materials like polyester, nylon, and rayon. Choose items made from 80% and more natural materials. Natural fabrics tend to be more durable, wash better, and feel better against the skin.
- Fibers: Flimsy fabrics won’t last. It’s easy to tell how something is constructed to see if it’ll last. When it comes to denim, the cotton should be soft. This indicates longer fibers densely spun that are less likely to tear.
- Stretch: Look for denim that is 98% cotton. Denim with more than 2% spandex will have more stretch. These jeans also tend to be thinner and more prone to losing their shape sooner.
- Stitching: The stitches should be straight and uniform. There should never be loose threads.
Citizens of Humanity Ayla Baggy Cuffed Crop Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans made for 100% regenerative cotton and made from faded and whiskered denim. $260
Just as you’ll shop for durability to ensure you’re getting the most out of your closet, shop for brands delivering on their claims about sustainable practices. Here are a few things to look for:
- Water Waste: Seek out denim brands using all-natural or toxic-free dyes and water recycling techniques. These processes reduce polluting local environments and water resources.
- Organic Certifications: Shop for jeans made from organic and regenerative cotton. To verify these claims, brands will often have GOTS or other certifications.
- Ethical Certifications: Fair wage is one certification to look for. If the brand doesn’t have these certifications look to see what information they share about their factories and suppliers to ensure that workers are treated fairly and earn living wages.
Shopping for and supporting sustainable brands is an important step all of us can to take to shift the industry towards better practices. Even making a simple decision such as buying a pair of Momotaro Jeans or a pair from another sustainable brand versus a dozen pairs from a fast fashion brand can reduce water waste, pollution, and improve the livelihoods of the people making these garments. Every pair helps create a positive impact, one jean at a time.