Today’s post is an Everlane Japanese denim review. As you know, Everlane is one of my favorite brands for basics and affordable wardrobe essentials. Everlane recently launched their first denim jean using environmentally safe manufacturing processes.

As it turns out the manufacturing process of denim, one of the world’s favorite fabrics, is a very “dirty” one. Thousands of gallons of water are waisted during the washing process. Additionally, chemicals and dyes used to create the various finishes are often dumped untreated into drains, ending up in streams and waterways. Sand blasting is one of the processes used in distressing jeans to achieve that popular broken-in look. Particles from this process become easily airborne and inhaled by factory workers, posing long term respiratory health effects. Thus the real cost of fashion is borne by the workers.

The Satitex International Factory, which produces Everlane ‘s Japanese denim, recycles 98% of its water and relies on alternative energy sources. Everlane touts its factory as, “the world’s cleanest denim factory”.

I’m a big fan of Everlane because of the due diligence they perform in sourcing from factories which provide fair treatment of their workers. Being transparent is an Everlane mantra. Each Everlane product includes information about the factory and the true cost to make the article of clothing you are purchasing.

Everlane partnered with a LEED certified factory to manufacture its new line of Japanese denim. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a rating system created by the US Green Building Council (usbgc.org) to validate environmental land use, design, and construction practices. By fulfilling rigorous criteria backed up by engineering and cost data, buildings can achieve a rating of “certified, silver, gold, or platinum”.  LEED started in the commercial construction industry for new buildings about 17 years ago. Today, LEED projects include existing buildings, residential construction, and even factories.

How do I know so much about LEED? I became a LEED Accredited Professional (or LEED AP) in 2004 and nearly every project I’ve worked on since was LEED certified, silver, gold, or platinum. I also obtained my LEED Homes credential for residential construction.

How did I come across Everlane Japanese Denim? I was on the lookout for a pair of high rise black denim, without distressing. I was considering brands like Frame, Rag & Bone, and even far away Swedish brand Monki. That was, until I glimpsed Everlane’s announcement of its upcoming denim launch. After emptying my wishlist of the other brands I added myself to the waitlist for the Everlane denim.

Being no stranger to Everlane’s highly anticipated launches I prepared by jotting down my measurements (thigh, waist, hip, natural waist) and setting a calendar reminder. “The wait is over” email arrived on launch day and I promptly logged into my account.  I ordered the High-rise skinny in “Stay Black”.

The Stay Black dye process, according to Everlane’s website, ensures that jeans keep their rich black color longer.

 

 

What I like best:

The comfort. Japanese denim is know for being stiff however the Everlane Japanese denim is suprisingly soft on the skin. The jean is 98% cotton and 2 % elastane and designed to wear more slowly due to the high cotton content. I’m also guessing that the lack of chemicals promotes a longer lasting product.I never felt itchy, probably because of the eco-friendly processing.  I wore these jeans straight out of the package.  ALL. DAMN. DAY. The fit is flattering to all shapes and sizes and molds to every curve. I’m really pleased the jeans don’t gap at the waist as well.  The taper at the ankleis is nice and slim but with enough flare to pair with a loafer, high heel, or pump such as the Everlane Day Heel.

What I would change:

As for sizing, the website is pretty accurate but I recommend ordering your true size plus one size up to save time on returns.  I went with the larger size since I was in between the two.  I like the low-key branding of the jean. (The button and riveting are embossed with “Everlane”) But I prefer a leather label on the outside of the waistband to show the source of the these great fitting jeans. Until then I’ll just have to say, “nothing comes between me and my Everlane Japanese denim”.

Overall I highly recommend these jeans which come in 4 washes and 3 different “fits” so you’re sure to find what suits your shape. Reasonably priced at $68, transparent, and ethically manufactured? I give Everlane Japanese denim a platinum rating.

Stay Black 👊🏾,

Kairee Tann, LEED AP* (the only time I’ll probably use my credentials in a fashion blog post!)

Interested in trying out Everlane Japanese denim online and get Free U.S. shipping on 2+ items

My review of the Everlane Day Heel

 

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