How To Make A More Sustainable Choice With Citizens of Humanity

Fewer garments in the closet are as effortless and enduring as a pair of jeans. Endlessly wearable and undeniably utilitarian, denim has become a fundamental backbone of the modern wardrobe thanks to its easy-wearing nature, absolute versatility and ability to seamlessly be dressed up or down — whether polished with a pair of heels or worn off-duty with sneakers, this humble, everyday garment is one of our few true closet allies.

And yet, fewer labels apply such precision and steadfast attention to detail to this otherwise humble essential than Citizens of Humanity. Since its inception in 2003, the Los Angeles-based group, which is also home to Agolde and Goldsign, has become renowned not only for its cool, contemporary silhouettes and expert fits, but for its uncompromising standards, dedication to craftsmanship, and a continued commitment to making its jeans better with every season.

“There’s always a better way we can do and think about things, so we’re constantly challenging ourselves in how we can be more eco,” says Amy Williams, the group’s chief executive officer. “As a house of brands, we already offer our customers this idea of the perfect denim wardrobe, which can be as dressy as Goldsign or as free-spirited as Agolde. Now, we can offer our perfect wardrobe of jeans – but done in this more thoughtful way.”

And such a pledge manifests most tangibly with the launch of the Citizens of Humanity’s Group’s most eco-conscious collection of denim ever. Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, the Net Sustain capsule lines of cut-off shorts, jeans and jumpsuits from all three of its labels have been designed with the planet in mind – with everything from the fabrication to the washes updated in pursuit of sustainability.

Maintaining the distinct and covetable aesthetic that Citizens of Humanity, Goldsign and Agolde have each become known for, this considered approach allowed the group to diligently overhaul their denims from the very beginning of the craftsmanship process. The cloth itself is now 100 per cent organic cotton, which uses no pesticides and less water when grown.

Meanwhile, the washes have been updated to utilize the most sustainable practices available. Denims are dyed with plant-based pigments and natural indigo for the first time ever – it results in “super-soft denims, in slightly darker washes, that have a more vintage feel,” says Williams. Indeed, the high-waisted jeans, cut to a straight, cropped fit, are the ideal off-duty pairing for a white T-shirt – a Nineties-era look that will forever feel timeless.

True to the group’s fastidious attention to detail, no sartorial stone has been left unturned – care labels are now crafted from recycled ocean plastics, while the branded leather patches affixed to back pockets are rendered from a vegan leather derived from apples. All trimmings, studs and buttons are also made from recycled metals. “This innovation is the first of its kind for us, and is what we will be using going forward throughout our collections,” says Karen Phelps, creative director of Agolde and Goldsign.