Levi's Most Sustainable Jeans Use a Revolutionary New Material - Gear Patrol |
- Levi's Most Sustainable Jeans Use a Revolutionary New Material - Gear Patrol
- African-American Owned, Red Cotton Denim, The World's Best Fitting Jeans, Now on Kickstarter - Benzinga
- Anti-skinny jeans on sale at Amazon—these flattering styles are priced just right - Yahoo Sports
| Levi's Most Sustainable Jeans Use a Revolutionary New Material - Gear Patrol Posted: 21 Jul 2020 11:14 AM PDT The clothing industry has a serious waste problem. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the fashion industry used 53 million tons of new fibers to produce clothing in 2015. McKinsey & Company, a management consulting firm, estimates that 60 percent of all clothing produced winds up in incinerators or landfills within 12 months — the Ellen MacArthur Foundation reports it's up to 73 percent. And, that staggering amount of waste has grown with increasing rates of consumption. According to McKinsey, "clothing production doubled from 2000 to 2014, and the number of garments purchased each year by the average consumer increased by sixty percent." Of the 53 million tons of new fibers used in clothing production, 26 percent was cotton. Used in knits to make t-shirts and sweats, cotton is also primarily used to make denim. Levi's — one of the world's biggest apparel companies, with a reported net revenue of $5.6 billion in 2018 — has been addressing the environmental impact of denim with innovations in how cotton is grown, how it's spun into thread, how it's dyed and and how jeans are constructed. But, the amount of jeans that are thrown away is still a major concern. Increasing consumption puts considerable stress on natural resources, and discarded garments are a huge monetary loss (the Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates $100 billion worth of materials each year). The solution that many brands have been actively pursuing is called circularity: recycling used or discarded clothing to make fibers for new garments. Until this point, the process has been largely theoretical because the technology and manufacturing systems did not exist. But, a new innovation by Swedish startup re:newcell is changing that. Levi's partnered with re:newcell to produce WellThread 502 jeans made with organic cotton and a material called Circulose. The Swedish brand's revolutionary new fiber is made from 50 percent recycled denim and 50 percent sustainably-sourced viscose. The jeans look and feel like traditional offerings, and come with a worn-in wash that shows the denim's slightly red-cast shade of indigo. But, the material is unlike anything the brand has produced in its 167-year history.  Circulose — a man-made cellulosic fiber similar to viscose, lyocell and model — is made from plant-based cellulose pulp that is processed and turned into a long, soft filament fiber (MMCFs are often used as an affordable alternative to silk or nylon). While many traditional MMCFs use wood as an input, Circulose uses discarded 100-percent cotton textiles and garments to produce a high-quality fiber. "I always prefer a simple solution, but we simply cannot keep growing more cotton to meet growing consumer demand," says Levi's vice president Paul Dillinger, Head of Global Product Innovation and Premium Collection Design. "The world's supply of freshwater is limited, and cotton is a thirsty crop. Until consumption can be re-aligned with sustainable supply, it's incumbent upon the industry to activate garment waste as a material resource…and there's plenty of waste to activate." The process is similar to recycling paper: incoming waste fabrics are broken down using water, the color is stripped from the material using an eco-friendly bleach, any synthetic fibers are removed and the mixture is dried. Then the sheet of Circulose material is extruded into a long viscose filament that can be combined with cotton and woven or knit into a new fabric. "How these post-consumer MMCFs can be used is determined by their form, and their form is determined by the manner of their extrusion," Dillinger says. "If you think of the extrusion process like a fancy showerhead — where variable settings change the force and form of the water as it flows out — you get a good picture of the different ways that extrusion conditions can change the characteristics of the fiber." "By using extrusion spinnerets that roughly correspond to the fiber morphology of natural cotton, we can better deploy the post-consumer MMCF as a "like for like" alternative to virgin cotton," he says. "Going forward, we can explore other spinneret configurations to design fiber profiles with specific performance attributes. It's possible that athletic performance features — like moisture wicking and thermo-adaptation — can be achieved with fibers made from recycled cotton rather than fossil fuels." Jeans made from recycled denim reduce stress on natural resources like water, and limit chemical use and CO2 emissions. The $148 WellThread 502 jeans, though a small sample of what Levi's offers, are a proof of concept. The Circulose blend — Levi's uses 60 percent organic cotton and 40 percent Circulose — has the potential to be utilized in many of Levi's products if successful. As such, the WellThread 502 jeans are designed to go back into re:newcell's recovery system and are only made of natural materials (even tread, trims and backings are cotton). Re:newcell's system is different from others in the clothing industry. Though mechanical recycling facilities are already used, the product they produce is not ideal. Cotton is broken down into small, weak fibers which are blended with synthetic fibers to make them stronger. But by doing that, the resulting material is no longer recyclable. Re:newcell's recovery system produces a material that is not only recyclable, but it performs similarly to many traditional materials used today. "The re:newcell system enables the circular re-use of materials without degrading the material value," Dillinger says. "With its potential to accommodate mixed cellulosic fiber inputs, it may lead to a future where the strict single-fiber constraints of circular design can loosen-up a little. More garments can go into the Renewcell system, and the Circulose fibers have the potential for much broader application than conventionally recycled cotton." Circulose is made in a recycling facility in Kristinehamn, Sweden. The facility recovers and reuses chemicals used in the recycling process, and the plant runs on renewable energy. The water used in the process is much less than what's needed to grow cotton, and after it's been used and treated, it's clean enough to be released into Lake Vänern nearby. Re:newcell was founded in 2012 and opened its Kristinehamn facility in 2017. Currently, it can produce 7,000 tons of Circulose every year. While some skeptics may ask about added environmental stress from shipping materials to and from Sweden, Dillinger says it "would be a negligible variable, more than likely offset by the 20 percent reduction in virgin material use." "When it comes to commercializing a new material innovation, our industry sets the bar way too high," he says. "More often than not, our supply chain expects new ideas to come to market with performance parity, price parity, consumer experience parity, lead-time parity, and mill efficiency parity right out of the gate. If we hold out for conveniently distributed supply points that are pre-aligned with our established mill base, we'll never get anything done." As re:newcell continues to grow, with support from industry leaders like Levi's, it has potential to shift the way garments are designed and manufactured, lessening the environmental impact of the clothing industry. While the brand has just one facility now, as demand grows, Dillinger notes that new facilities could open in "developed urban centers, where outsized consumption and capacity constraints at the city dump necessitate new solutions to address the landfill waste crisis." But for now, the Kristinehamn facility is producing the world's supply of Circulose. And for Dillinger, that's ok. "If Sweden is where a good idea happens, we can work with Sweden," he says. Because it's that idea that has the power to usher in a new era of denim at Levi's, and change the course of an entire industry. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. 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| Posted: 21 Jul 2020 12:05 PM PDT  Custom-fit, handmade jeans, Red Cotton Denim is changing the way people shop for jeans with a seamless online experience and sustainable production. EL PASO, Texas (PRWEB) July 21, 2020 Red Cotton Denim, an African-American owned clothing-tech company, is reshaping the clothing industry with a sustainable, custom-made jeans model, is now on Kickstarter. Red Cotton Denim founder, Camillo Love, is looking to disrupt the fashion industry that has created a standard sizing system. Instead of mass producing, Red Cotton Denim is introducing jean customization technology that creates a personalized fit. His path has taken him from serving in the US Navy to working in the LA Fashion Districts to making custom jeans for Shaquille O'Neal (photo) and now a jean factory in El Paso, TX. Red Cotton Denim is currently offering ready made jeans along with custom fitting jeans to a select number of customers. With a successful Kickstarter, Red Cotton Denim plans to immediately develop the technology to offer custom jeans to everyone. This will allow Red Cotton Denim to become the first company to create truly online customized jeans by recreating century-old tailoring and modernizing how jeans are designed. "Red Cotton Denim is building a technology that creates a personalized, user-friendly online shopping experience for custom-fit jeans," said Love, founder of Red Cotton Denim. "The fashion industry mass produces clothing, using a standardized sizing system to provide an adequate fit for most people. This method results in not only poor-fitting clothing but tremendous waste and harm in the process." Red Cotton Denim's tailored garments are crafted to fit every customer's unique body. Love understands custom fit and that all bodies are different, not only has he needed customized clothing with his 6'5" frame; but for others who are in need of high quality custom tailoring. "I want to stay true to the process of hand-making jeans while expanding the capacity to craft more. Since its inception, every pair of Red Cotton Denim jeans has been hand sewn by me," said Love. "The brand prides itself on its unique ability to create relationships with customers enabling a collaborative design experience and guaranteeing satisfaction - knowing that each pair of Red Cotton Denim jeans are made for the individual customer to fit perfectly." Red Cotton Denim also plans to hire more employees, working with El Paso based Ready One Industries, an organization that provides employment opportunities for individuals with significant disabilities in an environment that inspires and nurtures self-determination and success. "This will help me reach not only my dream of custom-made jeans but also my heartfelt commitment to nurturing self-determination and success in individuals with disabilities," Love said. By working directly with the customer online, Red Cotton Denim can eliminate 60% of the average retail mark up, giving the customer a handcrafted pair of jeans at an affordable price. The Cone Mills 12-ounce fabric jeans are offered in indigo or black, straight leg or tapered cut with a true mid rise fit, zip fly and a four-pocket design inspired by the American classic cut. For more information and to pre-order Red Cotton Denim jeans at early bird discounts, visit the crowdfunding page on Kickstarter or RedCottonDenim.com. About Red Cotton Denim Red Cotton Denim's founder, Camillo Love, worked with Ready One Industries for a year. He sought to learn their business, develop relationships, and ensure that they could produce his Red Cotton Denims jeans to the high-level quality and customization standards he expects. Made to Order Red Cotton Denim does not mass produce; every garment is made to order. We don't have stock or warehouses of unsold clothes. If a pair of jeans is not needed, it does not get made. Seamless Online Experience Red Cotton Denim will focus on ease-of-use with its online portal, making the measurement process effortless and state of the art. 3D animation and video morphing with instructions will stand out and allow for ideal customer flow. Custom Fit Every garment is custom fit. No two bodies are the same and neither are our jeans. Every detail is carefully designed to fit each individual's body. Sustainability Sustainability is about caring for our environment, our employees, and our community. Instead of seeing the pursuit of sustainability as a barrier in the clothing industry, we see it as an aspiration and an opportunity for changing the way clothing is made. Responsible Production Our production partner - Ready One Industries - was selected based on their commitment to equity for those with disabilities, their exceptional skill level, a strong focus on quality, and an uncompromising dedication to positive working environments. The traditional clothing industry, overproduces, has a history of unethical use of labor and causes extreme waste. Every garment produced by Red Cotton Denim is made to order - directly for our customers. No stock and unsold clothing end up in landfills. Equity in the Workplace Red Cotton Denim strongly believes in offering equal opportunity. Recognizing that every person has unique potential and abilities, they have partnered with Ready One Industries, where workers with disabilities can be successful and work easily and comfortably. For the original version on PRWeb visit: https://www.prweb.com/releases/african_american_owned_red_cotton_denim_the_worlds_best_fitting_jeans_now_on_kickstarter/prweb17272432.htm  |
| Anti-skinny jeans on sale at Amazon—these flattering styles are priced just right - Yahoo Sports Posted: 26 Jun 2020 12:00 AM PDT Yahoo Life is committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. We may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.  Remember when jeans were comfortable—when slipping into a pair meant feeling like yourself, relaxed, cozy, and at home? It's been a while. Skinny jeans took over the category at some point, but fashion has come full circle and now some of the best-looking, most flattering options have the kind of fit we loved before the word "jeggings" was even a twinkle in the eye of some marketing genius. Seriously, folks, we're all easing ourselves back into the real world, and the last thing we want is a sudden surge of discomfort. Get yourself the right anti-skinny jeans and it will be a pleasure to put on actual pants for that first foray to an outdoor restaurant, a more normal trip to the grocery store, or perhaps even some sort of July 4th celebration (we can dream, can't we?). Amazon is having an epic fashion sale right now. We combed through and plucked the very best cool-and-comfy jeans for you, from Levi's, Lucky Brand, Jag, and more. All super flattering and priced to make you smile. Find your new favorite pair of jeans right here.  What makes these Lucky Brand boyfriend-style jeans so comfy? Three percent polyester and one percent elastane gives them some stretch, and the medium-rise won't dig in to your ribcage. "I've been wearing Levi's forever and decided to splurge a little on these jeans," a shopper shared. "Whoa! They fit like I have owned them forever. Totally soft and livable. Can't wait to wear them tomorrow!  Buttons? Who needs 'em? This pull-on pair is made of a blend of cotton, polyester and spandex and has a stylish straight-leg fit, plus it's available in seven washes. "LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these jeans!" one reviewer happily exclaimed. "They look like 'regular' jeans but with no bulky belly bump where the button/zipper usually are. It helps me to have a much sleeker profile -- which is IMPORTANT! They slide on pretty easily. They are super comfy, stay-put -- no riding down or up as I move around, and they look terrific! These are a tad long for me -- 5'6" size 8, but I just roll them up, and they look fine. The length also gives me the opportunity to wear a different height heel and still look good."  Fade and whisker detailing gives these a lived-in look, and they feel as soft as leggings — especially if you have a hard time finding jeans that don't gap in the back but still give your booty lift. "AMAZING pair of jeans," one shopper declared. "Super soft. Super comfortable. Really stretchy so it hugs you in all the right places! I am a curvy woman and got a size 14. These are probably the best fitting jeans and most comfortable I've purchased. If you are "thick," have big thighs or are just curvy, these will fit in all the right places. Love the waist. No muffin top, no rolling, no pinching...I LOVE THESE!"  Don't be fooled by the snug fit: Even though these jeans hug your curves, they're delightfully stretchy while still retaining a tailored fit. They even have a tummy-slimming panel. "These jeans feel and fit and feel like a designer pair I paid five times as much for a couple of years ago," one shopper shared. "The fit is curve-loving and the material is stretchy. No butt gap when I sit, no dogs when I bend."  A blend of cotton, elastane and polyester ensures these jeans stay stretchy — even though they look just like the raw denim of your favorite vintage pair. Who needs designer jeans when these exist? "I have always been a bit of a jean snob," one shopper said. "But as I get older and wiser, I have looked for some more cost-effective, less skinny jeans that aren't "mom" jeans. I saw these were the best selling jeans on Amazon and decided to give them a try. Wow! I LOVE these jeans! Super comfy, look great, flattering and easily hop from play to nicer look! Great for summer!"  No buttons or zippers here: You just need to pull these stylish bootcut jeans on. The brand's signature waistband helps create the illusion of smoother lower abs and tummy. "These jeans were just what I was looking for," one shopper shared. "I've gained weight and I hate the muffin tops left by regular jeans. These leave none, are very comfortable and they let you move and breathe with none of the discomfort I've found with regular zip-up jeans."  If your waist is considerably smaller than your hips, you know how hard it can be to find a pair of jeans that don't gap at the waist — especially when you sit. These stretchy bootcut jeans by Lucky Brand solve that problem, plus they're so stretchy that you'll feel like you're rocking a pair of your favorite leggings. "I've never had jeans fit me this well," one fashionista shared. "They are comfortable and look great. I've never really been able to determine what size I am thanks to being something different in every store. This is my first time ordering this brand. Already received compliments on the first day wearing them. Bought two more pairs of Lucky Brand Jeans today." Read more from Yahoo Life: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day Want daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Entertainment & Lifestyle's newsletter.  |
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