Real Denim Stories

Denim is a staple in many closets, but we all wear it and cherish it differently—and every piece tells a unique story. Check out these creators’ stories to see how denim fits their authentic style and what recycling means to them.

Five inspiring creators, five authentic styles, five stories of denim recycling.

Hustling in denim

Ellen Marie Bennett

Ellen’s popular apron brand, Hedley & Bennett, was built on the iconic style and quality craftsmanship of denim—and that’s only the beginning. She also makes easy edits for sustainable living, like recycling her denim with Cotton's Blue Jeans's Go Green™ program at PAIGE.

check out ellen's story

@ellenmariebennett

Wrangling in denim

Natalie Kovarik

Denim is stitched into Natalie’s everyday life on the ranch, effortlessly balancing her stylish self-expression with rugged utility. Recycling her well-loved pieces with Cotton's Blue Jeans's Go Green™ program at Kimes Ranch, Natalie finds a new pair for getting around in style.

check out natalie's story

@nataliekovarik

Serving it up in denim with

Tejas Ke’alohi Jhaveri

As a private chef, Tejas lives by sustainable principles, cooks with the seasons, and reaches for durable denim during long days in the kitchen. To find a fresh new fit and do good with his old denim, he recycled his worn-out pieces with Cotton's Blue Jeans's Go Green™ program at rag & bone.

Check out Tejas's Story

@tejasbleu

shredding in denim

Sierra Prescott

As a skateboarder, author, and photographer, Sierra lives life in constant motion—and she relies on denim to keep up. When it's time to let it go, she keeps the good vibes rolling by recycling it with Cotton's Blue Jeans's Go Green™ program at Madewell.

Check out Sierra's Story

@sierra_prescott

Turning heads in denim

Gilberto Marquez

Gilberto’s personal style and handcrafted designs are shaped by his appreciation for intention, longevity, and story—and denim always fits. Gilberto honors his denim’s past and gives it a sustainable future by recycling it with Cotton's Blue Jeans's Go Green™ program at Carhartt.

Check out Gilberto's story

@gilbertomarquez_

Influencer Hillary Bowles stands in a white eyelet shirt and light-wash denim jeans and holds a denim shirt on a hanger.

Close-up shot of a medium-wash denim shirt with white floral embroidery on the sleeve.

The Story Continues

Write the next chapter for your denim with Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program.

recycle denim

past real denim stories

Dotting the map in denim

Hillary Bowles

For globetrotter Hillary Bowles, denim is a wardrobe staple. On international trips or at home, the goes-with-anything style is her go-to. And thanks to denim’s versatility, she can recycle her well-loved pieces with Anthropologie and help them serve a new purpose.

check out hillary's story

Dreaming in denim

Frankie Zombie

For artist Frankie Zombie, denim is a canvas. His jeans are often covered with brushstrokes and splatters that tell the story of his passion, fearlessness, and bold style. He creatively repurposes his worn denim into works of art—by painting pieces in his studio and by recycling.

Check out Frankie's Story

Transforming recycled denim

Thanks to the natural and sustainable properties of cotton, authentic denim is transformative. From natural cotton fiber insulation used for building efforts, to pet bed inserts and thermal packaging liners, when you recycle old denim, it can take on a whole new life thanks to our friends at Bonded Logic, Inc.

The Process

Together we’re making a difference

Recycling conserves natural resources, saves energy, and reduces the need for landfill space¹, while helping to reduce the approximately 16 million tons of textile waste discarded each year². For nearly two decades, we’ve been helping reduce textile waste to make a positive impact on our planet.

EPA 2015 Facts & Figures about Materials, Waste and Recycling,
Textiles Material Specific Data
America Recycles Day® 2017 News Release

denim diverted from landfills:

2,832+ TONS

pieces of denim recycled:

5,600,000+

sq. ft of insulation:

10,900,000+

Every Piece Pledge

Make a lasting commitment to recycling and wearing sustainable clothes with the Every Piece Pledge. It's a small step and a helpful reminder that denim, made from cotton, can be recycled and transformed to do good for the earth.

Take the Pledge