18 Apr Citizens of Humanity: Denim Sustainably Made in America

With Earth Day and sustainability on our minds, Citizens of Humanity is the perfect brand to highlight for this month’s brand spotlight. COH has gone to great lengths to use the most ecologically sustainable technology and practices. It is one of the few denim companies that owns all of their production vertically. This helps not only control the quality of denim but also their sustainability.

While it’s almost un-American to not to own a pair of denim, most denim is not made in America because it can be produced at a lower cost outside the United States. While many other lower-priced denim companies are moving their production overseas, COH has always remained dedicated to full production in Los Angeles. Citizens produces their sustainable denim by hand which contributes to their loyal following.

Ozone Wash

Did you know that the finishing process of denim requires 11 gallons of water? It can take 3 to 10 cycles in the washing machine to get that perfect texture. In an effort reduce their carbon footprint, Citizens is dedicated to reducing the enormous amount of water consumption used in denim washing. Their ozone wash process, through a combination of electricity and gas, consumes less than 1/10 of the normal water usage.

High Efficiency

Citizens of Humanity uses high-efficiency machines to reduce their water, chemical usage, and power by over 70%. Their dryers use over 40% less gas than their competitors. They are also in the process of testing a new type of recycled stone for the stonewash finish.  They are still in a “test” phase but if successful they will be able to reduce their usage of pumice stones by at least 60-70%. Citizens of Humanity also uses water catch machines throughout their laundry facility that catch and recycle dirty water.

Innovative Technology

Love distressed denim? COH uses laser abrasion technology which is capable of creating abrasions with fewer washing cycles. This technology reduces their global footprint without losing the quality and aesthetics of the finished product. As one of the first brands to adopt this technology, this process saves multiple water steps and reduces their gas consumption by 20-30%.

Front Door Fashion carries a variety of premium denim from Citizens of Humanity and their sister line AGOLDE. This Earth Day we suggest that you recycle your old denim with Blue Jeans Go Green which recycles your worn denim into building insulation. Then, stay green by purchasing a replacement pair of quality COH denim from your Front Door Fashion Stylist. Premium denim looks better and lasts longer which leads to less waste.

Request a Box or Style Appointment with premium, sustainably made denim HERE.

Information for this article was provided by our lovely rep at COH, Emma and The NY Times