I’m totally on a sustainable denim kick, if you haven’t yet noticed! For real though, the number of eco friendly denim brands starting up right now, regardless of the fact that we are in the middle of an economically-paralyzing pandemic, is something I am raising both hands high in the sky to. Last week I wrote about one of them, Porter Blue Apparel, and their environmentally-kind denim Kickstarter campaign. This brand is impressive with the lengths they are going through, as a fairly new brand no less, to create a new line of 100% sustainable jeans. I am excited to share a first-hand look at what these jeans will be like, as I was lucky enough to be sent two awesome pre-production sample pairs from the brand. First off, I’ll be sharing the Heart Breaker Skinny with all of you.
A Quick Recap
Porter Blue Apparel‘s founder and designer, Jen, has been designing for other brands for over 20 years. Porter Blue was a side hustle until Covid-19 hit and she was laid off from her job. Now, the brand is going full speed ahead as her main hustle. Her new brand’s Kickstarter campaign is centered around three eco friendly denim styles: the Heartbreaker Skinny, Rebel Straight and Wanderer Flare. Every style features BCI cotton (Better Cotton Initiative to reduce water consumption by traditional cotton), recycled hardware, recycled and biodegradable packaging, Lycra® T400® Yarn Technology (soft, sustainable fibers made from dextrose derived from corn, which also make for a great fit and shape retention over numerous wears), detailing and finishing via ozone machines and laser finishing technology (to reduce water and energy usage as well as harsh chemical exposure…traditional denim manufacturing is a dirty business), and all waste water coming from the plant will be clean and safe thanks to a partnership with a top of the line water treatment plant. Production will begin in January, and as of today, this campaign has raised over $10,000 of its goal of $15,000! I am stoked to help keep it going. You can read more about their environmental efforts on my post here, or directly from their campaign here.
The Jeans
OK, on to the main attraction. The Heart Breaker skinny is a high rise, cropped style with a raw hem. I was sent my usual size of 26, which fits super comfortably and hugs me without being constricting. I could maybe have fit into a 25, but I’d say that’s only because sometimes I kind of sit between the two sizes. So, if you are also between sizes and prefer a tight fit, I would take the smaller size. The waistband isn’t too tight and holds everything up like a dream. Sometimes high rises are irritating on my stomach but these are so soft and giving when I crouch or sit down. To give you an idea on the length of the crop, I am 5’6”. I like that these are right above my ankles. I can enjoy them with flip flops in the summer or under boots in the upcoming winter, and the cropped hem gives it such a lightweight, carefree feel. The fabric itself is sturdy and thick, but not so thick that it’s hard to move in or too warm; the Lycra does what it promises! I know some people aren’t partial to stretchy jeans, but these have the sturdy feel of 100% cotton, just without the rigidness. As far as shape retention, they definitely have broken in beautifully but have not bagged out! I wore them around for a few days running errands and taking care of chores around the house. While they’ve relaxed a little, they have not lost their shape and sit comfortably on my hips without falling down. They’re still a new favorite.
Porter Blue Apparel truly has something going on here…and I am excited to see how this eco friendly denim brand evolves over the years as it definitely appears they will be making their fundraising goal, and then some! As far as premium denim goes, these are the real deal, but with the added bonus of being kind to our environment, which now is more important than ever. As I’ve said before, it’s tough enough being a new denim brand in such an already-saturated industry, but to go through the lengths this brand has right off the bat, is definitely gutsy and pretty darn impressive.
Support Porter Blue’s Kickstarter campaign here!
Update: Porter Blue Apparel can now be visited at their full online store, porterblueapparel.com! You can now purchase the Heart Breaker High Rise Skinny here.
