My heart shines every time I see an ethical apparel brand! This is what I gravitate to, and this is what I put first and foremost above denim itself when I am looking for new posts. When I find both of them in one happy package, it’s even better! Brands that donate to charities are indeed honorable, but I’ve seen something something a bit different lately: brands working directly with those who these charities assist, themselves (and thus becoming a sort of charity as well). I recently wrote about Mitscoots, a sock brand that employs the transitioning homeless among us, and now I’ve found a denim brand that does something very similar, and also for a very important cause!
Outland Denim is an Australian company that creates artisinal premium denim from high-quality European fabrics, with a mission to help fight the human trafficking epidemic around the world. They’ve never been motivated by profit, but rather providing experience to create opportunities for young rescued women in Cambodia. Every jean is created there, by women who have been freed from exploitative situations, after being trained and empowered to become empowered and blossom in a brand new life. These women are given a liveable wage and ethical working conditions apart from their training. Outland Denim also donates AU$50 from every purchase to agencies that fight human trafficking.
Outland was founded by James Bartle, who met an anti-trafficking group at a music festival. This sparked the idea of creating his brand to create a strong social impact against the horrifying trade of human exploitation. Five years later, it’s still going strong! The brand also works hard to source quality, sustainable raw materials with environmentally and ethical suppliers, and have signed the “Keep Fashion Traffic Free” protocol which commits to fair-trade practices (slavery and child-labor free).
So, not only does Outland Denim use sustainable, fair trade materials, but they also help empower rescued women to start fresh lives by employing them in fair-trade facilities and donate to carefully selected charities who fight human trafficking. Can you get much better than that, honestly?!
“We are working with frontline anti-trafficking agencies on the ground in Cambodia, including the not-for-profit Destiny Rescue. By also providing training and employment Outland Denim is able to give rescued young women quality of life, skills, purpose, and dignity.” -Founder and CEO James Bartle
“When you buy Outland Denim jeans this Christmas you can be confident that you’re investing not only in a quality clothing utilising the finest raw materials from around the world, but also in a beautiful product that is ethically made, environmentally responsible and helping to protect the livelihoods of some very vulnerable young girls.” -Founder and CEO James Bartle
“We are an Australian brand but our outlook is global – we want to use jeans to make a difference in the world.” -Founder and CEO James Bartle
Founder James Bartle on the job.
Founder James Bartle
Outland Denim calls for an ethical gift-giving season, urging shoppers to seek out more socially responsible gifts this Christmas. Give something that means a lot more than just a piece of clothing. The brand calls this the “Global Gift”, “after previous years saw billions wasted on unwanted offerings.” Christmas gift vouchers are now available through their website link below!
Read more about and shop Outland Denim here!
