The Best Sustainable Denim: ArmedAngels Review
It’s not often that I get to rave about a new-to-me brand but sometimes I come across one that reminds me why I love working in this sustainable fashion space. Today that brand is ArmedAngels, based in Cologne, Germany, making men’s and women’s denim, knitwear, outerwear and simple wardrobe staples.
Basically, I love everything they do, from their interesting take on classic design to their unique styling and color options each season. While I’ve had them on my radar for a few years, I have never actually come across the pieces in person. That is until I found myself in a wonderful little sustainable fashion boutique in East London, looking a new pair of jeans. I opted for the Aanike Loose Jeans from the DetoxDenim collection, a rather exaggerated pleated, high-waisted wide leg style.
While the specific mid-wash indigo color is no longer available (they still have the Aanike in graphite) ArmedAngels has several other styles that vary from skinny and slim to straight and wide leg cuts, which are perhaps more wearable day to day. So consider this an introduction to the sustainable DetoxDenim line rather than the usual product review.
About the Brand
Like all fashion brands truly committed to sustainability, ArmedAngels is fairly transparent about their production process, investment in carbon offset projects and other initiatives for improving the industry. A large number of their pieces use GOTS-certified organic materials, they ensure low-waste and non-toxic processes and renewable energy in their production while being transparent about their efforts to ensure a living wage in their production line. Most fashion brands, even the sustainable ones, have room for improvement but ArmedAngels does seem to be actively invested in creating a cleaner fashion industry, and leading by example in this cause.
Notes on Material & Sizing
Since the Aanike Loose style seems to not be as available anymore, I won’t go into too much detail on their specifics but I will touch on some of the features that I feel will apply to the rest of the DetoxDenim line. That said, there are likely to be some sizing inconsistencies between styles and even between washes in the same style, as is typically the case for denim.
Firstly, let’s discuss materials. The Aanike Jeans are made of 100% Cotton (60/40 organic and recycled) which gives them a soft yet structured, non-stretch feel akin to vintage Levi’s. This is something I personally look for more often in denim because they tend to be more durable and hold their shape longer. They also seem to be of a heavier denim weight, meaning they’re thicker and more rigid.
This style runs quite large, which a few of you have informed me seems to be the case with other styles from this brand too. I went with a 25” waist in this style, while I usually wear a 26-27” waist. Similarly, the 32” inseam doesn’t seem to be quite as long on my 5’6” frame, seeing as I typically wear a 28” or 30” inseam in brands like Levi’s and these hit at about the same ankle length. This is why I would recommend trying a few different sizes if you’re ordering online, or better yet, try them on in person if you have the ability to do so.
ArmedAngels DetoxDenim Styles
Here are a few other styles from the DetoxDenim line that I love and which make great wardrobe staples.
ArmedAngels Andraa Retro: A loose fit style most similar to the Aanike Jeans but slimmer through the leg and slightly tapered at the ankle.
ArmedAngels Lejaani: A classic slim leg style with a high waist and ankle crop. The perfect all-around jeans, available in size 25 to 34.
ArmedAngels Mairaa in Organic Cotton: A 90’s mom jean style that’s high waisted, tapers through the leg and is fitted around the ankle.
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