Good Jeans
What’s the secret to a really good pair of jeans? Comics journalist Sarah Mirk tells us what to look for and how to keep them in play longer.
Editor’s note: When we learned what went into making most of the denim that’s out in the world today, we knew we had to do better. After discovering that the most damaging part of the denim-making process happens during what’s called the “finishing process,” where the jeans are put through mechanical and chemical processing that helps turn a solid dark jean into a lighter, frayed and more worn-looking pair, we chose to skip this step entirely. By choosing to “finish” your pair through regular wear and fewer washes, you can help cut the environmental cost and lengthen the life span of your jeans.
All illustrations by Sarah Mirk

An illustrated pair of jeans says, „Hey! Don’t wash these jeans!“ Narrator: If you wash your jeans less often, they’ll last longer and you’ll save water!

An illustrated pair of jeans says, „Hey! Don’t wash these jeans!“ Narrator: If you wash your jeans less often, they’ll last longer and you’ll save water!

Illustrated vats of chemicals with frowning faces on them. One says, “Bluuurp! Sorry, guys!” Narrator: That usually means the lighter the color, the more those jeans have been pre-washed and pre-worn. And that’s wasteful!






