My J. Crew Fair Trade Jeans Review & Reflections

Last year J. Crew and Madewell released a line of fair trade denim. I finally got around to purchasing a pair and honestly I love them you’ll find my review below.

This review was originally written in 2020 and updated in 2025. This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a commission if you decide to purchase, however, at no additional cost to you!

Getting name brands like J. Crew and Madewell to choose Fair Trade Certified factories is big. Let’s explore why it’s important.

How J. Crew Choosing Fair Trade Factories Can Make a Positive Impact

Assuming these big name brands continue the using fair trade factories, this could have a a very positive impact on garment workers.

 
Ethically styled in J. Crew’s 9" high-rise toothpick TENCEL™ jean in Point Lake Wash + Cream V-Neck sweater from Purpose Boutique + Nisolo Lana Ankle Boots, and Nisolo Lori Tote + glasses from Retrospecced

Ethically styled in J. Crew’s 9" high-rise toothpick TENCEL™ jean in Point Lake Wash + Cream V-Neck sweater from Purpose Boutique + Nisolo Lana Ankle Boots, and Nisolo Lori Tote + glasses from Retrospecced

 

The use of a Fair Trade Certified factory means a third party verified the factories crafting these J. Crew jeans are treating garment workers fairly, paying livable wages, and providing safe working conditions.

Hopefully over the years J. Crew and Madewell will expand their product line made with sustainable materials and crafted in Fair Trade Factories allowing these ethical factories to higher more people.

The more garment workers working at Fair Trade Certified factories, the less garment workers there are getting taken advantage of through fast fashion focused factories valuing profit over people.

Spreading The Word About Fair Trade Products

Another wonderful thing about J. Crew and Madewell using Fair Trade Certified factories and eco-friendly materials is that is exposes more people to these values.

These brands have stores all around the USA and loyal customers. I think when their customers learn about their Garments for Good product line this will expose more people to fair trade, specifically customers who might not have traditionally shopped fair trade.

Assuming these brands continue to expand their Garments for Good product line, this would also mean there would be more fair trade and sustainable clothing options in stores and readily available for shoppers.

As a conscious consumer, I would love to be able to shop for ethical clothing in store instead of always online. To learn more about J. Crew’s fair trade denim line I would suggest reading Michelle for Good’s interview with Maya Johnsen, VP of Apparel and Home Goods at Fair Trade USA.

My Review of J. Crew’s Fair Trade Denim Jeans

I purchased J. Crew’s 9" high-rise toothpick TENCEL™ jean in Point Lake Wash and they were worth every penny.

Honestly I’m a huge fan of TENCEL because I love the stretchy soft feel of the material. TENCEL is a wonderful fiber produced from wood pulp.

 
Ethically styled in J. Crew’s 9" high-rise toothpick TENCEL™ jean in Point Lake Wash + Cream V-Neck sweater from Purpose Boutique + Nisolo Lana Ankle Boots, and Nisolo Lori Tote + glasses from Retrospecced

Ethically styled in J. Crew’s 9" high-rise toothpick TENCEL™ jean in Point Lake Wash + Cream V-Neck sweater from Purpose Boutique + Nisolo Lana Ankle Boots, and Nisolo Lori Tote + glasses from Retrospecced

 

So when I saw these jeans were fair trade and made with TENCEL I was all in.

The 9” high rise is a very flattering style for my body type and the TENCEL gives these jeans an extra bit of stretch which I appreciate. These jeans are made from a mix of cotton, TENCEL lyocell, poly, and elastane and they’re definitely my new favorite jeans due to the ethics and comfort.

The dark wash on these jeans has been great for winter and fall, perfect for pairing with your favorite boots.

So, yes I’d definitely recommend this fair trade denim!

As of 2025, I actually still have the jeans and they have held up pretty well!

Two Tips for Shopping J. Crew & Madewell Fair Trade Denim

1) Sometimes you can find J. Crew and Madewell fair trade denim at Nordstrom Rack for discounted prices. Yay for affordable ethical fashion!

2) Currently J. Crew has more fair trade options than Madewell.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Emily Waddell founder of the honest consumer

Emily Waddell is the founder of The Honest Consumer. She has always been passionate about business for good and has a Bachelor degree in Social Entrepreneurship. She currently lives in Seattle where she practices imperfect sustainability. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys supporting small businesses, clean eating, & practicing slow living. Learn more about Emily’s journey starting The Honest Consumer.

Fair Trade, Ethical fashionEmily Waddellethical clothes, ethical denim, fair trade clothes, fair trade jeans, fair trade denimComment