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Banana Republic’s New Jeans Are Changing the Way Denim Is Made - The Manual

Banana Republic’s New Jeans Are Changing the Way Denim Is Made - The Manual


Banana Republic’s New Jeans Are Changing the Way Denim Is Made - The Manual

Posted: 12 Feb 2020 06:00 AM PST

Doing things sustainably in the fashion industry — one that can sometimes cut corners in favor of churning out the latest and greatest — isn't always easy. And that's doubly so when it comes to crafting men's denim, one of the most energy and resource-intensive products on the market — and yet, Banana Republic's remarkable new Dry Indigo Denim is changing the way denim is made by using a heck of a lot less water than normal in the process. 

By a heck of a lot less water, to be precise, we mean that Banana Republic's new denim line is made using 99% (yes, 99%) less water than conventional denim, to go along with 89% fewer chemicals, reducing energy usage by a whopping 65% in the process. It's the foam-dyeing process that cuts down on energy and water usage so effectively, while at the same time delivering a pair of jeans with the same look, fit, and feel as traditional (less eco-conscious) denim. 

banana republic dry indigo denim jeans 20sp116605 brs 06 014 539341

It's an innovative move that plays nicely with the brand's current collection of Traveler Jeans and Chinos, which just so happen to be made with helpful stretch in a range of colors and washes. But it's the Slim Dry Indigo Traveler Jeans we're most excited about, especially in a versatile (and eco-friendly) Medium Wash. The dyeing process was actually developed more than a decade ago by Spanish textile mill Tejidos Royo, yet Banana Republic is one of the first brands to partner with the mill to bring this technology (and some seriously stylish denim) to market. 

The Banana Republic team is hoping its excitement carries over to consumers (and we're of the opinion that it certainly should). 

"I think it's one of the most, if not the most, innovative advance in the denim industry to date," said Banana Republic Senior Designer Nate Freeman. "This process is taking traditional indigo fabric dying from roughly 1.5 gallons of water per yard down to what amounts to basically a teaspoon of water."

banana republic dry indigo denim jeans 20sp116605 brs 06 023 539341

It's innovation like what's being adopted by Banana Republic that could act as a catalyst for the rest of the industry, and particularly when it comes to jeans made with labor-intensive indigo dye. The great news is, these jeans (available for under $130 in a slim fit and a variety of pleasing washes) are every bit as stylish as less sustainable denim, fit to be worn any day of the week with, say, a garment-dyed Oxford shirt and classic chukka boots. 

So: Denim that's stylish, sustainable, and well-priced? Sign us up: We have a feeling a denim revolution is afoot. 

You can check out all Dry Indigo styles .

Editors' Recommendations

Kate Middleton Dressed Down in Skinny Jeans and a Blue Turtleneck for Northern Ireland Farm Visit - ELLE.com

Posted: 12 Feb 2020 05:39 AM PST

The Duchess Of Cambridge Visits Northern Ireland

Chris JacksonGetty Images

Kate Middleton was out for the second day in a row for a surprise engagement in Northern Ireland, her first time doing a solo engagement there. And while the Duchess of Cambridge really dressed up in a navy Alexander McQueen skirt suit for her Tuesday engagements in Leicestershire, she dressed down today for her visit to the Ark Open Farm in Newtownards.

The Duchess Of Cambridge Visits Northern Ireland

Chris JacksonGetty Images

Kate wore a light blue turtleneck, black skinny jeans, and a Barbour jacket with Penelope Chilvers boots to visit children on the farm. The Palace touted her visit as part of her Early Years Foundation Survey promotion. Kate announced last month the launch of her 5 Big Questions survey for UK parents of children under 5 during a series of events where she met with parents and children across the country.

The Duchess Of Cambridge Visits Northern Ireland

Chris JacksonGetty Images

"Parents, carers and families are at the heart of caring for children in the formative years, so that is why I want to listen to them," Kate said in a statement the Palace released with the news of her survey. "As a parent I know how much we cherish the future health and happiness of our children. I want to hear the key issues affecting our families and communities so I can focus my work on where it is needed most. My ambition is to provide a lasting change for generations to come."

The results from the 5 Big Questions survey will influence where Kate directs her advocacy work in children's mental health and early childhood development. UK parents can take the survey here.

Gear Review: Pando Moto Steel Black 9 Riding Jeans - RideApart

Posted: 12 Feb 2020 08:04 AM PST

Everyone has a favorite pair of jeans. To help soften the Monday blues, I tend to wear mine at the beginning of the week. Inevitably, that leaves my least favorite trousers—my riding jeans—for the end of the week. Of course, the ill-fitting denim and bulging knee armor only dampen my spirits as I sprint to the week's finish line. For that reason, when I got my hands on a pair of Pando Moto's Steel Black 9, I saw it as an opportunity to reframe my perspective on riding jeans—and reclaim my TGIF.

Fit

The first thing I noticed when unboxing the Steel Black 9 riding jeans was the sturdy construction and hefty weave. The 13-ounce denim features a protective layer of Dyneema fabric that lends rigidity and mimics the feel and texture of selvedge denim. Conversely, my current riding jeans consist of a cotton/elastic blend that feels more like wearing a pair of loose jeggings so the Steel Black 9's advanced materials and craftsmanship were a welcome change. 

I regularly visit the local tailor for shortening and tapering my pant legs but the slim-cut Pando Moto jeans fit my frame directly out-of-the-box. The Steel Black 9's nearly-black indigo color was also appropriate for professional settings as well as after-work happy hours. In addition to the superior fit and finish, the low-profile CE-approved KNOX knee armor (included) and hip armor (sold separately) are practically imperceptible. In the span of a week, I wore the jeans to the workplace, a cafe, and a restaurant and no one could tell that I was donning riding gear.

Pando Moto Steel Black 9
Pando Moto Steel Black 9

Protection

Pando Moto claims that the Dyneema fabric is 15 times stronger than steel. The abrasion-resistant material weaves throughout the Steel Black 9not just select panels at the seat and kneesproviding a comprehensive barrier against road rash. Along with the protective properties, the Dyneema layer features high-heat conductivity, repelling environmental and engine heat off the rider's legs.

Under the protective lining, the Steel Black 9 also touts 2-position knee armor pockets, allowing users to customize the position of the provided level 1 armor. Two inner pockets at the waist increase the protective coverage, but customers must purchase hip armor separately. Luckily, I never tested the abrasion resistance or impact response of the riding jeans but the Dyneema material and CE armor certainly added a sense of confidence to my ride.

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The Ride

On the bike, the Steel Black 9 felt like a second skin. Unlike my other riding jeans, that bunch or pinch at the knees, hips, and crotch, the Pando Moto's jeans didn't obstruct my movements in the saddle. Compared to the swishing inner-lining of other riding jeans I've worn, the armor pockets in the Steel Black 9 were completely unnoticeable. The comfort and fit of the pants allowed me to focus on more important things like gravel-strewn corners or rush hour traffic

Over time, I learned that rolling up the jeans exposed the sizable section of my shin. While cuffing the Steel Black 9s provides more visibility for the rider due to the reflective strip integrated into the outseam, the sacrifice in protection wasn't worth such a marginal gain. I eventually learned to roll down the pants before throwing a leg over the bike and to roll them up after I dropped the kickstand.

Steel Black 9 Cuff
Steel Black 9 Cuff

Drawbacks

I've thoroughly gushed over the Steel Black 9 thus far, but I can cite a few marks against the riding jeans. First, the lack of velcro in the armor pockets was initially perplexing. While the knee armor stayed in place on-the-hanger and on the body, the hip armor required some rearranging every time I slid on the pants. During the ride, the hip armor snugly wrapped my sides but the minor annoyance of repositioning the protection with each wear was worth noting.

Additionally, the lack of ventilation was apparent with the Steel Black 9. Though the Dyneema fabric repels heat from external sources, it trapped in body heat. While running errands, I walked a little over a mile and moisture began collecting around my knee area. With that said, you shouldn't encounter any overheating issues if you stick to riding and avoid extensive strolls in the Steel Black 9.

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The Bottom Line

At €319.00 ($348 USD), Pando Moto's Steel Black 9 is definitely at the higher end of the riding jeans market. However, the unparalleled fit, stylish cut, protective properties, and quality construction more than justify the price tag. If you're looking for a new pair of riding jeans—or a new pair of jeans in general—check out Pando Moto's range of motorcycle gear. 

All I know is that I'm looking forward to slotting the Steel Black 9 into my weekly jeans rotation—in the Monday slot.

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