Brand Spotlight: The Citizens of Humanity Group
As an owner of way too much denim, I can truly attest to the fact that not all denim is created equal. Wearing well-crafted denim is like slipping into armor for your confidence or a second skin. It is hard to come by, but when you do find it, it brings out your best self.
In the saturated world of fast fashion and greenwashing, AGOLDE and Citizens of Humanity are prime examples of companies that look out for you and the planet.
Both brands are part of the Citizens of Humanity Group, a family-run collective based in downtown Los Angeles that has been leading the charge of ethical production. Think vertically integrated manufacturing (yep, they own their factories), radically transparent sourcing, and some of the most forward-thinking environmental innovations in the industry.
AGOLDE, founded in 1993 and relaunched in 2014, is your go-to for reimagined classics, such as vintage-inspired cuts and modern edge. If you’ve ever slipped into a pair of crisscross jeans or a 90s pinch-waist straight leg and felt all eyes on you, that’s AGOLDE magic.
Citizens of Humanity is the older, effortlessly sophisticated sibling. Since 2003, COH has been defining timeless silhouettes, artisan washes, and a commitment to craftsmanship that feels like art.
And trust me, after reading their sustainability report — yes, I read it so you don’t have to — I’m even more on board.
The Process
AGOLDE and COH are digging into something called regenerative farming. Translation? They’re planting cotton in a way that is improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and even pulling carbon from the air. Since 2021, they've sourced over 1.4 million kilograms of this cotton.
Most denim dyeing is quite honestly…toxic. But these brands are using Eco-Indigo, a revolutionary dye made by French biotech. It’s made from sugar and ethanol (super sweet), slicing CO₂ emissions in half.
Recycled cotton? Check. Reclaimed leather? Double check. They’re even using RenTec tech to make leather that saves 90% of the water.
And denim washing? You know, the part where thousands of gallons of water are used for one pair of jeans? Not here. AGOLDE and COH use ozone machines, lasers, and E-Flow tech. I imagine Ozone machines as the air-purifying, stain-lifting angels of denim washing.
Ozone (the same gas that protects us from UV rays) is used instead of harsh chemicals to bleach or fade jeans. It’s non-toxic, super efficient, and makes your denim look vintage without wrecking the planet. Lasers then etch that worn-in, distressed look right onto the fabric. Instead of using sandblasting or chemicals, the laser literally burns patterns into the denim surface. Finally, E-Flow uses air and tiny microbubbles to apply treatments (like softeners, dyes, or finishes) with barely any water.
Commitment to the Future
Beyond current initiatives, the Citizens of Humanity Group is dedicated to ongoing sustainability advancements. Plans include implementing water recycling systems in their Turkish facilities and eliminating single-use plastics throughout their production processes. By continuously seeking innovative solutions, AGOLDE and COH aim to inspire industry-wide change and promote a more sustainable future for fashion.
To sum it up:
You are wearing the best fitting jeans for every body type
The cotton came from a farm that’s basically the Gwyneth Paltrow of agriculture
The whole operation uses minimal water and sugar!
AGOLDE and Citizens of Humanity are not making sustainable promises, and then shipping you a package of anxiety-inducing jeans that barely fit wrapped in six pounds of plastic. Instead, they are walking the walk in perfectly constructed jeans.
Here is the Sustainability Report for further reading!
Xoxo,
Annie
