US Denim’s Latest Collection Returns to Denim’s Roots
When denim began in the late 19th century, it was an inherently natural textile. Made from cotton and other plant-based fibers, the fabrics were also dyed using natural indigo. Over time, some of the natural elements of denim have faded, as synthetic indigo became the prominent dyeing option.
Lahore, Pakistan-based US Denim Mills is bringing this denim history to the forefront with Roots, a fabric collection that combines sustainable materials with traditional dyeing and weaving techniques. As the group explains, “Roots is a sentiment—a tribute to heritage craftsmanship and eco-conscious innovation. Infused with natural indigo and sustainable fibers, it seamlessly blends tradition with a greener future.”
Roots starts out with responsible fibers, including regenerative cotton, US Denim’s Sativa ReJean hemp fiber and TENCEL™ Lyocell It then processes these materials in ways that both preserve multi-generational techniques and support sustainability.
Natural indigo dye was first used around 6,000 years ago, when people discovered how to extract the deep blue color from the indigofera tinctoria plant. Indelibly associated with denim, indigo has continued to be a staple of jeans even as the formula shifted toward synthetic indigo dye. Roots brings back natural indigo, and combines it with US Denim’s innovative Eco-Zero dyeing process that uses 93 percent less water, 72 percent less electricity and 83 percent less steam. Eco-Zero also cuts dyeing-related greenhouse gas emissions by 82 percent.
Adding to the traditional techniques, Roots was woven on selvedge shuttle looms. The flying shuttle loom was developed in 1733, helping to usher in the Industrial Revolution within the textile industry. Shuttle looms produce fabrics that are highly durable.
Roots premiered at Kingpins Show Amsterdam and Denim Days in October. To make a statement, US Denim worked with Piero Turk and Denim Dudes to create a giant denim jacket and pants, which some attendees modeled.
Speaking about the collection of garments made from Roots fabrics, US Denim says, “Each piece embodies a perfect blend of style and a deeper commitment to the planet’s future.”