Baldwin

 

Based: Kansas City, MO

Description: Matt Baldwin had been running a successful boutique in Kansas City when he realized there was an opportunity for American-made premium denim, which his customers were looking for. People longed for a denim line that was sophisticated with modern fits, but embodied all the authenticity and honesty of classic American style. Using the best fabric mills, wash houses, and craftsmanship in the world, BALDWIN elevates classic American style in a way that is both earnest and easy to wear. BALDWIN is for the individual that cares about every textile, every stitch, every seam.

Sources: Baldwin does list the fabric they use for each item. To increase transparency, we suggest they also add from where each fabric was sourced.

Social Responsibility: Baldwin is committed to using the best fabric mills, wash houses, and craftsmanship, while keeping production in the USA all the while.

Denim brands are widely known for using chemical dyes.  A compelling reason to buy American made jeans is that the United States has regulations around the use and discarding of toxic chemicals.  This is not to say that U.S. workers are not exposed to toxins, but the probability is less. You will lower the probability even more if you do a little research into the brands from which you buy. 

There is hope in the greening of jean manufacturing.  Denim companies started slowly realizing that their processes were actually killing people.  While many still ignore the facts, there are now many companies changing old ways.

While it is ultimately the responsibility of denim manufacturers, the consumer also has a critical part in this transformation.  When consumers demand change as a collective, companies often change their ways out of necessity, not necessarily by choice. The fact is that today it is possible to create the same product at the same price using more eco-friendly processes.  Consumers and brands need to be educated on the outcome of not moving to new processes.

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