Organsk Jeans Review – The Modest Man

You’ve probably heard that denim production takes a toll on the environment, but what if there was a way to get a great pair of guilt-free jeans? That’s where Organsk comes in.

Finding a quality pair of jeans has become increasingly difficult in a world where seemingly hundreds and hundreds of options exist. 

Fortunately, Organsk is making the search simpler while simultaneously combating waste in the textile industry by selling eco-friendly clothing. According to Organsk’s site, this means their denim is “made exclusively from certified organic, renewable & recycled materials, manufactured in grade A factories”.

In this review, I’ll explain what makes this early-stage start-up special, I’ll detail their admirable commitment to environmental responsibility, and provide my hands-on review of two pairs of their jeans. 

Quick Take

Organsk offers what are very likely the most environmentally friendly jeans on the market today. However, as is usually the case, guilt-free purchases come with a hefty price tag. 

Organsk is for you if you’re slim, willing to drop 200 bucks for a pair of jeans, and concerned about your ecological footprint. 

Committed to Sustainability: About Organsk Jeans

Organsk boasts that they are 360-degree certified, meaning that every step of their process is designed to limit negative environmental impacts. This is evident in their “circular design” which mirrors natural cycles.

Organsk Circular Design

Furthering itself from other brands, Organsk strives to support consumers long after their purchase.

In fact, in an attempt to ensure their jeans remain positively impacting the environment, Organsk encourages owners to allow them to redesign their old or worn Organsk jeans to either upcycle or recycle their products. 

They also offer a series of memberships (including a free one, with perks!) that facilitate this program of upcycling and reward members with special pricing and early access. This is done with a free return label allowing you to ship back jeans once they are beyond repair. 

Organsk Cotton

The process with which they create their jeans is remarkable; a process that begins with GOTS-certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) organic cotton.

To obtain GOTS certification, companies must adhere to globally recognized criteria. These include social and environmental criteria, as well as the ability to trace each product and step in the supply chain, from raw materials to the final products. 

Organsk Polyester

Not only has Organsk achieved this certification for their cotton, but they have also managed a GRS-certified (Global Recycled Standard) standing for their polyester material and usage.

Similar to the GOTS, the GRS requires the same degree of traceability, but a slightly lesser emphasis on social and environmental awareness. 

The GRS concerns itself more with the percentage of recycled material in the finished product. 

In the case of Organsk jeans, 100% of their textiles and materials are recyclable or otherwise able to be repurposed. 

Organsk Zippers

Organsk has gone out of its way, partnering with companies like YKK for their Natulon zipper, made from recycled PET bottles. They also work with COATS which provides them with 100% recycled polyester threads.  

Organsk: Evidence of Sustainability

Recognizing Organsk’s impressive commitments, the Nordic Swan Ecolabel (the official ecolabel of the Nordic countries) certifies Organsk for its transparency and efforts in preserving the environment and climate. 

Organsk products are also 100% vegan. The brand additionally refrains from any animal testing. 

Next, the company uses minimal water in clothing production. To be exact, Organsk reports that they use only 14.95 liters of water in producing the requisite fabric for a pair of jeans. T

Then,  after the fabric is woven, it takes just 50 liters to convert the fabric into a pair of jeans. Levi’s, for reference, reports that a single pair of 501s will take up to 3,800 liters of water to make. 

The amount of water needed to grow enough cotton for a single pair of jeans can reach an excess of 6,000 liters. The industry average for turning cotton into fabric reaches as high as 300 liters. Then, to make the fabric into the final product, manufacturers will use 200-500 liters. 

Organsk’s commitment to the environment has led them to technologies and tools like lasers and steam to minimize water usage and maximize output.

Aside from water conservation, they also ensure any chemicals used during any stage are nontoxic. Even their cotton is grown without additional chemicals, allowing the harvest to be safer and reducing carbon emissions. 

Jeans Features/Construction

Organsk jeans have a few notable, physical features unique to their brand. Perhaps most obvious, typically located on both back pockets is their signature embroidery. Per Organsk’s site, “We don’t simply make products; we make symbols.” 

To me, the embroidered symbol on the jeans’ back pockets appears to mimic a seagull in flight, reiterating Organsk’s roots in nature and preserving our planet.

Additionally, found on the back of every jean, is the Jacron patch. This is the alternative to the leather patch that is typically found over the right back pocket that details the size and style of the jeans. The Jacron patch is 100% vegan. 

Available Washes, Fits, and Styles

Organsk jeans offer a myriad of options from both light and black skinny jeans, to darker straight-legged pairs. 

It is important to note, that as of the date of this article’s publication, the specific fit each corresponds to one particular wash. For the skinniest of jeans, the O2 comes in a very light wash and offers two styles: one ripped and one without holes. 

Next up, the Atmosphere has three different styles, each concerning the trim and accessory color. The Black Rock is a black pair of jeans with black seams. Midnight Blues offers the same fit, but blue threads and silver trims and buttons.

Lastly, the Black n’ Gold uses orange details and copper accessories. These jeans are slightly looser than the O2, since instead of a tapered leg, the Atmosphere line uses a slim leg design. 

Right in the middle, the Level line offers one fit, one wash, and one style. Still a slimmer fit, this pair distinguishes itself with a regular, straight leg. Right now, the Level is available in the darkest blue worn-in wash on the site. 

For regular-fit jeans, Organks currently offers one of two lines. First, the Element is a classic regular fit and a straight leg. This jeans’ wash is similar to the O2, maybe a shade darker. 

The Arctic is darker yet, not quite as dark blue as the Level, but much darker than the Element in comparison.  The Arctic is marked by a regular fit and a tapered leg. Both regular-fit pairs offer a ripped option. 

My Review

Here’s my personal experience with this unique brand. For reference, I am 5’6” and 145 pounds, and my normal jean size is 28×30. 

I ordered three different pairs; one pair in 27×30, another in 28×30, and one in, yes, 29×30. 

Element Arctic Revolt Review

Organsk’s Element Arctic Revolts (size 29×30) are my first pair of “holey jeans”. They fit a bit looser than the other two pairs I received. However, I’d still call them slim-cut rather than “classic regular fit and traditional straight leg” as in their description.

I’m surprised that I like these jeans. The fit is just about spot-on and the light wash along with the holes makes for an ultra-casual pair of pants. 

Most of the holes are actually held together with very fine stitching and are backed by an ultra-light muslin-like material, preventing you from showing any skin. 

I will say, however, that one hole is way too close to the crotch area. It also seems to be one of the only holes that doesn’t have a backing.

Judging from the photos on Organsk’s site, the hole pattern is standardized, so, it’s likely that I’m not the only one who sees this as an inconvenience. 

I typically wear these jeans with a light-colored shirt or sweater and white sneakers. I’d wear them out of the house more often if that unfortunately placed hole wasn’t there. 

Organsk O2 Pure Revelation First Thoughts

These 27×30 light-wash jeans were hilariously too tight — so tight I’d have to be put in a Willy Wonka stretching machine to be thin enough to fit them. 

They fit much more slim than the other two pairs I tried out. 

I’m not a big guy, and these jeans were so tight I’m not sure who they’re made for. However, they look and feel well-made. 

Atmosphere™ Black Rock Review

I have worn the Atmosphere Black Rock jeans in the 28×30 size frequently since I received them. They’re my favorite pair of Organsk jeans I received. 

My preferred way of styling them is with a charcoal or black shirt, with my white high-top sneakers from Thursday Boots.

This pair’s fit is somewhere between Levi’s 510s and 511s. 

They are comfortable and sizing is good around the waist. They are not quite jet black but are a tad faded for greater visual depth, I presume. 

These Black Rock jeans have held up very well over the past few months. They’ve quickly become my favorite pair of black jeans. 

My Recommendation

I began my review somewhat skeptical of the price point of Organsk jeans. However, having tried out their pants for the last few months and having learned more about the brand’s sustainable practices, I’m convinced that the high price tags. 

All things considered, I’d recommend Organsk to environmentally conscious guys who are willing to pay a premium for quality, responsibly-made, slim-fitting jeans. 

Would you pay a premium for a pair of environmentally friendly jeans? How much is too much? Let me know in the comments!