Green Style Spotlight: UJeans
The world’s most imperative fashion invention of all time (or at least one of the top five) has to be denim jeans. Somehow, since its nearly 200 years of being invented, manufacturers have made it unthinkably difficult to find that "just right" fit. Once you begin adding in the factors of sustainable fabrics and Fair Trade practices, your brand options become even more limited, in turn restricting your chances of finding a jean that hugs your shape or drapes off your hips in the most comforting of ways.
Years back (at least seven or eight by my count), Levi’s used to offer a custom jeans program wherein you would visit one of their stores, get measured by a trained associate, try on some sample pairs, and order jeans that are fit just right for you. Unfortunately, I only got one pair made before they closed the program, which to this day is still quite a disappointment for me.
Imagine my delight when I stated hearing about Ontario-based UJeans, which offers a tellingly custom, 11-point fit that you measure yourself. On top of that, all their goods are made from sustainable cotton (not organic, but close) from a unique farming program in Pakistan. The cotton is dyed with natural minerals and enzymes, lowering the company’s (and your wardrobe’s) impact on the environment. All manufacturing steps are done under Fair Trade conditions, and a portion of all the company’s profits are distributed through Kiva, offering micro-loans to small businesses in developing countries. Want more eco-involvement? Each pair of jeans is mailed in a denim envelop, made from remnant fabric from the manufacturing process. "The denim bag has been used for a make-up bag, pencil case and even a sleeping bag for stuffed animals," said Daniel Feuer, President of UJeans. An outline of the businesses’ complete sustainable actions can be seen on their website.
So, what is all this going to cost you? No matter your size — short, tall, big, or small — each pair is $125 Canadian (about $127 US at today’s exchange rates). A healthy chunk of change, I know, but how much is the time that you spend at the mall (wasting hours trying on 20, 30, 40 pairs of jeans) worth in the long run? If you are fretting about taking your own measurements, and ending up with denim that looks like it was meant for Paris Hilton instead of you, UJeans offers a 100% money back guarantee. "If you don’t like the jeans, just simply send them back within 30 days of delivery and we’ll refund your money — no hassles." Everything from the fabric (nearly 50 choices in 100% cotton and 98% cotton/2% lycra) and inseam to pockets, belt loops, and cuffs can specified by you; no teenage crowds or Mrs. Fields cookie shops involved.
Tags: canda, clothing, cotton, custom, denim, fair trade, fashion, Fashion and Apparel, jean, jeans, style
- Uncategorized
October 11th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
I am TOTALLY doing this - yes it’s more than I’d like to spend, but I just spent $50 at the Gap and have been yanking my jeans up every time I take a few steps ever since - frustrating! And I bought that pair after searching countless malls, outlets, Target, thrift stores, vintage clothing stores…seriously I’ve been trying to find a pair of jeans that fit well for YEARS now, and for all the use I’ll get out of ‘em, it’s well worth the price. And I’m glad to support a company that matches my values!
November 6th, 2007 at 10:29 pm
I was hired as a promotions representitive by the UJeans company in Las Vegas, NV. for the POOL convention August 27 - 29, 2007. I worked hard! Completing every task requested of me! Including but not limited to Picking him up before the convention, promoting the product, picking up lunch for everyone, picking up copies of printed promotional material, finding a photographer that would work on his limited budget, packing up the booth, mailed packages back to him after the event out of pocket. My bank informed me of the returned check on the afternoon of September 21, 2007. I have a signed contract, a bounced check, some bank fees and a shipping reciept as compensation for my efforts. I have tried contacting the owner multiple times. In mid-october I recieve very little information stating he would pay me no later the October 31,2007. It is now November 5, 2007 and he is not returning my calls, e-mails or text messeges again. There are two other promotions representatives who also worked this event with him and recieved the same treatment. What kind of company would do this to three hard working indiviuals?
January 25th, 2008 at 12:10 am
Please do not continue to support UJeans as a partner or sponsor is association with your cooperation. I ordered jeans from them, waited 3 mths for them to arrive, and when they did they were widely too large and the right leg was SEWN SHUT! Ridiculous! The Canadian Better Business Bureau is full of complaints about them, and I am trying to have them banned from using the PayPal service as well.
If you have any other complaintants, please ask them to file a complaint with PayPal regarding this issue online or by phone (888-221-1161). If enough people fill complaints with PayPal in the next six months they have promised to re-open all of our cases, refund our money, and refuse UJeans access to the PayPal service ever again. PLEASE help us blackball these thieves! Their fraudulent business practices need to stop. Thank you for your help!