The sustainable denim movement, driven by concerns over water usage, chemical pollution, and labor conditions in the fashion industry, gained significant momentum in the mid-2010s. Brands began producing jeans made from organic cotton, using eco-friendly dyes, and implementing water-saving finishing techniques. The movement, centered in denim-producing regions like Italy, Japan, and the United States, reflected a growing consumer demand for ethical and environmentally responsible fashion.

The sustainable denim movement resonated with the environmental and social justice themes that have become central to contemporary poetry, from ecopoetics to the work of activist poets. The emphasis on organic materials and ethical production has been explored by poets like Camille T. Dungy and Ross Gay, who write about the intersections of nature, labor, and consumption. The movement also reflected a broader cultural shift toward mindfulness and responsibility, themes that have permeated poetry of the 21st century.