G-Star RAW is a Dutch clothing brand headquartered In Amsterdam. The brand specializes in making extremely good quality casual clothing, and raw denim items that are unwashed and untreated. Signature to the brand is its unique and creative use of trims and complicated pocket constructions, which is inspired by vintage military apparel.
Although G-Star offers mens, ladies and unisex fashion, menswear collections are the focus, strength, and bread and butter. Items exude a tough edge that is practical, neutral, sophisticated, “streetwear” in vibe, and quite distinctive. Form follows function in a creative yet no-nonsense and neat way. Their mission is to design for the future both in style, and in the way they impact the planet and people around them.
G-Star, founded in 1989, was one of the first denim manufacturers to make ethical and sustainable production a priority. They committed to annual sustainability and responsibility milestones in 2006, which was way before most other retailers. They created a responsible supply chain, and regularly publish a detox report. G-Star is extremely transparent about where they source their materials and how items are produced. You can read about that in great detail.
G-Star is committed to the concept of “circularity” which means using sustainable materials, clean chemistry, turning waste back into resources, and ensuring that garments are designed for reuse. They haven’t figured it all out yet, but are getting there. For example, they are well on their way to creating biodegradable plastic. The brand also philanthropically empowers global communities by setting up and funding educational programmes, and creates partnerships with organizations that are aligned with their own sustainability milestones. G-Star regularly track their carbon footprint, which they’re constantly trying to improve.
Denim production is especially hard on the environment, which is why G-Star specializes in raw denim that is untreated, undyed and unwashed. They took the more eco-friendly denim process and made it into a unique, coveted and cool look. Fabulous! I’m much impressed with how aware the brand is of its potentially devastating impact on the environment, and its passion to minimize this impact.
Prices are competitive, especially on sale. Sizes run from XXXS to XXL across mens and ladies. Sizes US000 to US22 on the ladies’ side, and US26 to US40 on the men’s side. The brand offers a range of inseam lengths, especially for Team Tall (probably because the Netherlands is one of the tallest countries in the world). Fits run TTS. There is room to be more size inclusive by offering more larger sizes.
Hubs Greg is a G-Star die-hard and very big fan. It’s always our go-to store when we are in the Netherlands. It’s Greg’s look, colour palette, and the brand meets his needs for exceptional quality and comfort that goes the distance. Most of Greg’s extensive outerwear capsule is from G-Star, and they make his favourite hoodies. He does well with their jeans and cargo pants too. Sleek, tailored, interesting, neutral, sporty, edgy, and very comfortable. The items last and look pristine for ages.
I’m not a hard-edged, tough, neutral, or casual dresser, yet I’ve had my fair share of fun G-Star items over the years, which is a testament to the brand’s versatility. I thoroughly enjoy them when I’m in a neutral mood, and remix the look with my dressy, soft, colourful, retro and crisp wardrobe. The Dutch market adores dark blue so you’ll always find that in the brand’s assortment, which is fab when you prefer dark blue to black.
What I appreciate most about the sustainable brand, is the glorious quality of their hip outerwear, and the trendier design integrity of the jeans. They offer beyond basic jeans silhouettes — especially for menswear — which is unique when it comes to ethical and sustainable denim at the moment.
G-Star is always on my radar when I visit the Netherlands because of Greg. Since denim is the trendy part of my style, their silhouettes catch my eye, and every so often I see a dark blue jacket or coat I like too. I highly recommend their items if you see stuff that can work for you or others in your life. I’m also proud that they are a Dutch brand who was an ethical and sustainable retailer long before it was a thing.
