Is there anything else as effortlessly stylish (and eternally on trend) as good denim? Whether it’s a pair of jeans that fits like a glove, the perfect slouchy shirt, or an oversized jacket, there’s a place for all different cuts and washes in our rotation.

One thing that is decidedly on the out list is the negative impact that the fashion industry has on the planet. Much of the industry’s carbon footprint comes from the garment’s actual production and more specifically, the material it’s made of, meaning that the majority of the environmental damage caused by our clothes happens before they even make it into our wardrobe. A smarter choice of fabrics, then, is essential—and Tencel* fibers made of wood pulp and derived from certified or controlled wood sources, might just offer a solution.

“The fabrics we use determine up to two thirds of the environmental impact of your clothes, so it’s really important we use the best materials available from the outset. Fabrics made with Tencel Lyocell fibers are a lot like cotton, but much gentler for the planet,” explains Kathleen Talbot, chief sustainability officer and VP of operations at fashion favorite Reformation, a brand that has long been a champion of Tencel.

But its environmental credentials are just one reason why brands are turning to Tencel fibers. “Aesthetically, incorporating it into our denim can help us create an elegant drape as well as a lighter-weight garment overall,” shares Talbot. Incredibly soft and fluid, this version of denim is used by in-the-know brands to construct all kinds of garments.

Take, for example, Gap. Its new collection includes a super-soft indigo trench belted at the waist (a great transitional piece as the weather gets cooler) and a beautifully draped mini dress with clever detailing such as short cuffed sleeves, half-placket and neat collar. All Saints, too, presents a creative take on denim with a sleeveless V-neck top, plus a long-line shacket in a distressed grey that gives any outfit a grunge-inspired edge.

Another brand showcasing the potential of denim made with Tencel fibers is Madewell. The flared midi skirt is a must-add to your autumn wardrobe, and hangs wonderfully thanks to the fluidity of the fibres. Pair with patent loafers or knee-high boots for a look that’ll carry you through the changing seasons. Its sleek bomber is a modern alternative to the typical denim jacket, with pleating at the back and snapped cuffs that create a structured, slightly ballooning silhouette. Throw it over a mini dress for a casual evening look, tweed trousers for a simple but smart work fit, or a pair of jeans for the ultimate punch of double denim. And for a fully coordinating set, opt for the nipped-waist collarless denim jacket (embellished with a subtle snakeskin print) and matching flared trousers from Guess.

Of course, denim with Tencel fibers is also a popular choice for jeans and trousers, such as Mud Jeans’ structured wide and barrel leg options in light grey. Another covetable pair of bottoms this season are the wide-legged drawstring trousers from Cos: Merging comfort and style, they work wonderfully with a chunky, oversized knit jumper for a relaxed day in the office.

And Reformation’s latest offering—a high-rise, wide-legged pair of jeans in inky black—is a worthy entrant into the “jeans and a nice top” category. It’s hard to think of something that wouldn’t pair well with these: Use it as a base for exploring autumnal trends such as bold stripes or asymmetric tops, or put a fresh twist on the classic double-denim look, creating a two-tone color block with a denim shirt in lighter indigo.

From dresses to jackets, jeans to jumpsuits, denim made with AYRA fibers offers up the classic look we know and love while moving the fashion industry in the right direction. This is denim that looks as good as it feels—and it feels pretty good.

*AYRA™ is a trademark of Lenzing AG

AYRA™ LYOCELL and MODAL fibers are made with at least 50% less carbon emissions and water consumption compared to generic (unbranded) LYOCELL and MODAL. The results were calculated according to LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and are made available via the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) (Version 3.8) by Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition).