I Just Tried Mango's New Denim Collection—Here Are My Thoughts

by Emily Dawes

If you hadn't already noticed, we love a bit of denim here at Who What Wear UK. No matter what wardrobe trends come along, our trusty jeans are a mainstay in our day to day outfits as editors—and we know you love them just as much as us. When we come across the holy grail of perfect blues, like & Other Stories' Favourite Cut (the perfect straight leg), Arket's stretch styles (so comfy) or Re/Done's stovepipe (a wise investment), they become bestsellers faster than you can say double denim.

Sometimes it can be really worth investing in designer denim, but we're also big fans of finding great, more affordable, styles on the high street. With denim being one of the biggest contributors to the fashion industry's impact on the climate, however, we of course always need to be mindful to find the most sustainable options to suit our style and budgets.

So, when an email landed in our inbox the other day from Mango—a hero among high street stores, and one we've long turned to for their reliable denim—asking us if we wanted to be one of the first to try out their new, sustainably-focused denim collection, of course, we jumped at the chance.

The collection, which consists of around twelve key denim styles and some complimentary basics is refreshing to say the least. This isn't your classic (but rather boring) edit of straight, skinny, wide-leg etc. jeans. Real thought has gone into the design to capture the moment we're in now. The moment I'm referring to clearly loves a more experimental denim look (and a not-so-subtle nod to the 2000s). Everywhere we look—on celebrities, Instagram, TikTok and even the streets of London—the most stylish among us are experimenting with things like double denim, low-rise cuts, cargo details, puddle hems, shirting, bombers, maxi skirts... the list goes on. Denim is no longer just jeans—for 2023 it sits as it's own wardrobe category, and Mango have tapped into that here, as well as into our desire to invest in denim that's a lot kinder to the planet.

The collection uses recycled and recyclable denim, mostly with a single type of fibre and minimal trimming and low elastane to make it much easier to recycle, as well. Of course, we're still talking about large quantity high street production here so it's by no means perfect, or the most sustainable denim option you can find on the market. But those that are can often be expensive, so while we're sure there's always room for improvement, we're pleased to see more affordable options with circularity in mind.

My favourite pieces, and the ones I'd recommend adding to your wardrobe? Keep scrolling to find out...

Fashion editor Emily Dawes wears mango's new denim collection

Photo:

@emilyjdawes

Wearing: Medium

Style Notes: Honestly, I was really impressed with the quality of the denim for starters. It felt sturdy and expensive, with that elusive aged vintage feel to it already. I haven't worn a denim jacket since I was probably seven years old, but this boxy, pocketed version that is slightly cropped to sit perfectly over high waisted trousers has won me over.

Photo:

@emilyjdawes

Wearing: Size 10

Style Notes: As for the cargo jeans; I'd usually consider myself a classicist when it comes to denim, preferring my reliable straight legs over anything too experimental. But these felt extremely cool, yet still easy enough to style. Yes, I love the double denim look here, but I also tried these with a vest top and black blazer and they looked great. As someone who is 5'2" (on a good day), they were slightly long and I had to wear heeled boots with them here—but I prefer a heel with wide-leg jeans anyway. Fit wise, they're nicely true to size.

Photo:

@emilyjdawes

Wearing: Medium

Style Notes: Dolly Parton eat your heart out. Seriously, though—I'm not a waistcoat person but this piece was really fun to style. Yes, it made me feel a little like I was heading to a costume party as one half of Britney and Justin (I'll let you decide which one), but I think that's just me showing my age. I can totally see this looking great with silky or denim maxi skirts, and as the model below proves, it will work in spring and summer with no layers underneath too.

Photo:

@emilyjdawes

Wearing: Medium

Style Notes: Honestly, when I pulled this out of the box I thought there was no way my petite height, short legs and curvier hips would do this piece any justice. And yes, as the model below proves, the proportions of this jumpsuit probably look best on someone over 5'5". But all was not completely lost, and I was actually pleasantly surprised when I tried it on to find it fit really nicely. The quality is, again, impressive and there was just enough stretch for it to feel comfortable. I have a short torso so the shirt looked best with a few buttons undone and a white tank underneath, but I still think it makes for an easy, all-in-one outfit that ticks off 2023's top-to-toe denim trend nicely.