Known for cheap and basic garment production, Bangladesh is now drawing the attention of global buyers for high end items, especially in the denim segment. Global brands have started exploring the sourcing potential of handloom denim fabrics dyed with natural indigo from Bangladesh. In recent years, a few companies have started cultivating natural indigo and this indigo is mainly used in dyeing high quality, handmade products for high end and luxury markets.

Denim made on handlooms is softer than mill made denim, has a unique texture and breathes well and helps feel cool in summer and retain body warmth in winter. After cutting and collection of indigo leaves, they are soaked in a tank to produce an oxidised slurry, which is later boiled, sun-dried and made into vats. Organic cotton and natural indigo dye are being used for producing the handloom denim fabric.

Sustainable fashion companies in Germany are among the buyers that are currently working with a local company to produce hand-woven indigo denim fabric. Natural indigo is growing better in Bangladesh compared with other countries.

Production of ecological jeans has begun in Bangladesh. One instance is handloom selvedge denim fabric. Denim fabric with self-binding edges on both ends, running along the complete length of the fabric, is known as selvedge denim. Though the sampling development part is done outside Bangladesh, there is a possibility of stitching the finished products locally.