The House of Denim Foundation is a pioneering force in Amsterdam's vibrant denim fashion scene and is a global advocate for eco-friendly denim practices. Founded in 2009, the mission of the House of Denim Foundation is to foster a brighter, more sustainable future for the denim industry. They are dedicated to driving positive change by spearheading initiatives that promote environmental consciousness, inventiveness, and community building within the denim ecosystem.

If you live and breathe denim, you might consider taking a course though the House of Denim taught by denim experts in everything from making your own jeans to sustainability practices and laundering. The House of Denim Foundation brings together diverse stakeholders across the denim supply chain, including fabric mills, brands, retailers, and policy makers.

Their platforms include but are not limited to:

The Jean School International

The world's first vocational education program dedicated to denim has a talent incubator program for young individuals passionate about denim. The Jean School provides hands-on training in denim craftsmanship, design, pattern-making, sustainable manufacturing practices, and business acumen and empowers students to pursue denim careers.

The House of Denim Talent Incubator Program

This innovative Diversity & Inclusion initiative nurtures the next generation of denim designers and developers. The House of Denim Talent Incubator Program is ideal for young creatives with a passion for denim, possibly with a background in fashion, who are eager to enhance their skills in a dynamic work environment.

The comprehensive approach focuses on developing both professional skills—including design, development, buying, branding, entrepreneurship, and industry engagement—and personal growth through one-on-one coaching, workshops, master classes, and mental health support. The program emphasizes fashion and denim, sustainability, circularity, innovation, and craftsmanship, providing participants with the essential tools and networks to evolve into creative professionals and well-rounded individuals.

Participants receive daily, tailor-made guidance from seasoned denim and fashion industry professionals. They can work at Denim City, utilizing all available facilities, materials, networks, and knowledge. This includes everything from bespoke tailoring under the guidance of a Master Tailor to working in our sustainable laundry lab with our Wash Master, alongside personal and professional one-on-one coaching. The House of Denim Talent Incubator Program is housed in Denim City, a purpose-driven innovation hub located in the Hallen of Amsterdam. This vibrant campus includes a store, atelier/workshop, sustainable lab, showroom, archive, and Jean School International course classroom. The House of Denim Talent Incubator Program spans one year with the possibility of extending participation. It offers continued access to our facilities as part of our commitment to building a community—a new kind of guild for the future of fashion.

Global Denim Cities: Amsterdam and São Paulo

The OG Denim City Amsterdam is a physical space in the heart of Amsterdam to bring together those with a passion for denim and industry professionals providing a space for collaboration.

Located in Amsterdam's dynamic De Hallen, Denim City serves as their creative hub. This multifunctional space includes a workshop, laboratory, and retail areas where sustainable denim practices come to life. Denim City fosters collaboration among designers, brands, and students, promoting experimentation and the development of new, eco-friendly techniques.

It is home to:

• Denim City Store
• House of Denim Foundation
• Jean School International Courses
• House of Denim Workshops
• House of Denim Laundry Innovation Center

The House of Denim Foundation established Denim City São Paulo, Brazil, in 2019, mirroring the concept of Denim City Amsterdam. Situated in the historic Brás neighborhood, known for its textile market, the Brazilian hub spans 1000m², four times larger than its Amsterdam counterpart provides a physical space to bring together denim lovers and industry experts to foster creativity.

Denim Days 

The House of Denim Foundation organizes Denim Days, which is a vibrant festival celebrating culture, imagination, and innovation in the denim industry. This must attend event, held twice a year in Amsterdam, brings together denim enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the public to explore the latest trends, innovations, and green practices in denim.

Blue Loop 

Their Blue Loop initiative focuses on creating a circular economy for denim. By recycling and repurposing old denim garments, they significantly reduce waste and demonstrate the importance of sustainability in fashion. Blue Loop transforms used denim into new products, highlighting the endless possibilities of recycled materials.

Sustainable Denim Initiatives 

The House of Denim partners with industry leaders to promote best practices in denim production. From reducing water usage and eliminating harmful chemicals to ensuring fair labor conditions, their initiatives set high standards for sustainability. By providing resources and guidance, they help the industry adopt more ethical and eco-friendly methods.

Denim Deal  

House of Denim Foundation collaborates with leading denim brands, the Dutch Government, and other stakeholders on sustainability initiatives such as the Denim Deal. The Denim Deal aims to clean up the denim industry's environmental footprint by fostering alliances across the textile cycle.

Are you a denim lover? Consider a trip to Amsterdam and contact House of Denim Foundation to schedule a tour of Denim City, Jean School, and House of Denim and while you are there take some classes at the Jean School, and don’t forget to line up your tour dates so you can attend Denim Days too!

You might also consider a trip to Brazil to visit Denim City in Sao Paulo where you can take courses from the Denim City Academy on everything from the history of jeans to spinning, dyeing, weaving, and finishing to the magic of denim and how to sell jeans!

Collaboration and Sponsorship

The LYCRA Company proudly sponsors The House of Denim Foundation, contributing significantly to educational initiatives such as the Talent Incubator Program. Through this partnership, experts like Helen Latham, Senior Strategic Account Manager at The LYCRA Company, share their extensive knowledge of denim technology and sustainability practices. This joint effort aims to educate and inspire the next generation of denim industry professionals.

Get in Touch 

Whether you are a student, designer, brand, or simply an enthusiast, there’s a place for you at the House of Denim Foundation. Join the House of Denim Foundation in their journey towards a brighter blue by contacting them today and getting involved!