Istanbul-based DNM Denim has built its Spring/Summer 2028 collection around zero-water finishing, new Giza Linen and Giza Hemp blends, and a recycled-cotton denim capsule running more than 20 percent post-consumer content. The mill, which operates its factories in Egypt, is positioning the range as proof that authentic denim character and lower resource use can sit in the same fabric ticket.

For buyers sourcing from the mill's Egyptian capacity, the headline change is the finishing route. DNM is applying advanced zero-water finishing to create marble-like denim effects — a look traditionally achieved through water-intensive wash cycles. The company says the new approach delivers the same visual effect without the wastewater load.

What's new in the fibre mix?

The S/S '28 range introduces two Egypt-grown fibre developments: Giza Linen and Giza Hemp blends, engineered for a vintage look with a soft hand feel. Both draw on Egypt's long-staple cotton heritage — the same Giza name that commands a premium in fine shirting, now applied to denim wefts and blends.

The mill is also running a fabric range in Tencel Lyocell HV100, a grade developed with controlled fibre variations that mimic natural staple irregularities. Deputy general manager Sedart Sualp framed the fibre as a step above standard Tencel grades in both hand and appearance.

"Beyond delivering an exceptional, cloud-like softness against the skin, these high-performance qualities project a significantly more elevated, premium visual aesthetic compared to standard Tencel grades—bridging the gap between luxury drape and heritage character," Sualp said.

On the stretch side, DNM is working with Invista on technical and developmental programmes that Sualp said "bring cutting-edge performance and bio-based solutions" to the collection. The mill also uses Creora Regen Bio Spandex — engineered with sugarcane-based feedstock — in a Denim Deal capsule, paired with the more-than-20-percent recycled cotton content. That capsule aligns with the Denim Deal coalition's remit to scale circularity in denim.

Which compliance claims sit behind the sustainability story?

Sualp anchored the mill's environmental message in water and energy reduction rather than certification logos. "Our most important sustainability message for [the season] is, as always, our deep, enduring commitment to water and energy reduction across our overall production processes and core collections," he said.

"Water recycling, wastewater recovery, and the integration of solar panels and natural gas for energy are not new trends for us—this mindset and our ongoing investments have been foundational since our inception," he added.

For sourcing teams, the practical takeaway is process-level investment — water recycling, wastewater recovery, solar panels and natural gas at the Egyptian production base — rather than a single third-party standard carrying the claim. Buyers with water-risk clauses in supplier codes will want to trace the zero-water finishing claims back to the specific wash recipes and audit them on site.

What is DNM doing with colour?

Trend direction for S/S '28 leans on texture plus earthy, natural casts. Greenish cast treatments and specialised washes are gaining momentum at the mill, with Matcha and Matsblue shades adding what Sualp called "unexpected depth to heritage palettes."

The more technical development is Sand Blue — a blue with an inherent brown cast that uses pre-coloured fabric architectures. Because the tinted, vintage-washed effect develops during washing, it removes the need for post-garment tinting or garment-dyed materials, cutting a wet-processing step from the downstream chain. Sualp said the fabrics develop "striking high-low fading effects and dimensional textures without losing their authentic denim identity."

For denim buyers weighing Mediterranean and North African sourcing options, DNM's S/S '28 package puts the decision in concrete terms: zero-water finishing on marble effects, Giza fibre blends from Egyptian supply, recycled cotton above 20 percent in the Denim Deal capsule, and colour built to trim a finishing step. The question for sourcing desks is whether those process claims hold at audit — and whether the premium for HV100 and bio-based stretch fits next season's cost sheets.