What does "selvedge denim" mean?
Selvedge is the woven edge of shuttle-loomed fabric. Shuttle-woven fabric is softer, and its natural imperfections add character. The selvedge in denim is usually white and often has a coloured yarn in the middle.
Selvedge is the woven edge of shuttle-loomed fabric. Shuttle-woven fabric is softer, and its natural imperfections add character. The selvedge in denim is usually white and often has a coloured yarn in the middle.
One of our favorite aspects of wearing specialty denim is being able to see the fabric fade the more you wear it. How you wear and wash your denim can have particular effects on how they fade. Rarely washing your denim can result in high-contrast fading, where the fades are most apparent in areas of stress or wear (crotch, knees, etc.). Washing your denim on a more regular basis can result in more even fades.
A legendary yet shrouded in mystery brand in the denim game, ONI Denim is recognized as one of the most prestigious denim labels. With their production all done on a single vintage shuttle loom- ONI Denim produces some of the most flawless, slubbiest, and finest denim. A staple standout jean that will last you for many years- if you are lucky enough to get your hands on a pair as ONI Denim is only produced on a very small scale.
ONI Denim tends to fit snug for the first few wears. Expect the waist to stretch about one full size once broken in.
Since 1997, Pure Blue Japan (Syoaiya) has been crafting some of the finest Japanese selvedge denim using vintage, low-tension wooden shuttle looms, resulting in a unique irregular and slubby texture. This technique enhances the richness of the indigo and its eventual fading, adding depth and character to each piece. We are proud to have partnered with PBJ since we opened our Soho location 17 years ago.
Founded in 1992, FULLCOUNT is a Japanese denim brand dedicated to reviving the essence of expertly crafted products. The brand’s mission is to produce jeans of exceptional quality, reflecting the belief that denim is more than just clothing; it evolves alongside the wearer. As customers begin to wear their jeans, each piece develops character and tells a unique story through its aging process.
Sugar Cane Jeans specializes in authentic Japanese denim made from sugar cane fibers, blending vintage aesthetics with meticulous craftsmanship. Gaining global recognition, the brand uses the term "dungarees" to highlight its heritage. Each pair features unique selvedge denim woven on rare shuttle looms, dyed with 100% pure indigo, and constructed with original components. With over 20 years of research into vintage reproduction, Sugar Cane is the ultimate choice for true enthusiasts seeking genuine craftsmanship.
Founded in Osaka by Toru Nogami in 1997, Samurai Jeans has become iconic within Japanese denim culture. Drawing inspiration from the Samurai of the Sengoku era, the brand represents Japanese heritage through meticulous craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and distinctive designs.
Studio D’Artisan, inspired by French workwear and American vintage styles, was the first Japanese brand to reissue vintage jeans in 1979. They focus on "reconstructing" old garments to capture Japan's unique essence. Renowned for their G3 denim, woven on half-century-old Toyoda G3/GL3 looms, the brand produces rugged, character-rich denim that showcases unique irregularities. This labor-intensive process reflects their unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and integrity.
We recommend always hand-washing your denim with mild detergent and letting them air-dry. How often you wash your jeans is completely up to you, washing them less can result in high contrast fades in areas of wear, while washing them regularly yields more even fades.
We've been in the denim business for almost 2 decades and pride ourselves on having a pair of jeans for everybody. We highly recommend visiting us at one of our locations for a fitting session, but if that is not possible, we have plenty of resources on our website to help you narrow down your choices.
Each of our denim listings contains detailed measurements to help you find the right size. We also provide complimentary hemming on any pair of jeans purchased from our shop.
Click here to view our Measurement Guide
Click here to learn about Chainstitch Hemming
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