Why buy Raw, Selvedge Denim?
I use a special fabric called raw, selvedge denim to make custom jeans and jackets because it aligns perfectly with my goal of creating one-of-a-kind garments that empower self-expression through liberating form, function, and durability. Raw, selvedge denim embodies everything I value about craftsmanship and individuality. Let me tell you why.
What Does “Raw” Mean?
Raw denim is denim in its purest form—untreated and unaltered. Imagine analog, unfiltered denim with no special effects or synthetics—just 100% cotton goodness. This is how denim was made in the early 1900s before fast, mass-produced methods took over. The earliest Levi's® blue jeans were made with raw denim. Thanks to a revival led by Japan in the 1990s, raw denim is now cherished worldwide, especially by those who value quality and authenticity. Due to its tough, rugged nature, it’s especially popular with motorcycle riders.
How Is Raw Denim Different?
Raw denim is unwashed and untreated, meaning it hasn’t been pre-shrunk, bleached, stonewashed, or distressed. When I make your custom jeans, I do wash the fabric a couple of times first—this reduces shrinkage and ensures your jeans fit perfectly from day one (and prevents them from turning your legs blue from the fresh dye). It’s made with high quality cotton yarns, often woven on smaller, older looms. It takes longer to make, but it’s strong and durable.
Why Does Raw Denim Twist?
A feature denim enthusiasts notice as a sign you’re wearing raw denim is that after washing, the side seams of your jeans may twist slightly toward the front or back of your legs. This happens because the fabric's weave shrinks unevenly. The overall shape of the jeans remains the same, though. Rather than a flaw, this is a hallmark of raw denim that adds to its authenticity and character. Side note for those who like lingo, another word for denim that is not pre-shrunk is “unsanforized” denim.
Break It in Your Way
The beauty of raw denim is how it transforms with wear. Unlike pre-distressed jeans, raw denim fades naturally according to your lifestyle. Whether you’re riding horses, installing flooring, or living your life however you live it, your jeans will develop a unique, lived-in look that reflects your story. No two pairs will ever age the same way. Just like no two garments I make are alike, because they are made according to the shape, size, and personality of each person they’re made for.
What Makes “Selvedge” Special?
The “selvedge” in raw, selvedge denim refers to the self-finished (“self-edge”) edges of the fabric. Woven on old-school shuttle looms, selvedge denim has clean edges that won’t fray. The fabric often features a colored stripe along the edge—visible in the side seam when you cuff your jeans—that’s as stylish as it is functional.
Selvedge denim is also more durable and less bulky than mass-produced denim, thanks to its tight weave and self-finished edges.
Why Invest in Custom Raw, Selvedge Denim?
Yes, raw, selvedge denim costs more, but it’s an investment in durability, comfort, and style. When I create your custom jeans, I design the pattern based on your unique body measurements. The result? Jeans that fit like a dream, stay in place all day, and won’t sag, pinch, or ride up or down. I also take requests for what kind of pockets best suit your needs, what color topstitching you want, or how wide you want your waistband to be. I use tough metal buttons and rivets on the corners of all the pockets. My minimum price for raw, selvedge jeans is $275.
One well-made pair of raw, selvedge denim jeans can outlast several pairs of standard jeans, making them a sustainable and worthwhile investment. I wear mine daily and can’t imagine going back to off-the-rack denim.
Your Jeans, Your Story
Raw, selvedge denim isn’t just fabric; it’s a blank canvas for your life. Every crease, fade, and scuff tells a story—yours. Ready to start your classic denim journey?
Check out my next blog post for tips on washing and caring for raw, selvedge denim. To order your custom jeans or jacket, visit my contact page and let’s get the conversation started.
