about denim
A DEEP DIVE INTO ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC FABRICS OF ALL TIME - DENIM
Whether you're a denim enthusiast, a fashion lover, or simply someone who values comfort, history, and craftsmanship, this is where I dig into denim's full story.
I've split this part of the blog into two threads: "Making Jeans" and "About Denim."
Making Jeans
Here, I walk you through the craft itself - from choosing the right fabric to the finishing touches that turn cloth into a pair of jeans. Along the way, I look at the legendary brands and mills that shaped how denim is made, and the standards they set for everyone who came after them.
About Denim
Here, I trace denim's cultural journey - the heritage of indigo dyeing, the decades that reshaped men's fashion around it, and the pieces that turned into symbols of rebellion, identity, and timeless style. These are the stories behind the classics we still wear today.
Join me as I celebrate denim in all its forms - its influence on menswear, its role in shaping movements, and its place at the heart of modern maverick style. And if jeans are where your curiosity starts rather than ends, you'll find that same eye for craft and history carried over into Maverick Wear and Design Eye, the other two threads of this blog.
The Denim Story: What I Carry Forward
Three chapters ago I stood in a street in Genoa looking for a fabric that isn't there anymore, only its name. Since then I've told you about a tailor in Reno who fixed a torn pocket and accidentally founded an industry, and about a small town in Japan that quietly kept a dying weaving method alive while the rest of the world moved on to something faster.
The Denim Story: How Japan Saved What America Threw Away
There's a strange irony sitting at the center of denim history, and once you notice it, you can't unsee it: the fabric most people call the most American thing you can wear survives today, in its most authentic form, largely because of a small town in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, called Kojima.
The Denim Story: Before America Claimed It
A few years ago I stood in Genoa, in a narrow street near the old harbor, looking for traces of a fabric almost everyone assumes is deeply American. I found no factory, no museum, no plaque. Just the harbor itself, the old shipping and trading houses, the tightness of the alleys where sailcloth and workwear once changed hands
Selvedge as a Cultural Symbol - More Than a Red Line
The term selvedge comes from “self-edge” - the tightly woven edge created naturally when denim is produced on shuttle looms. These looms: weave fabric more slowly, use a continuous weft yarn, create a clean, sealed edge that does not fray and produce narrower fabric rolls (28–32”).
The Magic of Natural Indigo - From Ancient Fields to Modern Icon
A deep dive into the soul of blue, and the ancient craft behind every fade Few colors in human history have inspired as much devotion as indigo. It is more than a dye - it is a cultural symbol, a spiritual experience, a conversation between nature and craft. And in denim culture, indigo is the heartbeat. Without indigo, there is no denim history, no fading, no patina, no storytelling. This chapter explores the extraordinary journey of natural indigo - the dye that shaped workwear, inspired artists, and built Japan’s most revered denim heritage.
The Soul of Japanese Denim - Why It’s Unlike Anything Else on Earth
Denim may be a universal fabric, but Japanese denim is something else entirely. It is cloth that feels alive - evolving, fading, softening, and shaping itself to the human who wears it. To the untrained eye, it looks like denim. But to those who understand craftsmanship, texture, and tradition, it is a textile with a soul.
The Raw Lifestyle: Making Raw Denim Your Own
Raw denim is more than a piece of clothing - it’s a philosophy, a lifestyle, and a form of self-expression. When you first pick up a pair of raw denim jeans, they don’t feel like much: stiff, dark, almost uncomfortable. Yet this is precisely what makes them extraordinary. Raw denim is denim in its purest state, unwashed and untouched, a blank canvas waiting to tell your story.
The Raw Lifestyle: High Fashion and Streetwear
Denim, in its purest form, represents a culture that transcends mere clothing - it encapsulates a lifestyle. This lifestyle, often referred to as the "raw lifestyle," epitomizes the ethos of authenticity, craftsmanship, and individuality. At its core, the raw lifestyle celebrates the beauty of imperfections and the natural evolution of denim.
The Raw Lifestyle: Embracing the Raw and Unwashed Denim Movement
Denim has come a long way from being just a piece of clothing. It has evolved into a lifestyle, a movement that embodies the spirit of authenticity, individuality, and craftsmanship. One facet of denim culture that has gained popularity in recent decade is raw and unwashed denim. In this blog post, we will explore the raw denim lifestyle and delve into what makes it a unique and compelling trend among denim enthusiasts today…
The Indigo Experience: Exploring Traditional Indigo Dyeing Techniques
Indigo, the timeless and captivating deep blue hue, has woven itself into the very fabric of human culture across the ages. From traditional textile crafts to the forefront of modern fashion, indigo's allure remains as irresistible as ever.
The Art of Raw: Why Japanese Selvedge Denim?
When we step into the realm of denim, we're not just talking about a piece of fabric; we're entering a world of craftsmanship, history, and distinctive character. At the forefront of this denim journey is a term that resonates deeply with enthusiasts: selvedge denim. …
The Art of Raw: The Appeal of Japanese Selvedge Denim
Within the realm of denim, there exists a phenomenon that goes beyond fabric. Japanese selvedge denim embodies an intricate fusion of art, craftsmanship, and individuality. This exceptional denim has successfully captured the hearts of both denim connoisseurs and fashion-forward enthusiasts worldwide. But what lies beneath the surface of its allure? …
The Art of Raw: The Production of Japanese Selvedge Denim
In the realm of fashion, Japanese selvedge denim is more than just a fabric; it's a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of meticulous craftsmanship. Crafted with unwavering dedication, each step of its production is an ode to artistry. Join us on a journey through the creation of Japanese selvedge denim, where we unravel the intricacies and passion that define this remarkable fabric.
The Art of Raw: Characteristics of Japanese Selvedge Denim
If you share my passion for raw denim, you're likely well-acquainted with the allure of Japanese selvedge denim. This exceptional fabric, revered for its exceptional quality and one-of-a-kind traits, has carved a special place in the hearts of denim enthusiasts across the globe.
But what sets Japanese selvedge denim apart and makes it so extraordinary?
The Art of Raw: History of Japanese Selvedge Denim
Denim, a fabric that transcends generations and styles, holds a special place in the heart of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. While denim originates from the United States, its journey across the globe has given rise to unique and rich denim cultures…
The Art of Raw: The Japanese Selvedge Denim
Denim is more than just a fabric – it's an art form. And when it comes to raw denim, few can match the craftsmanship and beauty of Japanese selvedge denim. With its rich history, traditional production methods, and unique characteristics …
Jeans Making 101: The Final Touch
After meticulously cutting and sewing your denim fabric, it's time to give your custom-made jeans the finishing touches they deserve. This stage is where the true artistry of jeans making shines through, as every detail contributes to the overall look and feel of your creation…
Jeans Making 101: How to Make a Pattern for Your Own Custom Jeans
Making your own pair of jeans is a rewarding effort that allows you to create a truly unique and perfectly fitting garment. Before you can start cutting and sewing your denim, it's essential to create a pattern that will serve as your roadmap throughout the construction process. In this comprehensive blog post, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making a pattern for your own custom jeans.
Jeans Making 101: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Fabric for Your Jeans
Denim, the timeless fabric that defines the essence of jeans, plays a vital role in the art of crafting your own pair. However, navigating the vast array of denim options can be overwhelming. How do you select the ideal denim fabric that perfectly aligns with your vision and project?
Jeans Making 101: Taking Accurate Measurements for Perfect-Fitting Denim
When it comes to creating your own jeans, there is one fundamental step that cannot be overlooked: taking accurate measurements. The importance of precise measurements cannot be overstated, as they lay the foundation for crafting jeans …