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: 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
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.
Denim Culture Today: A Fabric That Found Its Sound
Few fabrics have been as intertwined with music culture as denim. What began as durable workwear evolved into the uniform of rebels, dreamers, and artists. Music and denim share the same spirit: raw, authentic, and constantly reinventing themselves with each generation. From the hip-swinging days of Elvis to grunge’s anti-fashion ethos and hip-hop’s oversized denim swagger, jeans have provided the backdrop for music’s most defining moments.
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 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: 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: Sew the Pieces Together – Bringing Your Custom Jeans to Life
Making your own jeans is a journey that empowers you to express your individuality and create a garment that fits you like no other. In our previous blog posts, we've covered the essential steps of taking accurate measurements, choosing the right denim, …
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 …
Jeans Making 101: A Beginner's Guide to making Your Own jeans.
If you're a denim enthusiast looking to take your love for jeans to the next level, why not try making your own custom pair? It's easier than you might think!
In the Jeans Making 101 series, we'll cover everything from choosing the perfect fabric to adding finishing touches, so you can create a pair of jeans that fits you perfectly and reflects your unique style. Get ready to unleash your creativity.
Denim Culture Today: The Impact of Denim on Popular Culture
Denim is a fabric that has transcended its humble beginnings as durable workwear and has made its mark on popular culture significantly. From classic blue jeans to denim jackets, skirts, and dresses, denim has become an iconic element …
Denim Culture Today: Exploring the Evolution of Denim
Denim, the iconic fabric that has been a staple in fashion for over a century, continues to captivate us with its versatility, durability, and timeless appeal. From its humble beginnings as workwear for miners and cowboys to its status as a global …
Cotton: Types and characteristics
As a denim enthusiast and a regular reader of our site, you are aware of the endless variety of fabrics that raw denim offers. From different weights to dyes, stitching, and other intricate details, each pair of jeans is like a unique …
From Fabric to Fashion: How Jeans Are Made – Cut and Sew Process
What is denim? How is it made? Where does cotton come from? Why are jeans only blue on the outside? This beginner's guide gives answers and overview of how denim is made.
Indigo: What Is Indigo? The history and types of indigo
What Is Indigo? Indigo is the colour that makes blue jeans blue. The indigo colour originated in India. The name "indigo" comes from the Greek word "indikón", which in Latin became "indicum", and the meaning originally was simply "a fabric from India". Indigo is one of the very oldest dyes still in use today.
Cotton: what it is, how it is made, special characteristics and use
Cotton is a natural fiber obtained from the flower of the cotton plant. When spun, it produces a soft and durable yarn that is excellent for dyeing and weaving. The longer the fibers, the higher the quality of the yarn.