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.
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: 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: 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 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: 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 …
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 …
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.
Rivets: What are they and why jeans contain them
Rivets are small, but symbolic metal parts found on jeans. Their original purpose was to strengthen parts that could easily tear. Today, they mainly serve a decorative purpose. Rivets are attached by pressing or hammering a "disc" or "plate" onto a metal pin that pierces through the denim.
Measuring & size guide
Before conducting the measurements, it is important to distinguish these two things; are the jeans made from a fabric which contains stretch (very modern today) or if the jeans are already worn-in. As these two facts will influence the outcome. If the jeans are made of …
Care for your jean
Once you've invested in premium quality jean, it's important you take proper care of them. Not only will this prolong the lifetime, it will also help your jeans age better.
Design and Development
You probably have heard that there is such a thing as "designer jeans". But have you ever thought about how confusing this term could be because it suggests that only designers' jeans are designer?
Selvedge vs. Normal Denim
There are two different ways to weave denim: with or without a shuttle. Weaving with a shuttle is the traditional way. The shuttle is substantially necessary; it guides the weft thread through the warp shed.
Beginner’s Guide
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.