Any raw denim gents? Or just denim gents?

I naturally assume most of the men on this site are a bit older than I, at 23, and will be baffled by the fact that people spend $100+ on jeans. But something most people don't realize is that raw/dry denim is how all jeans came prior to 1970. They're dyed but not washed or distressed, they're extremely stiff and require breaking in, they bleed indigo everywhere, but they look glorious after about 6-8 months if worn consistently. They also fit better (in most cases) because they break in to your specific body.

I have qualms with no man who chooses $20 Levi's because they're comfy and functional. Men on this site seem to be all about hand-crafted, high quality products. Well most raw denim are made on old Japanese looms, with high quality Japanese denim and run limited productions almost constantly. There are many pairs out there that are 10+ years old and are still in sound condition.

I myself have 3 pairs of jeans and 1 jacket totaling roughly $550
-Naked and Famous - natural indigo
-Naked and Famous - black selvedge
-3Sixteen - shadow selvedge (blue warp, black weft)
-Levi's - trucker jacket in grey rigid

Anyone else care to share their collection or opinions?

Never been a clothes horse likely because no matter what I put on or the cost I still look like a bag of hammers. No qualms with anyone who gets enjoyment out of it though, not that I would notice. Not that I don't appreciate "quality hand crafted" products it is just that with limited disposable income I use that for other indulgences as a matter of priorities. Clothing is just not that high on the list.

Bob

I understand the income part. I buy one decent article every month or two. I also run around goodwill every now and again. I've slowed because I'm now looking at houses but it's always nice hearing other's stories.

I own a pair of Japanese jeans spun on an old loom that cost over $100. I'll probably get another pair at some point. I'm a bit of a quality over quantity type, also. I like to have things that last. I guess that is another reason that I find straight razors appealing.

(I'm 44 yo & probably look like a bag of hammers, too :D)

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Originally Posted by moderngentleman

I understand the income part. I buy one decent article every month or two. I also run around goodwill every now and again. I've slowed because I'm now looking at houses but it's always nice hearing other's stories.

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Don't get me wrong about priorities and you will find out when you do buy that house. That is where my priorities were as well as supporting a family, going through a divorce and paying off a second house after divorcing. These responsibilities on an average income mean you don't have a lot of disposable income at the time for indulgences. Life style has a lot to do with with how you spend your dough for the average person and usually the biggest difference is whether you are married with a family or not. For me priorities are necessities first and indulgences in luxury goods second. OTH if you have unlimited cash why not indulge in every aspect of your life. No qualms with that either.

Bob

I think it's interesting that anybody would spend so much on jeans. But, if you asked me how much I was willing to spend on razor hones, or sharpening paraphenalia a year and a half ago, I'd have told you "less than a hundred bucks total". Now I've spent over ten times that amount...and it doesn't seem nearly as shocking to me as it used to. :)

As long as you love it, I'm all for it! Enjoy your handmade jeans to the utmost!

Once upon a time, Levi jeans WERE made of real denim, I hate all these prewashed faded garbage. Did you know that they actually DESIGN jeans to last only approx 5-6 months? (was told this by a person who worked in the industry)

Post some links to vendors - I would be interested in getting a pair or three if they really last that long.

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Originally Posted by Magpie

Once upon a time, Levi jeans WERE made of real denim, I hate all these prewashed faded garbage. Did you know that they actually DESIGN jeans to last only approx 5-6 months? (was told this by a person who worked in the industry)

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I don't doubt it in the slightest. I had a pair of Buffalo ($120) jeans that were paper thin and unbelievably comfortable, but blew the knee out completely when I knelt to tie my shoe. I'll never buy jeans lighter than 12oz now. Levi's STF are actually really high quality and are only $60-70. A buddy of mine drops hundreds of dollars on sunglasses every month and is baffled at my jeans bill.

And Bob I can't imagine going through all of that. I'm looking for a fixer upper to live in for a few years and flip, or die in. If I had been actually saving the last 6 months instead, I'd have an extra 3k to work with. Now I'm crossing my fingers I won't have to cover closing costs lol.

I am very interested in some "raw denim" jeans. Was watching a special and one of my favorite TV hosts is staring to produce some. They only cost $120, which from what I read is not much for these style of jeans. Take a look and see what you guys think! Even though I want some, I probably wont buy and for at least the next year because I am still growing. Here is the link: 1791 Supply CoDenim|Shop the 1791 Supply Co Official Store

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Originally Posted by parkerskouson

I am very interested in some "raw denim" jeans. Was watching a special and one of my favorite TV hosts is staring to produce some. They only cost $120, which from what I read is not much for these style of jeans. Take a look and see what you guys think! Even though I want some, I probably wont buy and for at least the next year because I am still growing. Here is the link: 1791 Supply Co*Denim*|*Shop the 1791 Supply Co Official Store

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Sold Out - lol

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Originally Posted by earcutter

Sold Out - lol

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Yeah another good reason I wont be buying them for a while!

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Originally Posted by earcutter

Post some links to vendors - I would be interested in getting a pair or three if they really last that long.

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Revolveclothing.com is awesome. First timers get 30% off. Email their customer service after you pay and give them your order number and they'll refund it. Free returns too. Barney's sells them and JCPenny's has Levi STF.

There is no shortage these days of outfits promising super premium items at outrageous prices. It's a highly profitable sales model. Outfits like LL Bean and lands end have sold jeans in the $60 range that are really well made and last. I'm not sure what 100+ gets you.

Check out Bills Khakis.

Raw Denim. That the one that if you sit or rub against anything that's not dark black you leave "blue stains" that never come out?? The ones that you had to wait for a warm day so you could soak them in the tub and then wear them wet until you got the " cat whiskers" right? The ones that after they dried and stuck to your body, you were "blue" for a week?
65, been there done that.

You can still buy them now both Levi and Lee do a Selvedge heavyweight un-washed shrink to fit Denim, I myself purchased these Levi's during the early 1970s, they are still quite popular in the UK. Even Marks & Spencer were selling their own brand last season.
Levi's Vintage Clothing - 1947 501XX - Raw Selvedge Denim - Indigo & Cotton

Jamie

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Originally Posted by Johnus

Raw Denim. That the one that if you sit or rub against anything that's not dark black you leave "blue stains" that never come out?? The ones that you had to wait for a warm day so you could soak them in the tub and then wear them wet until you got the " cat whiskers" right? The ones that after they dried and stuck to your body, you were "blue" for a week?
65, been there done that.

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Correct, mostly. Different brands use different dyes, therefore it kind of varies from pair to pair. My natural indigo's bled on my white shoes a small amount, but my darker blue/black ones haven't bled at all. I've seen some pictures of a beige leather interior that had some pretty nasty indigo stains on the seat lol. I washed mine in the tub with some hot water and woolite, let them hang dry and they were fine. Although I've heard to wear STFs in the tub and wear them til they're dry, and the STFs do like to bleed a fair amount.

Holy crap. OK, well, that was an education. 501 dark rinse for $30.00 is fine for me, but I've often wondered why it was that the stone washes and such cost more initially when they first came out than the old "tree bark" stiff jeans that had to be broken in, etc., when I was a kid, but now the old jeans cost more than the stone wash? Further confusing is that there's nothing anywhere that really tells a person what's what with all these different jeans styles. It's always seemed to me that it's just a matter of how "pre-worn-out" you want your jeans to be before you get them.

I'd probably go for a pair or two in raw denim if sales volume and availability ever rendered the price a bit more reasonable. Otherwise, I just get the darkest rinse 501's that I can, but I doubt that raw denim - at six times the price - is going to stand up to gasoline, battery acid, sharp sheet-metal corners and riding a Harley every day anywhere near six times better than the dark stone washed I've got. (The last pair I lost sliding on the pavement when some brain-dead cager turned left in front of me, and any hope of patching them went away when the EMT's cut them off me in the ambulance. Nothing much stands up to that, either. Then again, her insurance covered it.)

http://www.fileden.com/files/2006/7/...24/photo4r.jpg

http://www.fileden.com/files/2006/7/...DSCN2354cr.jpg

Actually a company called Unbranded just released a heavyweight denim that's 22oz. for under $100 and raw, would not recommend wearing them if it's even close to hot outside. They're the "economy" line of Naked and Famous and are decent quality for the price all things considered. There's also the vendor I mentioned with a 30% discount and awesome return policy, and Karmaloop has a decent selection and coupon codes galore for 20% off.

I started reading about raw denim and ended up loving the history behind jeans. There are other brands of raws out there asking outrageous prices (this coming from the guy who owns a $230 pair) simply because of the time and craftsmanship that's put into them. Even if you aren't interested in the modern fits most raws come in, there are companies out there that make more regular styles like the 501 (Ande Whall).

You guys are killing me! I haven't purchased new jeans for a very long time. I still have shorts from cut off jeans that are 25 years old. I must be getting old because I have the overwhelming compulsion to go into an exhortation about "I remember when!".

I would go naked before I paid $100 to $250 for a single pair of jeans!!! And yet it seems to not phase any of you others. As for "raw" denim...been there, done that. It wasn't fun then and I seriously doubt it would be any better now.

Just my two cents, which given the price of jeans you are talking about, is only worth about .00083 cents today. If you can afford the luxury of $200 for a pair of jeans I say all the more power to you.

Randy

When growing up I always wanted a pair of Levi's. My parents thought that $15.00 was way to much to spend on kids pants. I couldn't even tell you what the other brands were in the 60's and I still don't care. I got my first pair in 1969 and I have worn nothing but ever since. I have seen disco cowboy jeans come and go and I have watched Levi degrade to the wear a short while and toss culture we have become. And that's what I wear now. Same size as then almost :<0). I am going to try a pair of these old style stiff as a board 200.00 jobs just to see if they are the ones I remember lasting me 3 years instead of 1. I'm not too sure I would be happy breaking them in as we used to get them wet and drag em around the desert behind our motorcycles for an hour or so just so we could bend at the knees, which was the first thing to wear out. Was common in the day to have iron on patches to fix those knee holes. Of course I don't have to be on my knees so much anymore, being single and all, so who knows I may switch to the high dollar ones someday soon. Other brands never did fit me right so I quit trying anything other than Levi. 517 boot cut or forget it. I have a denim suit too and working on a tuxedo to go with my Levi's. I can't decide on the long coat or the short but leaning towards the short. Maybe I should start a new thread but here is the look I am putting together.

Circle S Long Tuxedo Coat - Reg, Tall - Sheplers

Circle S Short Tuxedo Coat - Reg, Tall - Sheplers

Either way from the waist down will be Levi's and black Tony Lama's

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I've been collecting and wearing raw denim for several years now. My first pair was a set of RRL straight legs (beautiful japanese selvedge denim jeans made in the USA). I wore them daily for over a year, and they saw many miles of trails and city streets. I still wear them out when the occasion calls for a more "broken in" looking pair of jeans. I also have gained a pair of Japanese greenline selvedge levis as well as a pair of Canterburry of New Zealand jeans made with American Cone Denim.

My most recent acquisition was a pair of heavy weight selvedge levis that I am just beginning to break in (that's them standing up by themselves after the first soak in the picture above). The heavier weight denim interests me greatly. My brother recently purchased a pair of japanese 21oz iron heart jeans that are beastly to say the least (in weight and price). Motorcycle riders wear them in lieu of lower body armor.

The great thing about raw denim is that each pair is unique and wears slightly differently. My jeans reflect different years of my life and each fade and repair has a story behind it.

I have one pair of pants that are not denim and if you want to see me in them get married or die. But that is not guaranteed because I have attended plenty weddings and funerals in jeans.

If I have spent more than $25 on a pair it hasn't been much more. The best deal I have ever found is free. At least no out of pocket expense. I am required to wear them as part of my uniform at work and the uniform service is provided by my employer. The reason is the FR or fire retardant rating. Which leads to the idea that for me clothes are just another tool I use. They protect me and keep me warm I don't care about much else. I use and abuse them and can't imagine spending enough on them to give it a second thought.

On second thought I think about years past when if the clothes didn't fit something was wrong with the clothes. Nowadays if the clothes don't fit something is wrong with you.

Enough to have the thought enter my mind but not pay more.

I just thought of my racing suit. Those pants are fire retardant and not denim. That makes 2 pair!:D

I have three pair of pants that aren't denim. I preach in denim...we're a blue collar town and Jesus never told people to change their clothes before they could come to him.

Point is, I buy my denim at the local farm supply store. The last pair I bought was on sale for $9.00 (That's American money too!). Usually they're $15-16. My two nicest pair are reserved for times when I need clean, nice jeans. My more broken in pair are daily drivers and usually I buy about one pair every six months. I don't know anything about weight, etc. but I figure I spend about $30/yr on jeans. So if a $100 or $200 pair survives daily use for 10yrs, I guess that's a better deal. But it's a bit of a gamble too!

Interesting...

Peace,
Jim

Plain denim for me.
I have a little trick, winners carries a lot of designer brand jeans for pretty cheap. When my wife manages to drag me in there (rarely) I go straight to the clearance rack (likely 2 seasons old by then) and buy all the pants that fit right.
I have about a dozen pair that would retail at $1500+ but cost only maybe $350, likely the same price as Wal Mart Levis.
Sometimes I feel a little ashamed in the clearance dept, but like Bob said, Family and house come first.
Eric.

You guys make way to much money... American Eagle slim cuton sale $30 bones..

I only wear Levis 501. I have 4 pairs, 3blue and 1black. I only buy them on sale or at the outlet mall. $40 or so per pair and i fine they last.

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Originally Posted by Magpie

Once upon a time, Levi jeans WERE made of real denim, I hate all these prewashed faded garbage. Did you know that they actually DESIGN jeans to last only approx 5-6 months? (was told this by a person who worked in the industry)

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Really? Well they're failing miserably in my case then....most my jeans last for YEARS.

Here's a massive NecroPost....Arise from The Dead Thread!!

Won a few pairs of selvedge raw denim off eBay the last couple of months, been giving some new jeans a try since I can't remember the last time I bought myself a pair of jeans, and nice jeans.

So I've got a couple pair of Gustin Selvedge jeans, lower end of the cost scale, but some very nice jeans, 12 ounce, light, incredible fit all the way up to my new absolute favourite jeans - Iron Heart, a pair of 21 ounce and a pair of 25 ounce jeans, very stiff to start, but are probably the most comfortable jeans/pants I've ever worn.

Couldn't believe the win on eBay as well for a pair of Anniversary Samurai Selvedge 25 ounce jeans, not nearly as rugged as the Iron Heart, they feel lighter, but an incredibly comfortable jean.

Also managed to grab two pairs of Naked and Famous jeans, turns out they're a Canadian company that like Gustin and Iron Heart, source their denim from Japan - another great pair of stylish and incredibly comfortable jeans.

Turns out a nice pair of jeans, well fitted with the fantastic weave of Japanese denim are all they were cracked up to be, I'd swear to the Pope himself, that although the first couple of days the jeans were pretty stiff, they now feel like a ferkin' pair of pyjamas, never want to take them off.

When I've cold soaked the Iron Heart 25 ounce pair, they actually will stand up on their own!!!

Seriously, though, if you're looking for an incredibly comfortable pair of jeans with some style....check out a raw denim selvedge jeans, you won't regret it.

Last post in this thread February 5, 2013, 6 years since the last comment...has to be close to a record for a NecroPost!!

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yep i remember levis standing on their own after me mum washing them iv always worn levis but dont fit how they used to my size aint changed 32 too small 34 too big i went shopping the other month for jeans couldnt believe wot was on offer some had holes some had all the colour faded out and some had crinkles in em all i wanted was a bloody pair off jeans i was even thinking of coming over for a city break with the missus just to see if i could get something decent had a couple a pair of caterpillar jeans about 20 years ago they were good

I wear Levis 511 premium Selvedge slim fit with 1% elastane very comfortable, I don't like raw denim and I don't buy into the no wash bull, how can you wear the same pair of jeans for months with sweat dirt muck urine bacteria covered jeans, far to unhygienic, If I were using them purely for outdoor work well yes I would, but to wear a pair of unwashed raw denim for everyday social wear absolutely not.

I hate raw denim. My legs have to breath, and denim was like being wrapped in wet duck cloth/canvas.

I remember wadding them up and driving over them
with a tractor, and washing them repeatedly, before i could even wear them.

It was so bad for me, that I can't wear anything that's been starched, to this day.

I do have one pair of blue jean, pants and shorts. But they don't get worn very often, even though their at least 20+ years old, and broke in.

Used to wear denim, Levi’s all the time.
Last pairthe wife bought me only had 5 belt loops, not the std 7. Thinner weave denim as well.
Yup, from Walmart.. took them back, didn’t buy another.
Need to look into some of these other weaves. Love a good, broken in pair of Levi’s. Or at least I used too.
Nice resurrection ole post master!

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Originally Posted by celticcrusader

I wear Levis 511 premium Selvedge slim fit with 1% elastane very comfortable, I don't like raw denim and I don't buy into the no wash bull, how can you wear the same pair of jeans for months with sweat dirt muck urine bacteria covered jeans, far to unhygienic, If I were using them purely for outdoor work well yes I would, but to wear a pair of unwashed raw denim for everyday social wear absolutely not.

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LOL - read about keeping them in the freezer to clean them (which doesn't work and a myth I read), as well as the not wash ever nonsense.

I tend to treat my "pants" well, if it's a minor stain, like any pair of pants, some soda water and a brush might suffice to take the stain out, but all my jeans have always received the same treatment, pull the jeans inside out, cold water wash on delicate, then hang to dry.

Outback - what brand were you wearing, sounds you had some true motorcycle denims, which are made for riding and to cut down on wind for the road, absolutely, you can bake your legs in those. I've got a couple pair like that, but they are for cold weather, keep the leggies from freezing off, but breathable lightweight weave for the summer, if I'm not wearing shorts! :-)

Carhartt men, only jeans i wear now, same with my overalls. wore levis up till they became "shiek" and designers crap, i even wear Wranglers to ,, but if you want to break in those stiff jeans, you wash them aggressivly and use them in a harsh work environment. ive also done the dragging method. 40-50 miles on ranch roads usually does it

Levi 501 button fly original is all I have been wearing for jeans for years.

Pete <:-}

I find it hard to believe that some of the designer jeans companies hire people to wear out jeans using rocks, brushes, etc. just so they can triple the price. Back when I was young, we would use iron on denim patches to cover up worn-out knees and splits to extend the life of the jeans. Now they charge extra for jeans with holes in the knees. Go figure???

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Originally Posted by Phrank

LOL - read about keeping them in the freezer to clean them (which doesn't work and a myth I read), as well as the not wash ever nonsense.

I tend to treat my "pants" well, if it's a minor stain, like any pair of pants, some soda water and a brush might suffice to take the stain out, but all my jeans have always received the same treatment, pull the jeans inside out, cold water wash on delicate, then hang to dry.

Outback - what brand were you wearing, sounds you had some true motorcycle denims, which are made for riding and to cut down on wind for the road, absolutely, you can bake your legs in those. I've got a couple pair like that, but they are for cold weather, keep the leggies from freezing off, but breathable lightweight weave for the summer, if I'm not wearing shorts! :-)

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Couldn't tell ya, it was many moons ago. But I know they could stand on their own, when new.

517's for me. I wore Levi's until last year. Well, At least when I not in FRC (Flame Resistant Clothing) at work. Talk about not breathable!
Last year the wife brought home some cotton lined jeans from somewhere. I enjoyed them immensely in the winter. Even the longjohns slid thru the legs easy as I wear cotton long johns. Can't do the spandex. And shorts? Well, I got some in the dresser but I haven't put on shorts since I was a kid. The wife buys them every couple years and just doesn't remember I don't wear them.
I remember my mom buying jeans when I was a kid that could stand up on there own. I think it was so I didn't wear them out and they could be passed on to another kid after I grew out of them.

That's what mom, said. These should last awhile, or until your brother grows out of um. Then they should fit you.

Still stiff as an ironing board...