9 Selvedge Denim Mistakes and How To Avoid Them

I have been into selvedge denim for about 12 years now. And in that time, you better believe I’ve made a bunch of mistakes! So, please. Learn from my mistakes. And to help you to do that here are 9 ways in which I fucked up so you don’t have to.

Everyday essentials.

Camera stuff I use for the videos

5 Unexpected Essentials for Selvedge Denim:

[rickt.]

This is a most refreshing slice of sanity in a world of “overkill”. The number of so-called experts/influencers out there on social media who peddle their “expertise” in high-end anythings from leather boots and jackets, to selvedge denim, to knives, motorcycles, cameras, guns and whiskey. It’s all BS. I love all of the above and have fallen victim to my own ignorance, misinformation, vanity and greed. I’m a recovering “collector” of things. These days, I try to make much better decisions based on “balance”. I still love what I love, but I’ve scaled down many of the “things” I own. It’s a much happier journey when my priorities are peace. Love the video/s. Appreciate the honesty and perspective.

[CarlMurawski]

Excellent video brother! Turning your jeans inside out was one that took me an embarrassingly long time to realize…

[gunneryelton]

I’m 4 months into my first pair. 22oz brave star. I went heavy against your advice because I’m on an island in Alaska and I can wear them in the cold. The fades are coming in. They’re finally comfy. And everything I’ve learned about denim is due to you and that book you recommended a long time ago “Denim Branded”. I love the history and quirky facts and trial and error that follows behind denim and I’m probably way too invested for my good health. You make fantastic videos man. You also kind of inspired me to be a photographer but in a recreational vintage way.

[xCreepyKidsx]

Personally I prefer the 14-21 ounce range denim. I dislike thin jeans that feel like leggings or sweat pants and have stretch in them. I can deadlift and squat without any issues in even my heaviest pair of jeans, but I also buy the correct size and really break them in by putting them to work. I also grew up wearing heavy $15 Rustler jeans from Kmart so maybe that's why I'm just used to heavier weights.

[MartyPape]

As someone who just ordered my first pair of jeans I really love the lack of pretentiousness in your videos. You give your suggestions and then empower the user to do their thing. To many hobby groups are dogmatic. I’m looking forward to my NF far indigo stretch to arrive. At present I plan to do a was day 1 and then begin wearing them. I want to ensure they have done whatever level of shrink. Then I can go get them hemmed.

[Zynka]

I don't agree on the heavy weights. Might be a good rule for new folks, but my Unbranded 22ox Big Slub are probably my favorite pair I've ever worn.

[darrylmendoza]

I love your 9nth point about not gatekeeping. It’s important to use selvedge to your own identity. I try not to go for a sons of anarchy or gold miner look. Rather, I try to mix urban and old school details together in a modern but not overly skinny look that shoots for trends. Sometimes I’ll wear boots or some Nikes.

[Hamzaal]

I will definitely have your voice in my head next time I go to wash my jeans.

[ChangL_Rayray]

I was geeky enough to avoid the most of them, and big bravo for me to see the last one coming lol
If I could add anything to that list, I’d say “starting with a double dye”. I am the kind of person who wants everything on hand to be a bit special from normal, so I picked a double indigo Benzak for my first raw. I love that pair but man it faded kinda slowly and made me doubt. Which in the end leads you to the “buying too many” route.

[kennethwraight]

Thanks for the video. I am new to the selvedge world but I have come in from a different direction. During all the covid lockdowns etc I decided to learn new things one of which was how to sew. I started with masks and then made a few dresses for the wife before falling into denim and making my own selvedge jeans. I have been inspired by people like Paul Kruze and used a few off the shelf patterns. But your videos have been a great help for learning so much about the world of selvedge denim and I just want to thank you for all you do to help us newbie’s in this daunting subject.

[buddysmith]

I have been wearing LEVI'S 501 shrink-to-fit jeans for over 35 years and have never been disappointed. The only thing I have changed is, increasing the size. 😄

[fronkthetooonk]

I have to disagree with your point about heavy weight denim. Of course 25 oz is not going to necessarily be the best, but I've worn in multiple pairs of 21 oz jeans and can confidently say that it is VERY comfortable when they're broken in. You get an added level of durability and comfortable weight to them, and they still manage to stay soft and retain some level of drape

[danziegner]

I’ve been “into” raw selvedge denim jeans since 1959, 64 years. First pair worn were Roebuck brand (made in North Carolina) from the Sears Department Store in Roswell, New Mexico. Wash your jeans before you wear them, hang dry. Repeat.

[jonstern]

I've got 21" denim and it's great for warmth (my reason for buying it) if taking a while to soften. Pleased I bought them

[sashakimknechtinruprecht]

You are right in not showing a gatekeeping attitude - because what definitely doesn’t fit is denim & gatekeeping

[RubbelisPro]

It really took me a while to figure out fit, I always went true to size in the waist, and I started going a size up and it's made all the difference. I think 90% of crotch blow outs can be solved if you just find the right cut and get it in the correct size. I wear the 501 traditionally and I haven't blown the crotch out on any pairs I own.

[MrAgungPutra]

I have a 13 - 25 oz denim collection and I find the most comfortable for everyday wear between 15 - 17 oz.
And I highly recommend show your hem if you are looking for quality hand craft leather goods for an affordable price. I have MTO shell cordovan card wallet from SYH and it has become one of my favorite leather goods so far.
Mr. Wau, the man behind SYH are very friendly and easy to talk👍🏼👍🏼

[Wilson_Kelly]

Clear and concise, with denim wisdom throughout. Great vid!

[yojackdylan]

OP, ever heard of “Imran Potato”? He has just posted jeans on his site (which sell out rather quick). I bought a pair of his Jorts in size 34, my normal waist size, and noticed I could barely button them. I hear of the stretching potential, yet, his newest pair on the site is a “rigid baggy” style. I’m thinking (to be safe) size up to 36 and rock with a belt as needed. Also, not even sure if these are raw denim, but they certainly feel as such. Let me know!

[moonlight]

What a refreshing and honest picked up a 14oz Iron Heart which actually fit so just wearing and washing to consider now ❤