The 5 Dumbest Things About Raw Denim

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I like owning jeans that fit well and last a long time, especially when they were hard to make and embody a bit of artistry, but boy. Once you start thinking about your jeans that way, you'll find yourself in a bizarre world of antique looms, smelly jeans, and Japanese subcultures that can be pretty tough to navigate. With 5 years of making content about it under my belt, I thought it was time to air my grievances about my least favorite aspects of raw denim land.

00:00 What is the raw denim hobby?
01:08 What size is anything?
03:00 People mistreat their jeans
03:54 Washing your jeans is complicated
05:09 Brands don't talk to you
07:00 Hemming jeans is too hard
08:43 Wrapping Up

#rawdenim #selvedge

[Stridewise]

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[iuhuh]

The most annoying thing about selvedge denim is the community. I came to denim through boots and it's amazing how much more stupid misinformation there is than with leather footwear. Like really you can't wash your jeans? Oh you're not supposed to get a single needle hem because it's not "authentic"? Chill dude they're pants.

[austinfletcher]

I’m living for every time Nick talks to N&F

[CallSignCobra]

New to the selvedge denim world and I love it. I feel like all the myths are a bit much but when you think about it, it’s part of the journey. As always great video Nick.

[Steven]

Bahzad has a refreshing perspective, always enjoy seeing him on the channel.

[plutopowered]

I’ve spent too much money buying things trying to predict the fit as opposed to just buying things that fit. I’m so glad he talked about that. Coincidentally I found a pair of raw denim that fit well and they’re working out great! Plus, suspenders made them even better!

[JoeyLevenson]

I lived in Okayama where the Japanese denim is made, and I had never heard of not washing your jeans, and neither had they, lol. Actually, a lot of Japanese denim used to be called “one wash.” They came already washed. I think a lot of this stuff came from the internet and the wish to be “unique/elite/cool…” Just get some cool jeans and wear them. Signed, old man.

[VooDoodaddy]

Great stuff Nick. Bahzad is a treasure. The most logical, common sense approach to this "mystical" world of denim. "They're your jeans, do what you want" - says it all, thank you Bahzad.

[minerforjob]

Bahzads attitude alone makes me want to get into raw denim, hes very kind!

[M_u]

Thanks to Stridewise, I went to that same store in NYC and purchased the Black Cobras. After that, I got hooked and have about a dozen pairs. I love Naked and Famous now.

[bootsjeansandtheoddwatch]

I wish this was like an hour longer. Looking forward to the next one!

[garyv]

Man I’ve been mainlining the stridewise denim and heritage fashion videos lately and just wanted to say thanks, these videos are awesome and provide a ton of knowledge. Keep ‘em coming Nick.

[loqu]

Appreciate that I just bought my first pair, Levi’s M&C 551 Japanese selvedge, and have been a little overwhelmed with the “rules”. I just want them to last as long as possible with whatever fades come with that.

Looking forward to visiting Naked & Famous next month when I’m in NYC.

[beedeeramone]

I always try to say, these garments are made well and aren’t made of tissue paper. They can handle a wash plus proper care and upkeep. A peeve might be that a super pro has to repair them. I have picked up a needle and thread plenty of times to repair small parts to keep them from getting bad.

[banbaji]

Thanks for this series Nick! My whole life I was always just buying the cheapest jeans. I'm learning a lot!

[justincase]

I grew up in the 70's. There were no such thing as a denim community and all that knowledge about denim. Also there weren't all the options when it came to denim, all these different cuts, washes, styles. We bought a pair that looked good to us (usually a 501 or an Edwin) fitted and just wore them without thinking about it. When they were dirty we washed them and that was it. They all faded beautifully over time. All that nonsense these days about how to wear it, what to put into the pockets for the best fades and when to wash them is comedy gold for me.

[actontreadway]

I am SO GLAD he broke the chainstitch myth! I have always had this complaint and finally, a guru is letting people know. I can't tell you how many times a chainstitch has broken on me and the whole line comes out like a cartoon sweater unraveling. I will sleep well tonight.

[strengthandbulkMadness]

I bought a bunch of Selvedge denim but favorite jeans are actually non-Selvedge work jeans: Ariat Rebar M7. They come with the fades, stretch and durable.

[Freco]

Thanks Nick! The waists on the jeans I'd buy at the mall would stretch out 2 sometimes 3 inches and I would need a belt to hold them up. I'd wear them a couple days and would have to wash them so they'd shrink back to their original size. So happy to have found selvedge. Never going back.

[doublestrokeroll]

I think the main thing with the Japanese is that their domestic market for things like this is big enough to support them so they probably just don't care that much about their overseas sales. I'm into Japanese guitars and it's the same way. They make their living catering to the local market and that's good enough. It's up to us to figure it out for ourselves as foreigners. Personally that's kind of the fun part for me.