Last Updated on January 24, 2022 by Sarah Keene
What is Japanese 4Way Stretch Selvedge? Initially known as ‘self-edge’, the selvedge is the narrow , tightly woven band on both edges of the denim fabric. A selvedge end prevents the edge of the denim from unravelling and shows a clean, finished look. Old shuttle looms produce denim where selvedges are closed.
What is so special about Japanese denim?
Why is Japanese denim considered the best? High-quality Japanese denim is considered the best because it’s woven on old shuttle looms and made using premium fabrics and natural indigo dyes. The result is often raw selvedge denim, which delivers unique colour, texture, and appearance.
What does selvedge mean in jeans?
The words selvedge denim relates to the words self-edge – or self finished edges of fabric. Selvedge denim jeans use the self-edge as a finished seam in the jean construction – specifically along the outseam. The edges of the denim are used in the jean construction. The edges don’t unravel.
Does Japanese selvedge denim stretch?
Selvedge denim stretches with time, so buy a slim straight-cut pair a size smaller than usual. “You want a pair that’s a bit snug at first in the waist,” says Paul O’Neill, senior designer at Levi’s Vintage Clothing.
Are selvedge jeans better?
Is selvedge denim better? Denimheads and industry people all agree that selvedge denim fades ‘better’ than non-selvedge denim. The slower pace of shuttle looms puts less tension on the yarn. And it’s a fact that shuttle looms tolerate more slubs in the yarn, which add character to the denim.
Why are selvedge jeans so expensive?
Selvedge denim is expensive because the weave is tighter and denser – and the production process itself is more labor intensive, on more delicate equipment. The main takeaway is when you buy selvedge denim, you are getting premium denim that is denser and less likely to fray.
What are the best quality jeans in the world?
- Wrangler. Wrangler is “the everyday performance denim brand,” according to their website, and we couldn’t agree more.
- Carhartt.
- Calvin Klein.
- Everlane.
- Madewell.
- Rag & Bone.
- AG Adriano Goldschmied.
- Citizens of Humanity.
Are Levi’s 501 selvedge?
Product Details. This style of 501 Original brand name jeans is selvedge denim woven on an old-style loom. The slightly distressed wash gives the thigh more dimension for a casual but sophisticated look.
What is the difference between selvedge and raw denim?
Selvedge denim is made on a shuttle loom that means the resulting fabric is narrower (typically a yard wide) and is associated with premium quality. … Raw simply means the denim has not been pre-washed – which is why if you wear white sneakers with new raw denim jeans you will seen find they have turned blue.
How do I know if my jeans are Sanforized?
When jeans are labeled “unsanforized”, “loomstate”, or “shrink-to-fit” this means that there has been no shrinkage done prior to the wearer receiving the denim, and one can expect anywhere from 3-10% of shrinkage from their pair. Unsanforized denim simply means the denim has not gone through the sanforization process.
Does Japanese selvedge denim shrink?
All sanforized raw denim will shrink between 0%-3% post first wash. … If you soak or wash your jeans before you have worn them for any extended period of time including the initial try on then you risk shrinking them a full size (or more) which could render them unwearable as they’ll be too small.
Do Kato jeans shrink?
How much does the jeans shrink after wash? Raw jeans will reduce roughly 3 – 5% throughout the jean after the first wash and dry.
Does selvedge denim fade better?
Fade fanatics almost always reach for selvedge when they are selecting a new pair. This means they need to dip a little further into their savings, but, to put the matter simply, they know that nothing fades like selvedge. Nothing competes with it in terms of fade potential. This boils down to the maker’s intention.
When did Levi’s stop using selvedge denim?
According to former Levi’s XX Head Designer Miles Johnson, the Two Horse brand made use of selvedge denim up until 1985. In the early to mid-1980’s the use of selvedge denim was phased out due to productive efficiency, and the jeans produced in this era were finished with an overlock stitch on the outseam instead.
How do you wear selvedge denim?
For a semi-casual look perfect for afternoon drinks and casual dinners, pair selvedge jeans with a blazer. When pairing jeans with a blazer, it’s best to opt for slim-cut jeans in a darker shade like navy or indigo for more formal occasions, or in a lighter wash for a daytime feel.
Is selvedge denim rough?
Roughness can be a good thing for high-contrast fading but it doesn’t help extend the life of jeans. Not all selvedge denim is rough though; some fabrics have a smooth surface. Another difference worth mentioning is that selvedge denim made for some of the premier Japanese companies is often far heavier than average.