Selvedge Denim New Fashion Statement
2 min read
By BRETT WYNN
Can’t seem to find the right pair of jeans? Looking for something a little more exclusive and personal? Then look no further, because we have got you covered.
Of all of the most recent fashion trends, selvedge denim jeans may be the most important and lasting. They’re quite a bold statement, but, when a refreshing approach to an American staple is introduced and embraced at this level, your brand new pair of selvedge denim jeans will more than likely become a timeless classic, as opposed to a short-lived fad.
Selvedge derives from the phrase “self edge,” which refers to the actual edge of a roll of fabric. When referring to denim, it means that, during the weaving process, the cross-thread goes back and forth as one continuous thread, rather than as individual threads for each cross weave, according to the support page for selvedge denim on www.contextclothing.com. This creates a nice, crisp edge as opposed to the frayed border created by other methods of manufacturing. A pair of jeans subjected to this meticulous creation process will be much more durable over the years, and are generally kept in their raw indigo form to allow the fading process to occur more naturally as the user breaks them in.
This stiff approach to denim is nothing new. When I came home from the Denim Bar at Pentagon Row in the D.C. area sporting my brand new Naked and Famous Skinny Guy jeans, my mom noted that she used to buy a similar style of Levis that were so rigid, she could stand them in a corner all by themselves.
While my jeans were definitely as taut, true selvedge denim has not been made in mass production since the 1950’s when the introduction of projectile looms replaced shuttle looms, halting the production of selvedge denim. A couple of high-end Japanese denim manufacturers bought up these antique shuttle looms and began cranking out premium jeans to market internationally.
Those interested should check out the website Rawrdenim.com, a blog devoted to newcomers and avid denim supporters alike. A special section entitled “Fade Fridays” will give the reader an idea of what they can expect after a year of wearing their brand new selvedge denim jeans.
Selvedge denim is a refreshing take on an iconic American staple that allows you to experience jeans customized to you and your journey through life.
