Why Japanese Severedge Denim Is Superior?

What is unique about Japanese denim?

Japanese denim brands use unique cotton varieties like Zimbabwe cotton for their soft and durable fibers, and natural indigo dye for richer blues. This labor-intensive and expensive dyeing process produces beautiful, aging colors that turn each pair of jeans into a work of art. Traditional Japanese embroidery techniques and patterns are also incorporated into their designs. Japanese denim is known for its attention to detail, from stitching to rivets and buttons, and even the inside of the jeans, featuring French seams for aesthetic appeal and durability. Customized hardware, hand-stitched labels, and vintage sewing machines are all part of the meticulous process of crafting a single pair of jeans.

Why is Japanese denim superior?

Selvedge denim is a durable fabric that is renowned for its strength and durability. Its strength is attributed to the weaving method used in its production, which uses shuttle looms to weave the yarn tightly, making the fabric denser and more resistant to tearing and wear. The natural indigo color of selvedge denim is less faded than synthetic dyes, allowing it to retain its intense color for longer.

The high-quality yarn used in the weaving also contributes to the durability of the final product. Over time, selvedge denim molds to the wearer’s body shape, creating a unique pattern of wear and fading known as patina.

Is Japanese denim better than American denim?

Japanese denim is a luxury product due to its artisan craftsmanship, which is woven on vintage shuttle looms, unlike modern looms used in Western factories. These slower looms produce denim that is half the width of American denim made on modern looms. Japanese denim is known as “selvedge denim”, which is wrapped in a red thread, unlike Western denim which is frayed and left unfinished. The selvedge line, a thread line found on the cuff of jeans, is highly sought after by Japanese manufacturers and can be considered the “made in France” of the denim world.

Why is Japanese selvedge so expensive?

Selvage denim is a unique and high-quality fabric that requires craftsmanship to create. The production process involves vintage weaving looms dating back at least 70 years, which are scarce and require salvaged spare parts. This makes the operation complex and maintenance requires knowledge not typically possessed by an average loom technician. The actual production speed is slower than modern looms, with fabric width being about half of that from a modern loom and output speed around a fifth.

Selvage denim is mainly produced in Japan, where craftsmanship is at its fullest extent, reflecting on the price. The superior aesthetic properties of selvage denim, such as the appearance and feel of the fabric, variations caused by vintage shuttle loom imperfections, the deliberate interplay between warp and weft yarns, and the chosen dyeing technique for indigo yarns, make it the world’s best denim.

Using selvage denim is a tribute to artisans preserving craftsmanship and honoring those who inspire them. The world’s best selvage denim will age into tomorrow’s vintage, and the choice of wear, repair, and repeat is up to the wearer. Explore the selvage selection and consider the quality of the fabric you choose.

Why does Japan have the best denim?

Japanese denim is a product of meticulous craftsmanship, with each piece meticulously crafted by skilled artisans. Unlike mass production, Japanese denim is produced in limited quantities, ensuring precision and quality control. This approach, combined with the industry’s reputation for excellence, creates a sense of exclusivity and rarity that captures the imaginations of denim enthusiasts worldwide.

Owning a piece of Japanese denim is not just a fashion statement, but a testament to one’s discerning taste and appreciation for true craftsmanship. This approach to denim production is a testament to the industry’s commitment to quality and precision.

Should you wash Japanese selvedge denim?

To achieve a more even and softer fade in jeans, it is recommended to wash them every 3-4 months of moderate wear. The washing method depends on the desired look. Raw denim can be washed gently and air dried to minimize indigo bleed and help the dye set. For new jeans, a simple soak in cool water is sufficient. For older jeans with oil and grime buildup, add a gentle cleaner and submerge them in lukewarm water. Allow the jeans to soak for at least an hour, agitate gently every fifteen minutes, then rinse them repeatedly until no trace of cleaner remains.

Selvedge denim is less susceptible to shrinkage and can be machine washed according to the care tag. However, hand washing in lukewarm water with a gentle cleaner is recommended for more indigo. Rinse all cleaner out of the jeans before hanging them to dry. Both methods should be followed to maintain the longevity of your jeans.

Why is Japanese selvedge denim so expensive?

Selvage denim, a type of fabric used in clothing, relies on vintage weaving looms that date back at least 70 years. This makes the operation complex and requires knowledge that is not necessarily possessed by an average loom technician. The production speed is slower than modern looms, with fabric width being about half of that from a modern loom and output speed being around a fifth. Selvage output is around 10 compared to that of a modern loom.

The production of selvage denim is mainly from Japan, where denim is a craftsmanship to the fullest extent, which reflects on the price. The superior aesthetic properties of selvage denim, such as the appearance and feel of the fabric, the variations caused by vintage shuttle loom imperfections, the deliberate interplay between warp and weft yarns, and the chosen dyeing technique for indigo yarns, make it the world’s best denim.

Using selvage denim is a tribute to the artisans preserving craftsmanship and honoring those who inspire us. The world’s best selvage denim will age into tomorrow’s vintage, and the choice is yours to wear, repair, and repeat. Explore the selvage selection and consider the quality of the fabric.

Does Japanese selvedge shrink?

When considering the first wash of jeans, it is crucial to consider shrinkage. All sanforized raw denim shrinks between 0-3 post-wash, while unsanforized denim can shrink up to 10. To achieve the best fit, it is recommended to wear jeans for at least 3 to 6 months before washing. If you need to wash them earlier, it is recommended to wear them for at least a full week of consistent wear. If wear will be inconsistent, it is suggested to wash them two to three weeks before the first soak or wash.

Raw selvedge denim offers a unique fit manipulation advantage over regular, pre-washed denim. Air dry the jeans until damp, then put them on and let them dry on your body. This allows them to conform to your body shape as they are drying, creating an almost custom fit pair of jeans.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your jeans will last longer and look better after each wash. It is also important to avoid soaking or washing your jeans before wearing them, as this could result in shrinkage and unwearability. The only time to soak jeans is if they are too big (by at least a size).

Is Uniqlo jeans Japanese denim?

Since 1998, DRY has been in partnership with Kaihara, a top denim manufacturer in Hiroshima, Japan. Their most famous denim, selvedge denim, is woven using old-fashioned shuttle looms and is known for its durability. Selvedge jeans are often sold untreated and raw, making them stiff when first worn. However, as they wear, they become entirely your own, fading and creaseing according to your movement and pocket placement. The denim softens to fit your body, making them a versatile choice for any wardrobe. The DRY Crew Neck T-Shirt and Stretch Selvedge Slim Fit Jeans are two popular options for this style.

What’s the advantage of Japanese selvedge denim?

Selvedge denim is a durable and polished fabric with a white edge and colored yarn in the middle, known as “redline” selvedge. This distinctive detail can be cuffed to show off variations and fabric runs. Selvedge denim is more labor-intensive and expensive to produce than non-selvedge denim, requiring more attention to detail. Manufacturers invest in better quality yarn and dye, resulting in a superior final product. Some mills even produce small batches of high-quality denim hand-dyed in bundles called hanks or skeins.

Selvedge jeans can be easily incorporated into existing wardrobes, and the satisfaction of owning and fading a quality pair can be addictive. The craftsmanship, composition, and care required to produce this type of denim ensures it withstands intense daily use, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a long-lasting addition to their wardrobe.