Off The Beaten Path: 5 Pairs of Unique Raw Denim

Denim companies are constantly pushing the envelope to develop interesting and unique raw denim options. While no pair will ever be appealing to everyone, the sheer volume of  jeans available ensures that there is something out there for everybody.

We’ve constructed a list of five lesser-known pairs to highlight the varied and unique nature of raw denim as well as pique your interest in your search for the perfect pair.

Tender Co. – Type 129 Woad Overdyed

Photo courtesy of Tender Stores

Photo courtesy of Tender Stores

First is Tender Co.’s Type 129 woad overdyed jean. Tender draws its inspiration from the British Steam Age, which is well reflected in their products’ details. These jeans have a removable top botton and feature what is known as the snob’s thumb pocket in lieu of a traditional coin pocket.

To finish them off, these jeans are garment overdyed with natural woad indigo. This last step shrinks the unsanforized denim and gives the jean a light-blue hue, most easily seen on the weft and stitching.

Details

  • Name: Tender Co. Type 129 Woad Overdyed
  • Weight: 17 Oz.
  • Denim: Unsanforized Japanese denim, garment-overdyed with French woad
  • Fit: Slim Fit
  • Available for $330 at Tender Co.

Levi’s Vintage Clothing – 1878 Pantaloons

Photo courtesy of Unionmade Goods

Photo courtesy of Unionmade Goods

Next up are the 1878 Pantaloons by Levi’s Vintage Clothing, a high-end Levi’s label focused on the reproduction of traditional clothes. As their name implies, these Pantaloons are based off a pair originally made in 1878, which predates Levi’s iconic 501 jean.

Before the age of belt loops, pants relied back-cinches to ensure a proper fit and that is exactly what this reproduction has. It also features a lined waistband, single back pocket, and period authentic curved front pockets, making it a great way to add variety to your jean rotation.

Details

  • Name: Levi’s Vintage Clothing 1878 Pantaloons
  • Weight: 9 Oz.
  • Denim: Unsanforized denim from Cone Mills
  • Fit: High rise with slim-tapered leg, but designed to be worn loose.
  • Available for $295 at Unionmade Goods

Story MFG – 0 Jean, the River

Photo courtesy of Story MFG

Photo courtesy of Story MFG

Although a new comer to the world of raw denim production, Story MFG’s 0 Jean The River is already making a splash. The fabric is handwoven in India from twice hank-dyed yarn, and contains a beautiful amount of irregularity. Based on a 1940’s pattern, the 0 Jean is a slim and classic fit.

Featuring a coin pocket that is flush against the waistband and triple stitched back pockets, these jeans will surely be turning heads in the coming months.

Details

  • Name: Story MFG 0 Jean The River
  • Weight: 11 Oz.
  • Denim: Sanforized denim handwoven in India
  • Fit: Slim straight with a high rise
  • Available for $356 at Story MFG

Kapital – Century Jeans

Photo courtesy of Kapital

Photo courtesy of Kapital

Kapital stands apart from many other jean manufacturers in part due to the fact that they weave their own denim. This allows them to create truly unique pairs of jeans to their own, precise specifications.

The Century Jean comes in two varients: Kakishibu and Sashiko. The former is dyed with fermented persimmon dye, creating a warm, brown tone, and both feature indigo dyed Sashiko threads. These jeans are completed with a back cinch and custom made hardware, check out our full write-up.

Details

  • Name: Kapital Century Jeans
  • Weight: 12 Oz.
  • Denim: Kakishibu and Indigo Sashiko non-selvedge Denim
  • Fit: Multiple (TH, Cisco, Stone, Sarueru)
  • Available for $360 at Blue in Green

Strike Gold – 2105 Pure Gold

Photo courtesy of Self Edge

Photo courtesy of Self Edge

Over the last six months the popularity of brown and unbleached wefts has increased dramatically. While the Strike Gold 2105 may seem to be merely another pair of brown-weft raws, they are far from it.

The weft thread of these jeans are mud-dyed, and their earthy tones can be seen throughout the entirety of the garment. To top it all off, they feature a sparkling gold selvedge ID and deerskin patch.

Details

  • Name: Strike Gold 2105 Pure Gold
  • Weight: 17 Oz.
  • Denim: Japanese unsanforized
  • Fit: Slim straight
  • Available for $395 at Self Edge

What is your favorite pair of unique raws? Let us know in the comments.