A Trend I Actually Like - Dabbling in Selvedge Denim

     In today's society, I feel we struggle through a mix of what we personally find "cool" and what society tells us we should like. And to be honest, that fucking sucks. Why can't we enjoy trends, try new things, and leave some stupid trends for dead along the way? Trends aren't bad, they just provide guidance on a mass scale, so the really important thing is wading through the slop to find things we really like. So what do I like?

    Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Japan for a study abroad program. Nothing too crazy, just a three week trip. Coming here, I had one thing in mind: Japanese raw selvedge denim. Now I know what you're saying: "Bro you're a hypebeast, those are so trendy, pick something original", yeah whatever. I'm gonna say it now - at first I was on this train for the hype. Hey, no shame, that's how trends work after all. However, the more I leared about Japanese denim, the more convinced I was I needed to have it. I love everything these jeans stand for: buying something high quality, manufactured in small batches, and crafted through true artistty (shuttle loom weaving and indigo dyeing). I also love the idea that the more I wear these, the more they will adhere to my lifestyle, fading and changing depending on how I live. How cool is that?

    So yes, I bought some selvedge denim, but what did I get? Alright, admittedly, when I was first interested in these tpye of pants, the baggy jeans epidemic was huge, so my initial thought was to get something like that. However, here in Japan I changed my mind, and I did so in a significant way.

    These are the Ground-Alls Silver Stone G-WWII-SP War Model Ridgid 2026. I know, a bit of a mouthful right? Let me break down what we're looking at. These jeans are a 13.75 oz Japanese raw selvedge denim with full button fly. As you can see, THESE ARE NOT BAGGY JEANS. I'm happy to report I could swerve that bullet before it smoked me straight in the face. These jeans are a vintage-style reporductive denim. So obviously you're asking, what the hell does that mean?

    These jeans are based on the Levi's S501XX, specifically dated 1942-1945. They're a straight leg work jean, meant to be worn by American soilders and factory workers on the home from. S means "simplified", and on some of the actual pairs from this time that meant they didn't have things like a coin pocket or a simplified version (amoung other simplifications to the design I won't get into - this isn't a history lesson). These are also based on the vintage 501, a beautiful straight leg cut that the 40s highlighted, and has been lost today in modern reproductions. The XX means a sturdier, heavier material, differing from traditional weight of Levi's denim. 

    

    Anyway, I love these jeans, and learning about the craftsmnanship, story, and getting to own these is really exciting for me. If you're wondering, I bought these jeans over at Tools Infinity in Shibuya, Tokyo. I spent about $202 on them, and if you show your passport you can buy them tax free. The rest of the shop was cool too, and I would have loved to visit again if I had had the time to do so. I love the silhoutte of these pants too because they are timeless, the cut will never go out of style. I intend to beat these jeans into the ground, and I'll probably end up giving some updates along the way. For reference, I've worn these jeans five times so far. Anyway, thats my schpiel. Thanks for tuning in.

    fashion mill