Selvedge Denim: Why This Fabric Is Worth the Investment
When it comes to denim, it's no surprise that quality varies greatly. Among denim enthusiasts, however, selvedge jeans from Naked and Famous a real treasure. But what makes selvedge denim so special?
- The Story Behind Denim
- Rådenim: A Personal Experience
- Selvedge: Tradition Meets Sustainability
- Conclusion
1. The Story Behind Denim
Originally, denim was a thickly woven fabric sewn together with heavy stitching and copper reinforcements. This robustness was necessary because they were intended for use by laborers working in gold mines or cowboys riding across the prairie.
Think of the harsh conditions these people worked under! But because of the qualities of cotton, the pants eventually became soft and comfortable to wear.
2. Rådenim: A Personal Experience
Buy a raw denim and you're investing in a personal experience. It takes some work to "break in."
Although it may be a little uncomfortable at first, the reward is a pair of jeans that are shaped to your body. With time and patience, the denim fabric will mold to fit you perfectly. For more information on how to best care for raw denim, check out our guide: How to Wash Jeans? - A Guide to Care and Maintenance.
3. Selvedge: Tradition Meets Sustainability
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History : Selvedge, or "selvedge" in Norwegian, refers to the edges of the weave, where you turn and weave back. This edge becomes stronger than the rest of the fabric and does not unravel. Historically, the pieces of fabric that were to be made into jeans were cut in such a way that the selvedge became the edges of the jeans. This was both economical and practical.
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Modern Production : Today, denim is woven on large looms, and most jeans are sewn without the classic selvedge. However, jeans made on vintage looms following old traditions, like our jeans from Naked & Famous , still have a jean edge.
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Japanese Quality : Japan is known for supplying the best raw denim and selvedge to the world, with a combination of traditional weaving methods and a focus on quality.
For a more in-depth understanding of selvedge and its history, check out our detailed guide: What is Selvedge Denim?
4. Conclusion
In a world filled with fast fashion and short-term trends, selvedge denim stands as a symbol of quality, tradition and sustainability. While they may require a larger upfront investment, they are undoubtedly worth every penny for the quality and individuality they bring to your wardrobe. 
