Unbranded Jeans - selvedge denim

AeroFan_07 · Jul 9, 2016

Just seeing if anyone else has tried a pair of these? I like the concept, a pair of jeans that much like a leather jacket, get broken in with use and are designed not to be washed. A small family run shop near me carries them, and I tried out a pair of the Tapered-fit jeans in my size today for a while in the store. After about 15 minuites, I bought them.

For a little background, 5 years ago while on a business trip I needed another pair of casual jeans. I observed that Levi's had jumped to around $50, and my last 2 pairs of Levi's at that time wore out quickly. So I found a pair of Wrangler Cowboy Cut jeans that fit perfectly and still fit very well. They have edge wear and light discoloration, but are nowhere near worn out. I now have 5 pairs of identical Cowboy Cut jeans, one still has the tags on it.

So taking a risk into this Selvedge Denium isn't totally new. The Wranglers have all been washed regurally, however I'm considering the "un-wash" idea with the newest pair and comparing to these Unbranded 11-oz pair. We'll see how it goes. Fit pictures to follow, and appreciate any input if you have experance with these...

tropicalbob · Jul 10, 2016

AeroFan_07 said:
Just seeing if anyone else has tried a pair of these? I like the concept, a pair of jeans that much like a leather jacket, get broken in with use and are designed not to be washed. A small family run shop near me carries them, and I tried out a pair of the Tapered-fit jeans in my size today for a while in the store. After about 15 minuites, I bought them.

For a little background, 5 years ago while on a business trip I needed another pair of casual jeans. I observed that Levi's had jumped to around $50, and my last 2 pairs of Levi's at that time wore out quickly. So I found a pair of Wrangler Cowboy Cut jeans that fit perfectly and still fit very well. They have edge wear and light discoloration, but are nowhere near worn out. I now have 5 pairs of identical Cowboy Cut jeans, one still has the tags on it.

So taking a risk into this Selvedge Denium isn't totally new. The Wranglers have all been washed regurally, however I'm considering the "un-wash" idea with the newest pair and comparing to these Unbranded 11-oz pair. We'll see how it goes. Fit pictures to follow, and appreciate any input if you have experance with these...

I've no experience with the Unbranded, but I was wondering if you've experienced any problems with the color of the Wranglers. There was some talk of it here a few years back (that washing them in regular detergent caused them to change to a strange shade of blue), and I've only washed mine in Woolite. They are great jeans, though, really solid at 14.5 oz., and I really love the higher waist.

AeroFan_07 · Jul 10, 2016

Hi Tropical Bob, I usually see you in the Outerwear section, where I spend too much time it seems.

So for the Wranglers, I've not had issues with discoloration other than typical fading (which comes more as a result of washing than wearing it seems.) I use Arm & Hammer "Clean Burst" liquid detergent and no discoloration issues. Now the Wrangler website has many more color and fabric options for these jeans than I was aware of, so it's possible that someone has had issues with the non standard colors. I've not been careful with mine or easy on them and all the pairs I have used wear like iron. I also agree with you about the waistline, which seems a little hard to find these days. I've also generally found them for around $33 at farm supply stores.

tropicalbob · Jul 10, 2016

AeroFan_07 said:
Hi Tropical Bob, I usually see you in the Outerwear section, where I spend too much time it seems.

So for the Wranglers, I've not had issues with discoloration other than typical fading (which comes more as a result of washing than wearing it seems.) I use Arm & Hammer "Clean Burst" liquid detergent and no discoloration issues. Now the Wrangler website has many more color and fabric options for these jeans than I was aware of, so it's possible that someone has had issues with the non standard colors. I've not been careful with mine or easy on them and all the pairs I have used wear like iron. I also agree with you about the waistline, which seems a little hard to find these days. I've also generally found them for around $33 at farm supply stores.[/QUOTE
A number of people have mentioned that an odd blueberry color occurs when detergents containing certain brighteners are used. I'm fairly sure Arm & Hammer don't and nor do Woolites. I have the Cowboy Cut Indigos as well, and they really are fine jeans. Last time I looked Cavendars had them for about $25, but I'd probably spend the few extra bucks as well just to support the local store.

Benproof · Jul 10, 2016

AeroFan_07 said:
Just seeing if anyone else has tried a pair of these? I like the concept, a pair of jeans that much like a leather jacket, get broken in with use and are designed not to be washed. A small family run shop near me carries them, and I tried out a pair of the Tapered-fit jeans in my size today for a while in the store. After about 15 minuites, I bought them.

So taking a risk into this Selvedge Denium isn't totally new. The Wranglers have all been washed regurally, however I'm considering the "un-wash" idea with the newest pair and comparing to these Unbranded 11-oz pair. We'll see how it goes. Fit pictures to follow, and appreciate any input if you have experance with these...

Good luck if you can cope with the year of unwashed selvedge denim. I find the idea just too gross to be able to see to the end of the beautiful patterns which the dye pattern takes. Like this;

If it is true selvedge from the USA, then it probably comes from Cone Hill or a similar selvedge shuttle loom niche maker. Not everyone understands selvedge denim which is as hard as horseleather hide to break in for the first year before it softens up to a beautiful patina.

You might find this blog helpful to separate selvedge from projectile loom denims:

https://www.dyerandjenkins.com/blogs/journal/12877033-raw-and-selvedge-denim-dont-be-misinformed

The Japanese selvedge niche markets have really cornered the fashion market due to their high quality small batch production system refined for over a hundred years so you're doing well if you can find an unbranded USA version that isn't Levi/Wranger.

SoCalSoftailSlim · Jul 11, 2016

I like the Unbranded 21 oz. jeans for motorcycle riding and just kicking around in. I also own a few pair of Unbranded 14 oz, but the 21s seem to be cut more to my liking, and they also seem to fade in better. The 21s also seem to breathe better than the 14s in warm weather, to my surprise. I have not tried the 11 oz.

I really think the idea of never washing them, or going a year before a washing, is pure hooey. I have achieved nice fades and great fit by going 5 months before my first wash. Then washing seasonally after that.

I wear each pair about 2 or three times a week. And every two weeks or so, I turn them inside out, wrap them in a plastic trash bag, put Bounce in the back pockets, and let them sit in my freezer overnight. This kills off any bacteria and leaves them smelling fresh, without a bonafide wash.

Only a teenage boy would go a freggin year without attempting to keep their jeans clean. haha. And when you see pictures of Unbrandeds and other selvedge with the so called "blow out" crotch, that's because bacteria has built up in that area enough to weaken the stitch. Yuck.

Anyway, here's my Unbranded 21 Oz jeans. Older pair is about 16 months old, the other about 8 months.

You can see how consistently they bend to your waistline, thighs, patterns of movement, cellphone, cuffing, etc.

Consistent wear and care as described above.

AeroFan_07 · Jul 12, 2016

So Cal - this is good info and is what I was looking to see.

No, I don't indent to never wash them, however when I do wash I would like to do them as directed, and in the meantime to use the plastic bag in the freezer. That could be a challenge for me if I had a family to explain such an action to.

SoCalSoftailSlim · Jul 12, 2016

No sweat, Aero. Good luck with your Unbranded jeans. They are a good call. Fold them if you put them in the freezer trash bag, of course. My wife still laughs when I do it, but she doesn't mind. You just make sure to seal the bag tight.

Just FYI on washing, I found that when they are ready for a wash about 5 months down the road, there is also really no need to do all the bathtub rinse, etc.

I simply turned them inside out, and put them in a short, cold water, gentle cycle wash with a small amount of Woolite Darks liquid detergent. I put them in the dryer after that, also gentle cycle, low heat for about 40 mins, still turned inside out.

They were still a little damp so I ironed them out so they were perfectly flat. (Still inside out). And then I put them on (no longer inside out, haha) and within minutes they were back to their original shape, nice and clean.

YVVM, but I think folks get a bit too militant with their washing methods as well. A gentle wash and dry is a gentle wash and dry, whether in a tub, or machine.

They are just jeans, not an original print of the Constitution. hehe.

AeroFan_07 · Jul 13, 2016

Thanks, good perspective there and washing advice as well!

Cocker · Jul 17, 2016

Just had a look at the UB website. Prices are darn good, but they seem to only offer ONE inseam length?!

AeroFan_07 · Jul 18, 2016

Cocker - this is correct, it's 36" and most folks roll them up to thier proper length or have them trimmed. I'm good with 36" length, however after wearing them more this weekend I will say the design of the waist, being a little low, takes getting used to. They are very comfortable in 11 Oz Tapered fit.

Cocker · Jul 18, 2016

AeroFan, as from what they say on their website, the tapered is 34,5 inseam, and the regular is 34. The picture of the jeans worn is on a guy around 5'6" tall, and I would need a TRUE 36 to achieve this kind of fit, lenghtwise. That's too bad, their price tags are really neat!

Edward · Jul 18, 2016

Cocker, you might want to hit up Soldier of Fortune in Wales if you're after a pair of cheap selvedge jeans. I have soem of these: http://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/us-navy-1940s-denim-deck-jeans-usn-red-selvage-jeans-product,14013, and they are superb. They also do these, now, if you want something a little more fitted: http://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/usn-red-selvage-denim-jeans-1930s-us-navy-deck-jeans-product,19089

AeroFan_07 · Jul 18, 2016

Thanks, sorry about mis-information. I'll take a look at mine tonight (measure with flat tape measure) and let you know what I find.

LC King could be an option for you, they manufacture all their products in Tennessee and could probably do a special length for you.

SoCalSoftailSlim · Jul 18, 2016

Cocker said:
AeroFan, as from what they say on their website, the tapered is 34,5 inseam, and the regular is 34. The picture of the jeans worn is on a guy around 5'6" tall, and I would need a TRUE 36 to achieve this kind of fit, lenghtwise. That's too bad, their price tags are really neat!

Hey, I'm not 5'6''. haha. I'm 5'9''.

Sloan1874 · Aug 4, 2016

I have a pair of 21oz Unbranded. They're fine winter jeans, and excellent value for money. The heavy denim took a bit of getting used to as it was cardboard-esque initially, but I've come to love them and they get dragged out when October rolls around - they don't require frequent washing, either. The only thing I'm not massively keen on is the low rise on them, which means t-shirts can untuck easily and they don't really suit shorter jackets. Apart from that, they're good, and the fades are interesting: the dye really comes away where creases form.

AeroFan_07 · Aug 4, 2016

Sloan - I agree, I'm a High-rise fan overall. I always tuck in shirts so I prefer bit higher rise overall. So far otherwise these have been good.

Sheepdog149 · Apr 28, 2018

I don't have a pair of Unbranded yet, but I have other brands of selvedge jeans, different weights too. Here's a pair of 32oz selvedge jeans, which I'm currently breaking in (with every wear they soften up more):

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

tropicalbob · Apr 29, 2018

Sheepdog149 said:
I don't have a pair of Unbranded yet, but I have other brands of selvedge jeans, different weights too. Here's a pair of 32oz selvedge jeans, which I'm currently breaking in (with every wear they soften up more):

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Hi, Sheepdog. Gettin' a wee bit warm in these parts for those babies, ain't it? I'm already putting away my Heavy Americans and my Three Palms, and they're only half the weight of yours.

Been · May 2, 2018

I have a pair of 21oz Unbranded jeans. Wear them frequently and in all sorts of activities. Wash after 6 months. Handwash them in the bathtub and hang dry. The washer and dryer will wreck them.

Unbranded Jeans - selvedge denim

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