Oh my gosh! I am so excited to share with you my next series of posts! This project I am doing is to help everyone learn more about what it is, exactly, that they are buying. I know this was supposed to be posted yesterday, but what kind of fashion blog would this be if the posts aren't fashionably late?
I will start this off by saying this: EVERYONE HAS A BUDGET.
I know what you are thinking, probably something like "Not Bill Gates, or Beyonce!" But listen to me, even Bill Gates, and yes... Beyonce have a budget. It just might not be in the same figures you or I think in. But I am not here to judge or put limits on anyones budget or thinking. That is why I am going to cover all budgets and show you exactly what you are getting for your money and why certain designer clothing is priced higher than the "more affordable" options. I am going to make my first post about denim because I feel denim is such a trademark of fashion. Everyone has a great pair of jeans that they love and feel good in. But why are some jeans expensive and others you can find at target? What's the difference? Well that's what I am here to fill you in on....
Okay, so let's start at the beginning by explaining how and why denim pants were created. Believe it or not, they were not always considered stylish, or a garment that "everyone" had. They were made for construction workers, cowboys, and the working class in general. The first American producers of jeans were the Levi Brothers. In order to make them affordable to make, they would use copper rivets instead of thread to connect the fabric together. There was no prototype, meaning every pair of jeans were unique. Today, many companies will pay top dollar to get a hold of an original Levi jean in order to use it as a prototype for their business.
Believe it or not, Toyota Motor Corporation, was first a textile company. Then known as, "Toyoda Automatic Loom Works". The founder, Sakichi Toyoda, created a loom machine with innovations which led to quicker production. That is why, to this day, all of the best selvage denim is made in Japan. The cost of selvage denim is higher because it takes special machines to make them. The twill is tighter and denser, using more fabric. You can compare this to the price of different sheets with higher thread count. Selvage come from the phrase "self edge", referring to the natural end of a roll of fabric which prevents the fabric from unraveling. In addition, the denim made in Japan uses indigo dye which dyes only the longitudinal threads. This means there will be natural imperfections in the denim which makes each pair unique in their making. Most denim made anywhere else is going to cheaper synthetic dye with less impurities and creating a more consistent look for mass production.
Here are a few examples of denim brands still made in Japan today:
Believe it or not, Toyota Motor Corporation, was first a textile company. Then known as, "Toyoda Automatic Loom Works". The founder, Sakichi Toyoda, created a loom machine with innovations which led to quicker production. That is why, to this day, all of the best selvage denim is made in Japan. The cost of selvage denim is higher because it takes special machines to make them. The twill is tighter and denser, using more fabric. You can compare this to the price of different sheets with higher thread count. Selvage come from the phrase "self edge", referring to the natural end of a roll of fabric which prevents the fabric from unraveling. In addition, the denim made in Japan uses indigo dye which dyes only the longitudinal threads. This means there will be natural imperfections in the denim which makes each pair unique in their making. Most denim made anywhere else is going to cheaper synthetic dye with less impurities and creating a more consistent look for mass production.
Here are a few examples of denim brands still made in Japan today:
Celebrities you may know have been seen wearing these brands:
Halle Berry, Keanu Reeves, Johnny Depp, Kanye West, Usher, Tom Cruise and Ben Affleck
This type of denim is meant for "purists", those who appreciate the original way things were made. Everything is authentic. Because the denim is not washed and treated beforehand (also known as raw), when the owner buys them and starts wearing them, they will wrinkle and wear differently than any one other pair. Meaning each pair is unique to their owner. Other brands include Mr. Freedom, Nudie, Naked & Famous, and Sugar Cane.
Personally I look HORRID in these type of jeans. Why you ask? Because the denim is so thick and is %100 cotton, it does not stretch to curves. I am a pear shape myself and so I personally need a little elastine or lycra in my denim in order to create a shape that is flattering. This is why many people instead by designers who make a denim that has other fabrics mixed in such as Hudson or Paige. These designers pre wash the denim and treat it so that they can tell the consumer exactly how they will wear and fit them. They can make multiples of the same jean in order to sell a large number of them.
Here are the denim brand you are probably most familiar with:
The jeans above will still cost you a pretty penny, and for good reason. They are trendy, have different washes and colors available and you can rely on them and how they are going to fit. Also, they are going to give you the stylish, flattering look you desire and will last you about a year of heavy wear (if not more).
The bottom of the totem pole denim is for people who want to look trendy and "in the moment" and do not care about longevity or quality. And there is nothing wrong with that! Listen, $50 for a pair of jeans to last the season and be cute? Why not? Here are my recommendations for affordable denim on any budget!
I hope this post has been helpful and gives you some insight on exactly what it is you are paying for! Please feel free to comment with any suggestions of your favorite brands and fits. Hope you are all enjoying this gorgeous Sunday.
XO Tyler Jane
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