Layers of Denim: Jeans as Underwear

IMG 63171 640x452 Layers of Denim: Jeans as UnderwearRuedi Karrer is probably the single most knowledgable enthusiast and collector in the denim business. Since his childhood in the Swiss mountains of the early 70s when he had to share a single pair of Levi’s jeans with his siblings Ruedi has been crazy about denim. Piled up in his Jeans Museum in Zurich is an impressively massive collection of over 12,000 (!) denim items including around 7,000 pairs of jeans and somewhat 5,000 denim jackets. At the Bread & Butter trade show this winter Ruedi wore a pair of 23 oz. Strike Gold jeans that he has been wearing for about 18 months, an original Lee Rider jacket from the mid-60s that he has been wearing in himself from deadstock for about 6 years, and for underwear Ruedi sported a pair of beat-up Nudie jeans.

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IMG 6306 640x426 Layers of Denim: Jeans as UnderwearAll of a sudden, Ruedi literally pulled down his jeans only to reveal the second pair he was wearing underneath.

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IMG 6372 640x960 Layers of Denim: Jeans as UnderwearRuedi put in some solid wear of the jacket too.

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IMG 6355 640x426 Layers of Denim: Jeans as UnderwearYou can read more about Ruedi and his Jeans Museum here.

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Thomas Bojer

Founder and editor-in-chief at Denimhunters
Thomas got into denim through a keen interest in manufacturing and a love for the well-faded jean. He's based in Copenhagen, Denmark, but he travels as much as his job allows. Through Denimhunters he has found a way to share his passion with likeminded enthusiasts while learning more about the blue fabric. Thomas' favourite jean is the 1947 501XX and he has a soft spot for Red Wing Shoes.
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Published on 23 January 2013 4 Comments
  • Mamba

    This idea of wearing multiple pairs of denim is stupid and looks ridiculously uncomfortable.

    • http://www.jeansmuseum.org Ruedi Karrer

      Ha ha, no worries mate. It’s not uncomfortable at all and I love it during the real cold days. And why should it be stupid when it’s very cold? The old Nudie Jeans are already completely worn out and soft like a normal long john underwear pants anyway.
      Why not try this out by yourself?

      And of course it’s working only if you’re wearing your stuff pretty loose (one size too large) like I prefer it by myself

  • Arie van den Berg

    Quite heavy to wear 2 jeans together: a worn-out Nudies with a heavy 23oz jeans. But can be comfy in cold winters.
    I am wearing now a Lee 101Z 23oz and that’s heavy enough to wear for me, so would not bother about wearing an old worn out 501 under it.

    • http://www.jeansmuseum.org Ruedi Karrer

      Great to hear about you wearing a Lee 101Z 23 oz. Hopefully you break them in a long time without washing. I havn’t seen any heavy faded 23 oz Lee pants so far with natural fadings only. Keep me updated!
      Stay raw