Slubby Denim: What It’s Like Once You Actually Wear It

KATO’s Monster Slub and What Else Is Happening

“Slubby” is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot when people talk about denim—but it’s not always clear what it actually means in practice.

So this week, I took a closer look, starting with a fabric that pushes it further than most. There’s also an update on the first Weirloom shirt—plus a few other things.

A Closer Look at KATO’s Monster Slub Selvedge

Before I tried heavyweight slubby selvedge, I thought it would be like wearing sandpaper. But after I wore a pair—made from a denim that’s quite similar to KATO’S Monster Slub—for a full year, and it turned out to be the opposite.

At 17 oz. and with extreme texture, this Monster Slub selvedge sounds like a lot to handle. But I think of it almost like seersucker. There’s less fabric actually touching your skin, which gives it a kind of airiness you wouldn’t expect from something this heavy.

In a new article, I break down what this kind of denim actually is, how it behaves, and what you can expect if you’re thinking about trying it.

If you’re curious, you can also explore KATO’s Monster Slub pieces here.

Help Me Decide the Next Weirloom Shirt

The first batch of the Weirloom shirt is sold out and soon moving into production. If you managed to get one—thank you. If not, you can still secure your size as a back-order or sign up to be notified when it’s restocked.

This was never meant to be a one-off. I’m planning to do another batch—but also to expand from here. Different colours in the same fabric, lighter flannels, maybe checks, chambray, denim… there are a lot of directions this could go.

The question is: what should come first?

I’ve put together a short survey to get your input. It’ll take a minute, and it’ll directly shape what I work on next. You can also just reply to this email if you prefer.

Things Worth Your Attention This Week

Cultizm is running a mid-season sale with 25% off selected items. If you’ve had your eye on something, this is a good time to check whether it’s included. Use code MID25. Have a look here.

SOSO Brothers are doing a campaign on their 20 oz. Double Black Ghost line-up this weekend. Get 15% off with the code GDB15. Available in their jeans, shirt, and jacket. See all here.

Brave Star just restocked a wide range of its core denims, from the lightweight 12.5 oz. selvedge up to the 21.5 oz. double-black Mayhem. They also have a couple of interesting pre-orders open, including the 13 oz. Brownstone and the 14 oz. Sky Slub. Find your favourite here.

Gustin has a new run of its Featherweight Broken Twill, and the headline here is the price: it’s only $79! That’s basically Uniqlo territory, and we’re talking raw selvedge jeans, made in the USA here. This isn’t some generic fabric either; it’s a broken twill in a summer weight that’ll be easy to wear in warm weather. Order yours here.

And finally, a quick reminder that the Bleu de Chauffe giveaway ends on Monday (April 27). The prize is worth more than $900 and includes three bags, a sweatshirt, and a T-shirt. Learn more and find out how to enter the giveaway here.

From the Archive: KATO’s Mammoth Selvedge

Speaking of KATO, the brand is best known for their 4-way stretch selvedge—denim that stretches not just in one direction, but in both. It’s an unusual approach, especially in heavier fabrics, where most people expect rigidity.

In this review from the archive, Bryan takes a closer look at their 17.5 oz. Mammoth Selvedge. He started out sceptical, but once he actually wore them, that quickly changed. The denim still has the weight and presence you’d expect—just without the usual resistance.

If you’re curious how that works in practice, this is worth revisiting.