Q&A with Edd aka @eddenim

Edd and I have a few things in common, apart from our denim addictions, obviously. We’re both fans of the Birkenstock Bostons and Iron Heart’s N1 jacket. We both have the IHSH-101-BC shirt. And like Edd, I love myself a good beer.

But most importantly, we both prioritise a good fit more than anything else in a jean. In fact, looking for well-fitting jeans is how Edd got into raw denim in the first place. Here’s his story.

What’s your story

Name: Edd

Birth year: 1984

Location: Devon, UK

Profession: Operations manager for Air Quality and Occupational Hygiene.

Edd’s Instagram Feed and How it Started

Thomas: How did it all start with your Instagram feed?

Edd: Back in 2012, a few friends were messing about with Instagram and I started playing around too, just for fun. My feed was just a few pictures from holidays, interesting beers or of my cats.

This was around the same time I was starting to look for the ‘right pair’ of jeans. Instagram is a great source for finding things you didn’t know you needed. During this time I was just following a few interesting accounts and brands but mostly just viewing.

Fast forward to 2014 and I had my own pair of raws and a pair of Red Wing boots. Slowly, I started posting a few pictures here and there. The rest just follows naturally from there, I’m now hooked on Japanese denim and have a collection of boots.

T: Why Instagram? What are your goals?

E: It’s easy to use and all my interests are easily accessible from one location. There’s a great community in the denim/rugged gear areas of Instagram. Anyone can ask questions, ask advice and it’s freely given. It’s what keeps pulling you back in; everyone is so friendly.

T: How much time do you spend on Instagram on a daily basis?

E: Depending on my workload or other activities, it can vary from a few minutes to a few hours. These days, I try to keep focused, it’s easy to get lost searching and scrolling, and next thing you know you’ve lost a few hours.

T: How do you take your photos?

E: Generally spur of the moment; I’m terrible at remembering to take shots.

If I’m on holiday or travelling, I generally take more photos and more full-length shots as I have a willing (not really) assistant to help (thank you Jen!).

At home, it’s either while out walking and grabbing a quick shot when it feels right or maybe spending a few minutes arranging a flat lay.

T: Which tools do you use?

E: Mostly with my phone (Samsung S9). Occasionally, I use my Fujifilm XT10, either with the kit lens (really must upgrade this!) or a vintage Russian Helios-44 58mm F2. The latter is a cool lens, manual focus but great fun.

I use Instagram for some editing or Snapseed if I feel the photo need a little extra work.

T: What’s your editorial flow?

E: Can’t say I really have one, but I’m currently enjoying trying to take three related shots every now and then. Gives my feed some organisation from usual random posts.

T: What are your favourite locations to take photos? And why?

E: As I take most of my shots while I’m either exploring the local countryside or while travelling, I really like finding new locations. I like to find locations with good backgrounds or some interesting quirk but sometimes it’s just about the item I’m taking a picture off.

Edd’s Denim Style and How He Wears His Jeans

T: How did you get into denim?

E: Growing up, I never found a pair of jeans, let alone trousers, that really fitted me well. I can remember in my teens walking into a shop and finding a few pairs of Edwins. They were way out of my budget back then, but the name and the quality stayed with me.

Fast forward a few years and I decided enough was enough: I needed to find a pair of jeans that fitted well. I remembered the Edwin jeans after some Googling, and before I knew it, I had my first pair of raw denim jeans.

My Edwins are now well worn-in, as are my 3sixteens and I’ve moved on to a rotation of Pure Blue Japan and Momotaro Jeans. Quality has always been important to me too. I have never been comfortable with mass-made clothes and dislike the whole ‘one season wear’ thing. Denim is timeless!

T: What’s your favourite feature of jeans?

E: Got to be the denim itself. It’s comfy, takes an age to wear out, and evolves as you wear it into a piece unique as yourself.

T: How do you wash your denim?

E: After about four to six months of wear, I soak in the bath with a little bit of delicate detergent. After the first wash, I wait about another month or two and soak or wash with a bit of aggregation unless I feel it needs a machine wash. Then it’s cold with no spin and always inside out.

T: What’s your favourite fit?

E: Being a larger chap and into my mountain biking, I’m really loving the relaxed tapered fit, but I also do like a slim straight as long as it has a decent rise. Both provide a decent bit of thigh room and look great with boots and sneakers.

T: Which boots and leather goods do you wear with your denim?

E: I wear Red Wings a lot; the classic 875 moc toe and a pair of selvedge jeans are what helped me first take an interest in rugged gear. I’m a fan of the Chippewa Bridgeman too.

My Voyej wallet has been everywhere with me the last few years as has my Corter leather hook and loop bracelet. Both have developed a great patina.

T: Which sneakers do you wear?

E: Not a big fan of sneakers but I do love my Converse 70s hi-tops. Got two pairs, a black pair and an indigo pair I dyed myself. Really comfy and such a classic. I have yet to find a low pair I really like.

T: Favourite item that’s not denim or leather?

E: Iron Heart N1 deck jacket! It’s been a grail item for me for a few years and I finally took the plunge last year. It’s a tank and so warm, I’m hoping in twenty years time it still fits as I cannot see it wearing out.

T: Where do you buy your gear?

E: I have no local shops nearby as I live in the countryside. This means I have to either travel or buy online. I’m not the biggest fan of buying clothing online, but I do a lot of ‘window shopping’ online. So when I visit, I have a good idea of what I’m after.

My current go-to shop is Rivet and Hide in London, always a warm welcome and excellently curated collection. I’m also a fan of Son of a Stag, Cultizm, stuf|f and Clobber Calm. I like to visit shops while I’m travelling so this list is always growing.

T: What styling tips would you give your followers if they wanted your style?

E: Buy good quality and buy what fits, then the rest will just fall into place. But you can’t go wrong with a good pair of boots, raw denim jeans and a flannel shirt.