How to Identify Quality Jeans with these 3 Key Elements

Thomas Discusses the Defining Features You’ll Often Find in Quality Raw Denim Jeans

I’ve been podcasting for well over a year now. But I’ve never done an episode entirely on my own. Until now.

This is the first in what will be an ongoing series within the show, where I (try my best to) answer some of denim’s big questions and discuss the most debated topics of raw denim.

In this episode, I talk about the three key elements that all quality raw denim jeans share:

1. Denim that fades well
2. Great fit
3. Details (made with attention to detail)

Quality denim = nice fades!

First, the denim. It needs to fade well. With contrast. Or not.

That’s the thing. Although most denimheads agree that high-contrast fades are the holy grail, I don’t believe there’s a right or wrong here. Vintage fades are nice too.

To deliver my argument, I briefly explain the processes of making denim. Because each of them influences the fades you’ll get.

The fit will make or break the jean

Second, you need a fit that actually fits you.

I’ve dedicated another entire episode solely to this topic, so in this one, I briefly explain the components of fits and why a good fit is so important.

Details, details, details

I’m not going to serve you up that old worn-out saying about the devil and details. But it’s true. And details are much more than simply the finishing touches.

So, third and last, I discuss all the details and features you should look for in your jeans. Not to say that jeans that don’t have all of them aren’t good quality. But at least you need know what to look for.

I talk about:

• Hardware (rivet and buttons)
• Pockets (back and front, placement, size)
• Belt loops (tucked and raised)
• Stitching (thread colour and thickness, SPI, alignment)
• Branding (brand patch, labels)
• … and quality control (QC)

And that’s really it for this episode. I’m very curious to hear what you think about it. Please share your feedback in a comment, on Instagram, or through the contact form.

If you want to learn more about everything I talk about in this episode, check out the Denim Encyclopedia here on Denimhunters. It has answers to all of the most frequently asked questions about denim and jeans, as well as explanations about how denim and jeans are made.

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