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Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Your First Pair of SOSO Jeans
Let me take a wild guess: At some point, you’ve had SOSO’s website open in a tab. Maybe for weeks, maybe longer. You’ve scrolled, browsed, clicked through all the custom options. Maybe even measured an old pair of jeans (like a pro). And still—you haven’t hit that button.
I get it. SOSO isn’t grab-and-go denim. It’s made-to-order, designed by you, and built for you. That kind of choice can feel like pressure. What if the size is off? What if it takes too long? What if it’s not what you hoped for?
If any of that sounds even remotely familiar, if you’ve been circling SOSO but haven’t made the leap, if you know you want it but you want to get it right the first time, well, then this guide is for you.
I’ve worked closely with the brand. I’ve seen what they offer, how they deliver, and how their customers wear the results. So here’s how to order a pair of SOSOs—without second-guessing a thing.
TL;DR – Quick Summary
This guide walks you through everything you need to know before ordering your first pair of SOSO jeans—fit, fabric, features, and why it’s worth the wait. Start building your SOSO jeans here.
Meet SOSO
SOSO is a Swedish denim brand with a refreshingly simple pitch: you choose the fabric, fit, and features—you get the jeans you actually want.
It’s not off-the-rack. It’s not one-size-fits-all. And it’s definitely not fast fashion. SOSO is intentionally slow. Every pair is made-to-order, built from the denim up based on your specs.
You can go lightweight or heavy as hell, tweak the rise or leg opening, or pick your favourite thread colour.
Founded by Johan Holzkämper Blom, and later joined by Jannis Hoff and Fredrik Milton, the SOSO team has deep roots in Asia—Jannis has lived in Bangkok for nearly 15 years, with Johan spending seven years there himself.
That local presence gives them direct access to quality production and specialist fabrics, and all SOSO garments are made in their own factory in Thailand, which gives them full control over quality, working conditions, and production timelines.
While the brand made its name with a dizzying range of customisation options, it has recently pared things back—reducing the number of variables by over 55%. It’s still deeply personal, but now far less overwhelming for first-time buyers, focusing on increased quality and detailing.
At its heart, SOSO isn’t just about denim—it’s about embracing a slower, more intentional way of dressing. They see raw denim as a way of life. That freedom and focus is why SOSO has built such a loyal following—and why it can be a bit daunting the first time you order.
Let’s walk through it.
Step #1
Find Your Favourite Fabric
With SOSO, the first—and most important—choice you’ll make is the fabric.
That’s because your jeans don’t start from a shelf. They start from a roll of denim. You pick it. They cut and sew it. And that fabric defines how your jeans will wear, fade, feel, and fit from day one.
SOSO sources selvedge denims from specialist mills across Asia. All proprietary cotton is Australian farmed. Some are soft and smooth. Others are hairy, stiff, and rope-dyed for dramatic fades. The variety is the point. You’re not locked into one kind of denimhead experience.
Want something light and breathable? Easy. Want a fade monster you have to earn? They’ve got that too.
Weight is the most obvious difference, but not the only one. Texture, yarn twist, dye saturation, and starch levels all affect how a fabric behaves. And SOSO lists those details clearly—because they want you to choose with intention.
That can feel like a lot if it’s your first time. So here’s a simple way to narrow it down.
The All-Rounder: Ghost Indigo (or Black)
This is the one nearly everyone can agree on: the 20 oz. Ghost Indigo—or Black if you prefer stealth over contrast.
It’s SOSO’s best all-rounder. It’s heavy enough to feel serious without being punishing, it fades beautifully, and it’s one of their most proven offerings.
Lightweight and Breezy
If you’re leaning toward something a little easier to break in, their lighter options in the 13 to 15 oz. range are more breathable, softer from the start, and well-suited for warmer climates or denim beginners.
For the Heavyweights
If you’re here for the super heavy stuff? SOSO has several denims in the 21+ oz. category, most noticeably their 33 oz. monster. These are serious jeans—stiff, dense, and built for fade freaks. Just know what you’re getting into: the break-in is real, and sizing up for layering might be wise.
Can’t Decide? Split the Difference
Still undecided? Land somewhere in the middle. A mid-heavyweight around 18 to 20 oz. gives you everything raw denim promises, without the bruises.
Step #2
Get the Right Fit
SOSO’ jeans follow a shared design, but you choose the cut and then you can fine-tune it.
Waist, thigh, rise, inseam—you can get as specific as you like. That’s a gift. But it also means you need to measure properly.
SOSO offers six fits:
001 Slim Tapered — Lean tapered fit with a close thigh
A medium-rise fit that follows the body closely from hip through thigh, then tapers cleanly to the hem. Designed for a sharp, modern silhouette with a close, tailored feel.
002 Slim Regular — Slim fit with room up top and taper below
Medium rise with extra space in the hip and thigh for comfort, combined with a defined taper from the knee down. A more forgiving slim fit that keeps a clean outline.
003 Regular Tapered — Classic fit with a slight taper
High rise with a regular thigh and a subtle taper through the lower leg. This is the most balanced, all-round fit—easy to wear and rooted in classic jean proportions.
006 Comfort Straight — Straight leg with added room and ease
Medium rise with room through the hips and thighs, paired with a straight leg that narrows slightly. Feels closer to traditional workwear fits, but with a bit more comfort built in.
004 Loose Tapered — Relaxed fit with a strong taper
Loose through the thigh for freedom of movement, then tapers clearly from knee to hem. Ideal if you need room up top but still want a narrower leg opening.
005 Relaxed — Roomy fit with a high rise and gentle taper
High rise with a loose, comfortable top block and a wider overall shape. The gentle taper keeps it controlled, leaning into vintage workwear proportions.
Once you’ve picked your base fit, you’re not locked into fixed dimensions. SOSO lets you tweak key measurement—waist, thigh, rise (front and back), knee, hem width, inseam—down to the half centimetre if you want.
Want a longer rise but a narrower leg? Done. Prefer more thigh room but still want a sharp taper? Easy. You can build something that fits your body—not some averaged-out standard.
And if you’re not quite sure where to begin, the best starting point is still your favourite pair of jeans. Measure them flat, compare the numbers, and adjust where needed. SOSO’s measuring guide makes it easy—even if you’ve never done it before.
Here’s how to make sure you don’t screw it up:
#1 Start with something you already own. Find a pair of jeans you like the fit of. Lay them flat. Measure key points like waist, thigh, rise, and leg opening. Then match those to SOSO’s sizing charts.
#2 Measure, don’t guess. Don’t just go with your usual size tag. Different brands use different patterns. And because SOSO is made-to-order, you don’t have the luxury of trying on three pairs and sending two back.
#3 Follow their measuring guide. SOSO has photos and a video showing how to measure properly. It takes five minutes and saves you years of regret.
#4 Plan for your fabric. Heavier denim and lined garments can feel tighter. If you’re buying heavyweight or planning to layer, size up slightly.
SOSO doesn’t offer traditional returns—because their garments are fully made-to-order, they’re legally not required to. But they go out of their way to make things right.
It’s why they’ve invested so much into customer guidance. They want you to get it right, but they’ll back you up if you don’t.
Step #3
Customise the Details
Every pair of SOSO jeans starts with a solid foundation: high-quality selvedge denim, durable stitching, reinforced stress points, and a clean, timeless silhouette. That’s standard.
But what really makes SOSO stand out is the range of custom features you can add.
From the obvious to the esoteric, here’s what’s on the table:
Thread Colour: Choose from classic copper or black, or make it yours with a custom colour. It won’t change the fit—but it completely changes the vibe.
Fly Style: Zip or button fly? You decide.
Hardware: Metal, black, brass, or copper—SOSO’s heavy-duty YKK options let you match the tone of your jeans.
Pockets: Add carpenter or utility pockets for function, or line the back pockets for extra comfort and durability.
Selvedge ID: Show off the edge with selvedge inside the fly, coin pocket, or front belt loop.
Back Pocket Details: Signature arcuate, which can be “stealth” (hidden).
Patch Material: Leather patches are sourced from Tuscany in Italy and come in tanned, black, and even limited edition designs.
Each one of these lets you shape the look and feel of your jeans, whether you want them stealthy, loud, heritage, or totally personal.
Step #4
Understand the Wait
Made-to-order means exactly that: your garment doesn’t exist until you order it. That’s part of what makes SOSO special—but also why you need to pack a little patience.
On average, SOSO has a queue of about 200 customers every month. Every garment is cut, sewn, and finished with care, and when you consider that scale, it’s not unreasonable that:
Standard lead time is 4–8 weeks. They’re aiming to reduce this, but for now, that’s the reality. Production takes time, especially when you’re working with heavy denim and complex custom specs.
It’s worth the wait. You’re not just buying a product—you’re commissioning a piece. Every pair is built to your measurements with your chosen fabric, fit, and detailing.
And that’s why it takes time. Because they’re not just sewing together jeans—they’re building yours.
Who SOSO Is (and Isn’t) For
SOSO isn’t for everyone—and that’s exactly the point. If you’re the kind of person who knows what they like (or at least enjoys figuring it out), and you’ve got the patience to wait a few weeks for something better than off-the-rack, you’re in the right place.
This brand is built for people who care about the details: selvedge denim, heavyweight fabrics, lined pockets, custom stitching, and jeans that don’t just fit—they fit you.
On the other hand, if your ideal pair of jeans is one you can try on today and wear tomorrow—and you expect to send back whatever doesn’t click—SOSO might not be your match. There’s no shame in that. But this isn’t plug-and-play denim. It’s choose-your-own-adventure, and that’s what makes it worth the wait.
FAQs
Quick Answers for First-Time Buyers
Q: How do I determine my size?
A: Use a similar garment that fits you well. Lay it flat, measure key points, and compare with SOSO’s size guide. Their video walkthrough makes it easy.
Q: What if it doesn’t fit?
A: There are no traditional returns, but SOSO stands behind their product. If you’ve followed the measuring steps and still get a poor fit, they’ll work with you to exchange it.
Q: How long does it take?
A: Most orders take 4–8 weeks to make and ship. That timeline reflects the care and complexity involved in made-to-order production.
Q: Do they carry larger sizes?
A: Yes—jeans up to W46 and tops up to 5XL. Need bigger? They can usually accommodate that, too.
Q: Which fabric should I start with?
A: The 20 oz. Ghost Indigo (or Black) is a safe, proven choice. It breaks in well, fades beautifully, and works across seasons.
Still Unsure? Here’s What to Do Next
You’re close—probably closer than you think. If you’ve made it this far, it means SOSO has already caught your interest. You’re not just browsing. You’re considering. And that matters.
So what now?
Trust your instincts. Choose a proven fabric like the 20 oz. Ghost Indigo if you want a safe, solid place to start. Take the time to measure properly—it’s not hard, and SOSO’s visual guide makes it easy.
You’ve done the research. You know the risks. And reap the rewards.
Keep Track of What I’m Working On
I’m Thomas, founder of Denimhunters. Once a week, I send an email with what I’m working on and writing—new guides, deals, and things worth paying attention to.
