These are going to seriously impair my ability to make future generations of Richman’s…
But that’s the rub with raw denim – they’re only as good as your willingness to sacrifice to invest. You could tell the shape of the jean was spot on – they just needed to be broken in and stretched out. I was up for the challenge.
The detailing behind the jeans are impeccable and unmatched in the marketplace. How many folks are willing to write a nice little note for a small-time blogger on the inside of the pants? The quirky silk-screened hip bones are a hysterical touch and it’s those types of subtle, rarely seen details that ring true with me. The fact that every pair is sequentially numbered according to the total number in its series is like collecting a rare print. Mine are 5/17 – about the fraction of a man I feel like when wearing them at first, but a number that signifies just how special these are and how dear they’ll become. Raw denim is not for the typical guy at first – but worth the investment over time. Hopefully this debate will educate the consumer on the merits of raw…
Oh, and the indigo bleeds like crazy; although as expected. I actually had a new fabric couch delivered a week before receiving these and had to sit on a towel for about a month. Try explaining that to visitors…
2 months of hard-time | Raleigh Denim
I don’t work on a tractor, I don’t do squats everyday in my jeans and I certainly don’t sleep in them (well…). I wear them like most dudes – a few times / week. I have slept in them accidentally on a number occasions after a few too many beers and thinking I could power through a few episodes of Lost while eating late night pizza on my couch (which no longer needs the towel), but that’s neither here nor there.
Waist – I bought a size 31; I’m typically a 32. I probably should have gone with a 30 in retrospect, even though it might have cut off circulation for a few days. This might be my only disappointment with the jeans thus far – they stretched out way more than I would have imagined. They’re not loose by any means, but they’re certainly not as fitted as I would like. If this is my only complaint I consider it a WIN in all respects.
Seat – The seat has stretched out considerably as well. My suggestion – size down more than comfortable.
Fading / Whiskering – I haven’t seen a ton of fading just yet, with the exception of where I carry my money clip (yes, I carry a money clip) and the chapstick mark in the front pocket. I’m addicted to chapstick.
Denim – The way this denim was dipped has truly made for a unique fabric. The fabric has started to appear streaky in a very subtle way creating a fantastic texture. I’ve gotten a number of unsolicited comments asking me who makes these jeans because the “wash” is great. I tell them Raleigh Denim and the story of Sarah + Victor.
Alterations – I haven’t altered the jeans yet, opting instead for the 3-inch double cuff. We’ll see if I stick that route or not, especially with the warmer months approaching.




Nice info. What fit/model were these? I tried on a pair of these last year and they seemed a bit lightweight for my taste. Can’t recall what fit they were, maybe Edmunds?
I picked up a pair of Tellason’s nearly two months ago and I’m having a similar fit “problem.” I normally wear a 31 and when I put on a 31 I was amazed that I got in them at all. Now that I’ve got some wear into them they’re relaxing a bit and there’s some space in the waist; though the fit is super comfy everywhere else now. I’m thinking after a wash they might be perfect. This sort of worries me since I had them hemmed for a reasonable break and I’m hoping any shrinkage doesn’t high water them.
Andrew – these are the Edmund style. They’re certainly not lightweight. Pretty solid year round weight.
Jared – can’t speak about the Tellason’s, but if they shrink up in the length, that seems to be alright these days. Especially with the summer coming up. Just roll them and show some ankle!
visited the raleigh denim studio and was blown away. Victor and sarah took time to show me around and i was hooked. I ordered a pair of canvas jeans from Bows + arrows in Austin and love them.
After seeing the pics and reading more about Raleigh Denim, I absolutely had to get a pair. I’m originally from NC, so the local connection makes them special. I picked up a pair of the Nash style and I love them. Awesome jeans and I can’t wait to get them really broken in and comfortable; you’re not exaggerating the, shall we say… “crisp” character of the jeans for the first few weeks.