“Apologies, photos are kind of weak in terms of lighting, but I’m not the photographer that some on this forum are. I will be stepping up my game going forward. Since I’ve started working at a men’s trousers start-up, I’m not able to wear denim as often as before. However, I still get in about 3 wears / week and haven’t washed yet. Since last month, the fading is starting to come through nicely, but the color on these is still dark just with great color in the character marks. I’m starting to get some serious fading in the button-fly area which is starting to drive me nuts a little bit. The fit continues to stretch out so I might be in for a wash shortly (sorry, I just can’t bring myself to say soak – I don’t know what that means). I really wanted to last the whole year without washing as originally intended, but I guess that’s part of the learning process here – it’s sometimes not reasonable. However, as I’ve been the most impressed by the color of these jeans, I am worried about the wash. To be seen…”
Raleigh Denim | 3 Months In
Initial Impressions | Raleigh Denim
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.
