What is Selvedge Denim?

[@CarlMurawski]

Some of my favorite selvedge denim: -Iron Heart 21oz: bit.ly/3avx3dv -Naked & Famous: bit.ly/3RmP5PE -Momotaro: bit.ly/3ImuKpT -The Flat Head: bit.ly/3amJXuk -Grease Point Workwear: bit.ly/3yugKpi

[@asegal4677]

Freewheelers.

[@robertoditali]

@@CarlMurawski Orslow

[@wyattserviss992]

My girlfriend said she’s mad at me for getting into such a specific niche hobby. Apparently this is what like 2013 hipsters with curled mustaches got into. She asked me “what’s next are you going to get into suspenders from the 30s? And I was just like hey man it’s fun and it’s interesting and I might be single soon, but your videos are so explanatory so I think you for showing me this.

[@uncannyfox]

She's just mad that you're enjoying life. haha. Live it up!

[@drskylerbingham]

There’s definitely a “Workwear,” “Heritage,” “DIY,” niche to it, but “hipster?…” That’s a stretch. I’ve spent a lot of time In Williamsburg, even in the hay day of “Hipsterdom,” and didn’t see much if any on all of the wealthy kids trying to look working-class.

[@pahwraith]

@@drskylerbingham it was more of a west coast thing in the early 2010s. Portland and seattle, specifically. But also Chicago and Milwaukee.

[@davealincoln]

red flags, bro

[@73split]

Get a new girlfriend, her negative comments about something you enjoy are just the beginning of a long miserable road.

[@maurystanger5468]

This might be the best video explaining selvedge denim that I've seen.

[@CarlMurawski]

+Maury Stanger thanks man! I know a lot of people wonder what it is and why it’s more expensive.

[@rubencaro]

This is definitely the best video on selvege.

[@maurystanger5468]

I just don't get why everyone else makes it so complicated!

[@alexanderdevine3501]

Agreed

[@olegkaderly5638]

Ruben Caro agreed. Great info.

[@brandonphillips6584]

I don’t understand how you don’t have more of a platform super informative and entertaining bro you will get exposure don’t stop with these kinds of videos it’s money stay blessed

[@CarlMurawski]

+Brandon Phillips thanks brother! 👍🏻

[@maurystanger5468]

Agree 100%

[@kinkaly]

I literally just found this channel, but I'm a subscriber now!!!

[@shrizor]

As a year-round motorcycle rider, I have never worn a leather jacket. I have always worn Levi's to deal with bad weather and the occasional fall. My son got me a Carhartt jacket years ago, and I can honestly say that it is the finest piece of outerwear I own.

[@shrop]

I have some Carhartt style work jackets from when I was doing industrial electrical work. Great stuff. Warm. Is that tough canvas "Selvedge" type?

[@drzaius844]

A Jean jacket in inclement weather on a motorcycle will get you hypothermic real fast. Even here in Southern California it gets into the upper 30s and rains occasionally - denim is an irrational choice. Leather keeps me dry and warm and offers excellent abrasion resistance. This is for any potential riders who might think denim is a smart choice lol. Denim evaporates in a crash and it’s just your skin on pavement which doesn’t feel so great.

[@Phantom-mk4kp]

My first pair of Levi's was at age 12 1969. The fabric was So dense for the first week I could take them off at night, stand them up on their own completely unsupported, and in the morning they where still as I left them. Absolutely true. I think the small size helped. I wish Levi's still made quality jeans. Also they were 37shillings 6d. UK . Just over $2

[@emeza116]

They still do just not the way they did back in the 60s

[@thesubtleflex2743]

I work in Denim, and you really explained it really well. My personal favorite Denim Mill is Candiani Denim, majority of my jeans are all custom made in Raw Selvedge!

[@colinmclellan4683]

Man, this is genuinely the finest KZbin channel I've ever seen. Are you a teacher or something? Informative without being condescending. Keep at it dude!

[@CarlMurawski]

Damn man, thank you so much! I just talk to the camera the way I would talk to a friend about this stuff. I really appreciate the kind words!

[@srikumarkurup4769]

I'm a denim head and I found you video amazing and you kept it so simple. Loved it!!!!

[@waryfoxdesigns8944]

This was an incredible explanation video of selvedge. Im a denim head but this was done well enough that I felt the excitement of when I first discovered selvedge.

[@LuLouTube]

Your videos are great man! You explain things really in-depth without it being jam packed with niche terminology. A lot of denim videos I've watched recently have felt really pretentious and elitist, not the case here! Really appreciate it.

[@jasongaudreau2075]

Really like your humility! Not many people are willing to admit they might not be the best resource of knowledge. Most people....well anyway....I’ll go thru the comments to see if someone threw up some more good points. I miss my 1989 Levi’s 501’s. I feel like the very definition of denim is broken with the word “stretch” denim as a base fabric should have damn near zero elasticity whatsoever. My idea of denim is late 90’s very early 2000’s carhartt duck. Or almost equivalent in weight, structure, and durability. Nowadays denim is like my daughters stretch pants (thick nylons!!!) and carhartt duck is like Papier-mâché! I feel as though I’d like to get some pants tailored out of Kevlar Cordura fabric as my new carhartt duck. And selvedge denim at over 20 ounce weight lol.

[@francescoverdinelli5741]

Very clear video. Bravo!. Although, when talking about cleaning, you confused raw denim (that freaks don't want to wash to improve fading) with selvedge denim (as you explained it can even be a prewashed/treated). Also, why so much hating on Levis' Vintage Clothing? Afterall it's the originator. Anyway, bigups for dropping some relevant knowledge on our beloved jeans.

[@CarlMurawski]

No hate intended towards Levi’s my man, just came across that way. Thanks for watching!

[@francescoverdinelli5741]

@@CarlMurawski I know, I was kidding. You are a true passionate denim head. Respect from Italy !!! :D

[@NikoBudyo]

Great video, buddy! I really enjoyed it. FYI: The edges of non-selvedge denim are actually lock-stitched. Chain stitch is what you find on the hem.

[@saleemwaheed9956]

I live in selvedge denim. But I purchased a pair of raw 501's on black Friday. I've worn them every day since. They just fit perfect.

[@grangermigel8543]

saleem waheed how do you spot raw levis? I know 501 raws are tagged shrink to fit, but how about other types like 512 for an example.

[@saleemwaheed9956]

I just went into Macy's and bought the dark, unwashed, raw pair. Regular denim not japanese salvedge. They make Japanese salvedge 501's, but they are $300! My $60 pair will do.

[@Madein515]

I bought my first Selvedge denim product a few years ago. A jacket. It was so stiff I felt like the Tin man in the wizard of oz. Haha. After wearing it a couple of winters it fits like a glove and I now I get so many compliments on it. I am sold on selvedge for sure. The outcome was definitely worth the wait. Also should point out I have never washed it. But I got it a size larger and wear a hoodie under it all the time. It was the most expensive item of clothing I’ve ever bought yet I think my grandkids might be fighting over who gets it after I kick the bucket. Haha

[@magistermilitum1206]

The video hasn't even started, yet I love this guy

[@manuellemos6859]

This is like the 8th time watching this.. it’s so well put together and informative.

[@ultra-ride2446]

Modern selvedge denim jeans started life in Japan in the 1990s, simply trying to replicate 1950s Levi's 501xx. Levi's 501xx were unwashed, 'shrink to fit' jeans - what you would call 'raw'. The term 'raw' was coined by European company G-Star in the 1990s, which simply meant dry, unwashed jeans.

[@NecroZeno]

Just getting into all of this and bought my first pair of Jeans from Loyal Stricklin with a 15 oz. Took some time, but I love wearing now! Excited to see how they look over time.

[@michaelbegin2945]

This is the best video on selvage on youtube

[@JW-mr5mh]

Your the youtuber who got me into selvedge denim/raw denim. Thanks my man.

[@CarlMurawski]

Awesome! Happy to be of service!

[@arxvphoto809]

By 4:00 I couldn't tell if you were still talking about raw or selvedge. Selvedge can be soft or broken-in like other denim, depending on the wash process and/or weight. If you're selvedge denim feels really stiff, they're likely a more raw, heavier weight selvedge.

[@panair4126]

An excellent presentation.Very clear & good clarity and informative.Picked up new things which I was not aware of.Thank you Carl.

[@stanannenkoff7989]

The Super Rifle is one of the small selvage jeans maker in California

[@svenh2532]

Hi Carl! Great channel - I enjoy your content a lot. From my perspective the difference between selvedge fabrics and denim fabric coming from a modern shuttle loom is not really about the quality. Both have the same kind of twill weave and construction at the end of the day. Selvedge denim fabrics represent tradition and traditional handwork. That is the main difference and importance to the heritage community. Rgrd density: You can achieve the same kind of construction / density / weave on a modern loom if you use the exact same cotton fibres as the fabric's fundament. In the video you are comparing two completely different fabrics (weight + finishing + maybe age/ wearing time), of course one is less dense than the other. Rgrd natural flaws: You will always have weaving flaws on every loom. :-) The quality inspectors in the factory have to decide whether those are acceptable or not. I only wear selvedge myself as I find the look and the history beautiful. But one should not be mistaken and take a better quality for granted just because the fabric selvedge finishing. I think that is an illusion.

[@CarlMurawski]

That is a fantastic assessment my friend! Well said!

[@MrDevgames]

this is the best raw denim info video on youtube

[@CarlMurawski]

+Devon Sacre High praise man! Thanks so much!

[@Plague_Doc22]

I've bought my first pair of Selvedge denims in probably 20 years. Cant wait to get em.

[@josephhannemann3922]

Came across some ralph lauren Selvedge Jeans at a thrift. I knew they were expensive but had no idea why. This explains it. Thanks!

[@jonstern7511]

I have a selvedge pair of jeans and a non-selvedge pair birth in a similar dark coloured wash. The selvedge pair is a little stiffer and heavier but overall is there much difference in the two jeans and what I think of them? Not really. The selvedge is only slightly better.

[@CokeWithIceAndLemon]

Nice to see you Carl i hope you’re having a great day.

[@BuDu-ms2qe]

Looking to get my first pair of selvedge jeans and landed here. thanks for sharing the knowledge.

[@nitisable]

Very well explained 👍 Got my Levi's 512 Selvedge today 👖

[@CarlMurawski]

Right on!

[@RealGrandpaBullFrog]

Totally worth it..once they are broken in..I didn’t even try to wear them before washing, they were super rough and tight. A single wash softened them up to start the break in period..I do miss my chew ring since I don’t chew anymore..

[@ajoemar2009]

Newbie here. Would like to ask how you guys take good care of your jeans especially this time of pandemic? Does ironing good for our jeans? thinking a good way to kills virus and bacteria attached into it. thanks

[@RLSteffler]

Those red weft Gustins are a thing of beauty!

[@scaleworldwar5823]

Just went thrifting and I found these really nice quality pants. I put them on and was a bit confused at first since they were so cardboardy. Great video, thanks for the explanation :)

[@The1860th]

I bought a pair of those Levi Selvedge on a whim and assumed they’d be soft but I couldn’t even wear them for more than a few minutes. Maybe I’ll have to just get another pair to wear over some longjohns for winter to break them in & get them soft.

[@rollingthunder4]

Thanks for taking the time to present Selvedge, very listenable👍

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you for checking it out!

[@devastatn]

Back in the 70's we would tie our new Levi's 501's to the back of a ski boat and drag them all day long while on the river. Not sure if it truly did anything but they were softer after a few sessions. Great video dude.

[@CellGamesf2p]

You should talk about the most common weight of the jeans, the warp and the weft, plus throw a few of the who is who in the jenes world. Thanks

[@12gaugeTim]

AG jeans, I wear the tellis cut, not all AG is selvedge but I have three pairs that are, they are extremely soft and not stiff at all. AG is the only selvedge I’ve ever worn, but selvedge definitely doesn’t necessitate stiffness. I wash them about every 4 wears, my oldest pair is two years old and they’ve held their color fine. You can get AG jeans for less than $200 easily. Closer to $100 on sale.

[@adrianekelly2966]

In college in the mid-seventies, jeans were all-cotton, only Levi’s, Wranglers and Lees available off-the-rack. They took time to break in. My friend showed me how to fold them in half and beat them over a knee, over and over after washing, to relax the threads and make them easier to wear. As I recall, Wranglers fit women more naturally. All the tall, lean guys favored Levi’s, and Lee’s came in third as far as flattering fit. We were serious about our jeans choices. We noticed what brand others wore. Grown-up jeans mattered then. This was before Jordache and Gloria Vanderbilt and high-top white sport shoes came on the scene. This was also the era when, as students with lean finances, we drove used Falcons and Ramblers, Karman Ghias, VW Bugs you could get new for $1999.99, and we shopped at the Goodwill and Army Navy stores for used jeans and army pants. Painters’ pants were also popular. I saved up for Dingo boots. You needed skinny legs for those. Stovepipe jeans, as I recall, were straight, not tapered. And everyone wore those ugly tube socks.

[@chirasreeroy9018]

You are denim educated .

[@SuperMehdi1971]

When I was teenager I had a pair of jeans called zico it was very nice and also I had Hara jeans and the sttilito jacket was really high end for that time are those products available now? New jeans are not that beautiful they were any information?

[@IdrisFashan]

NAKED AND FAMOUS!!! I forgot about them. Thanks for the video! 👊🏿🧔🏾

[@CarlMurawski]

Hahaha yeah buddy!

[@TheOkever]

Thank you for telling us more about selvedge denim! I was always hearing about it but never really knew what it actually meant!! Great video!!😁

[@qmarkett]

I love my Raw Selvedge Levi's! Traditional, raw, organic, and a nod to an iconic San Francisco brand

[@AlienSensei]

I'm gonna refer you as my Selvedge-sensei from now on. Thanks for the explanation, Sensei.

[@CarlMurawski]

Any time!

[@johnulrich7980]

Have you had a chance to try Brave Star Jeans?! They are completely Ameeican made and assembled in SoCal. Super strong fades for less than $100.

[@CarlMurawski]

I have heard of them, in fact my review of Brave Star comes out tomorrow!

[@PrashantKhanolkarUSA]

you just won me with the intro ,hit like and then watch this video

[@kaihack2]

First time here but genuinely impressed. You put a lot of effort and heart into this and it shows. I know this video is 3+years old but hey if you see this comment, I hope you keep the same energy!

[@darrellzayac3441]

I avoided subscription for a while but your just too damn good I love you man!

[@CarlMurawski]

Hahaha thank you!!!

[@XicanoFPV]

I love that you showed and mentioned Clutch Monkey jeans. That company was amazing. I still have a vest from their kickstarter campaign that has seen a 100k+ miles on a motorcycle over the years and is still looking great. In fact, I’m working on making a lighted shadow box for it, since it has been retired. That’s what got me into selvedge/raw denim.

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

You put over 100k on a bike in in 6 years? You realize that's over 16000 miles a year? Bull shit. There's outlaw bikers that don't put that many miles on a bike. And anybody who MIGHT ride their bike that much doesn't give a rusty fcuk about selvege denim. You don't gotta lie to make friends.

[@borntobewilde1971]

Wow I learned, and thankfully unlearned, a lot here today. You have a great teaching style vibe as well. Thank you.

[@artpipe]

The fact that it's not lightweight stretchy soft denim is enough to interest me. This info goes a long way. Thanks!

[@mikekisonu6825]

BTW, only thing missing is an accompanying video with YOUR recommendations for the BEST selvedge jeans out there, especially since many are probably SMALL companies most of us are unfamiliar with. ;)

[@charlesbronson240]

Bravestar Selvedge.

[@willisix2554]

@@charlesbronson240 Definitely!

[@bigbluemsp]

Rewatching today because of yesterday's video! Hi Carl!

[@christianbarros1580]

Great vid...Just to precise, Levi's also have Selvedge types, and Selvedge jeans also came in raw.

[@guynamedjohn69]

I had to rewatch this because I sent it to a buddy who was interested. I'm now a denim head. Lol 4 pieces from iron heart. 2 from RGT. 2 from momotaro. One Japan blue. One benzak jacket. Lol and boots. I'm on grant stones now

[@kiketve2]

Rock Revival, Diesel Safado, True Religion, Robins Jeans,Golden Denim Gun Fighter Biker Jeans, there are some super nice fit flare bootcut jeans brands that I am looking for British, French and Italian brands from the 60's and 70's are so well made, their finish is superior to the US brands in many cases, other ones are made with Hemp, they last forever, if you wash jeans inside out, they will last you very long time.

[@SelvageUnderground]

Thank you Carl for the simple and clear explanation! #selvage 💙

[@unknownff15]

Wow you are a master of communication. Great video!!!!

[@TheMoneyMakingMentor]

Great job Carl

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you!

[@essgtoo]

Excellently explained. Thanks

[@CarlMurawski]

You are welcome!

[@springfieldbearpatrol2937]

I tend to wear jeans a few times then just soak in cold water with a small amount of detergent. Then hang dry. The automatic dryer is bad news for denim. Selvedge and/of Raw will definitely last longer and can be shaped to fit by wearing them often. Can also feel hotter to wear - better for winter IMO. I don’t always like the stiff feeling and have wondered if you could soak them with a light conditioner added to the water. Will need to look into that. Fav Brands: Gap, Volcom and Levi’s,

[@kinggylz]

Great content. I just wished I’d watched this before importing jeans in from Tokyo in my ‘vanity size’ 😫

[@effeo9962]

If the weave is tighter/denser, of course selvedge is better! I still fondly remember my Edwins from the 1980s.

[@Barry-Sweaty]

Thanks for the info. I appreciate all the effort that was put into this vid.

[@harkejuice]

Very in-depth! Thank you Carl!

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you for watching!

[@Known-unknowns]

Put Selvedge denim in the oven at 120 for 10 mins. Occasionally. If they start to smell, hang them on the line (without washing) on a nice day for a few hours. Wash in the bath once a month maximum . This works for me.

[@alienlodejavu9504]

Agree, when my jeans smell like teen spirits i just wash them, and they're still good.. Thanks for your explanation good job my friend, wish you will do another vid about 100% cotton vs tencels + elastane

[@GammaBlack]

I can’t wait to get a pair. I haven’t bought any yet.

[@automatics1im]

These videos are wonderful. Any chance we could get some links to the companies you endorse in the future?

[@FREDRICKG85]

Just dry clean your special salvage jeans I don’t know why no one talks about this I get not putting it in the washing machine but the dry clean. I think you’re good right there🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@shrop]

This was informative. Just what I needed. Thanks!

[@CarlMurawski]

Glad it was helpful!

[@feiwong70]

Super informative! Thanks Carl.

[@NikonFM2n]

I just now inearly 2021 have gotten into denim. Specifically Levi's jeans and 14.4 oz type3 jacket. I bought a pair of raw unwashed shrink to fit 501's. Please tell more about my jeans? Thank you.

[@S.L.1211]

Vanity Sizing: I just learned about it. I’m usually a size 30 so bought a naked and famous Weird Guy in a 30 and man it’s been painful. Starting to loosen up but I should have sized up to a 31. Lesson learn - be comfy from the outset.

[@superandz]

Thanks for the concise explanation and info sir.

[@maximusaugustus6823]

I wear G-star Raw brand jeans, they're very stylish

[@Fixiefre123ak]

I got 22oz raw denim and oh God they're so hard to break in but I'ma love em

[@CarlMurawski]

Oh damn! Those are some heavyweights right there!

[@cannibalmanimal2336]

Appreciate the leg twist in the thumbnail, shows they weren’t preshrunk

[@harryukraine]

Thanks for the information, I will buy some selvedge denim from japan and make my own pair of jeans.

[@Defens222]

I have just recently heard about people not washing their jeans very often. Too me it doesn't seem very hygenic. I have been wearing Levis all of my life and most times I wash them weekly. I don't expect and don't care if my jeans don't last 20 years, so I'm not afraid to wash them. I'll just buy new ones when I need to. Now if I had a pair of pre 1950's Levis, I would probably wash a lot less because I would not be able to replace them.

[@Ikari777]

Great video man! Very informative, and very similar to my style!

[@CarlMurawski]

+Ordinarily Dapper thanks! Maybe the similarities are why we get along well! 👍🏻

[@brandonteachout6135]

Great video! Seriously cleared up so many things for me! Thank you!

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you for watching!

[@luukvandelisdonk7141]

Great video, exactly what I was looking for!

[@HSinghhim1]

This was very informative, thank you

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you for watching!

[@josephhannemann3922]

Thank you. Learned a lot from this video. 👍

[@catchthedream1142]

I got a pair of raw selvedge denim on sale at the gaps website for around 80$

[@RoseKB22]

As a female I'm so tired of fast fashion jeans. They look nice but I always rip through them in a short amount of time. I like soft things just like the next gal, but I need something that won't die on me in 3-6 months. It's not like I work construction or anything either. They just rip. I'd fork out the $100 for some super nice denim if I could, but I'm not really in a position to do that right now, sadly.

[@duhcky3887]

can you review The Stronghold selvedge denim jeans? there isn't a video on them

[@pelafeco]

This is great content, I really enjoyed it. Keep it up!

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it!

[@RHTR3s]

Good information to know By the way great video bro

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you, I certainly appreciate the kind words!

[@michaelgreen6974]

Wait, are you saying that the edges of the pieces in selvedge denim jeans are the original selvedge of the roll? That would only be possible on one straight side of each cut piece. Now I've never made jeans, but I've made a few trousers and I can say true the only place a selvedge could be incorporated is the out seam. Also, as someone who sews professionally in an upholstery shop, I've never seen a piece of fabric without a selvedge.

[@MadelnMachines]

I like the red inside of the gustin - what ones are those?

[@Fmf-rh4ki]

My new Levi 511 selvedge jean's might be bullet proof. I got some .380, 9mm and 12gauge at the house.... KZbin viewer ratings might be worth it! Any thoughts? Lol

[@CarlMurawski]

They’ll stand up to anything besides a 300 Blackout!

[@Fmf-rh4ki]

@@CarlMurawski You're a man of many talents it seems! Like a midwestern James Bond

[@CarlMurawski]

😂 thanks man! If only!!!

[@worldofjc]

93Fmf19 !!!!!!! Did you have to size up on your Levi 511 Selvedge? Bought some 502s (which are similar to 511s) in Selvedge but definitely didn’t fit right. Usually I get a 32x30 but they felt more like 32x28 lol a little tight on waist so I didn’t know if I needed a 33x32. Thinking of going for the 511 Selvedge instead since the 502 Selvedge thighs for some reason felt like the 514s.

[@sammi_1979]

thanks man..you're the best,love the videoooo

[@ksaikarthik2007]

great video man

[@travelmanMN]

Do you need or should you design your dress any different from wearing normal jeans vs Relaxed Selvedge Jeans ?