We’ve spilled gallons of ink singing the praises of raw denim. How it looks and feels, its durability, its authenticity, its relatively small environmental footprint—these are all big draw cards for raw denim. But we understand better than most that raw denim is still a tough sell for first timers. Some of those who dip a toe in the pool get tired of struggling with their jeans. Rather than sticking it out, they re-trace their steps back to the world of mass-market denim, where things are (we will admit) considerably easier.

This is understandable. We can face facts: the raw denim experience isn’t a pleasure cruise. It’s an obstacle course. We need to clear a row of hurdles before we get to the stages when it can start feeling like a love match. Some clear these obstacles with ease, sometimes in a single leap; others fall at the first hurdle.

Unlike any other fabric, selvedge denim upends our style. Not only does it move denim to the centre of our personal style, it also changes what we wear both above the belt and below the cuff. In Selvedge Style Vol. 1, we looked at shirts that pair well with selvedge denim. Now it’s time to look below the cuff, at the footwear that will elevate your denim-based look.

When considering the options below, keep in mind that these are only the most popular footwear choices for denimheads. You might not find cowboy boots, combat boots, or sandals on this list, but that doesn’t mean that we are suggesting that you should steer clear. If they are a cornerstone of your personal style, keep on keepin’ on. 

If, however, you are open to upgrading your footwear and elevating your selvedge style, the six styles below, ranging from casual athletic shoes to top-shelf leather footwear, will be an excellent place to start. 

Six-Inch Lace-Up Boots

Denim is the ultimate come-as-you-are fabric. It isn’t fussy about the company it keeps. It moves effortlessly through the wardrobe, forming friendships with just about everything from faded tees and threadbare flannels to top-shelf dress shirts and blazers. Plain and simple, it’s a casual fashion cornerstone.

When we step into the world of well-made denim, though, we begin to see our ratty flannels and band tees through new eyes. Just as our exposure to selvedge denim changes how we see five-pocket jeans, our exposure to denim and workwear artisans shows us that there is a whole world of well-made goods. Brands in this space bring the same degree of care and attention to above-the-belt pieces as they do to below-the-belt ones, and these pieces are the perfect complement to our well-made selvedge.

It’s not uncommon for those who dip a toe in the well-made pool to go on a spree, filling their closets with pieces from their favourite new makers. The result is almost inevitably a closet bursting with pieces that only get a fraction of the attention they deserve. It’s far better to buy and wear each piece slowly and deliberately. 

These articles will help you do this. We’ll look at the core pieces in selvedge style. If you’re considering investing in a well-made wardrobe, these are the pieces to start with. Let’s start the ball rolling with a look at some of the most adaptable above-the-belt pieces. 

More Denim

It is one of the denim scene’s most enduring questions: How much is too much of a good thing? Style experts look down their nose at the Canadian tuxedo, but only the most conservative style authorities say that one piece of denim is the limit. We all know that nothing goes better with a denim western shirt or a denim jacket than a pair of blue jeans, but we also know that double denim can quickly turn into a fashion disaster. Where’s the line?

One of the first things that people new to the scene notice about selvedge denim is the fact that it’s measured in ounces. What does this number mean, and why is it important? In this article, we’ll help you understand the what and why of denim weight, and we’ll help you pick a denim weight that’s a good fit for your needs and preferences.

Let’s start with the most obvious question: What does this weight refer to?

Denim weight refers to the weight of the fabric, not the finished product. This weight is measured in ounces per square yard. If you’re used to the metric system, these units of measurement might not mean much. A square yard is a little smaller than a square metre, and an ounce is equivalent to a little more than 28 grams.

This means that a 14oz denim weighs about 475 grams (a little less than half a kilo) per square metre. Our 33oz denim tips the scale at well over a kilo per square metre.

When you first slide your legs into a crisp pair of raw denim, you are taking your first steps on a long journey. The first steps on this journey are slow and (to be frank) a little painful. To be fully enjoyed, though, raw denim needs to go through this process. If we want to enjoy the full benefits of a beautifully faded pair, we can’t take a shortcut. Whether we’re on our first or our fiftieth pair, we all must pass through these five stages when we’re breaking in a new pair of raw denim.