History and Style Guide to Rock Revival Jeans

The History of Rock Revival Jeans

Rock Revival jeans burst onto the denim scene in 2008 as a new premium denim brand based out of Vernon, California. Founded by Michael Ballard, the goal was to create high-quality, uniquely designed jeans that embodied the spirit of rock music and American culture.

The name Rock Revival was chosen as a callback to the rock music revival scene of the early 2000s led by bands like The Strokes, The White Stripes, The Hives and others who championed a return to the classic rock sound and style. This rugged yet refined aesthetic is reflected in Rock Revival's elaborate stitching, pocket designs, and hand-applied graphics featuring everything from wild stallions to eagle motifs.

Signature Styles and Details

From the start, Rock Revival jeans stood out for their flashy back pocket stitching executed in vibrant colored thread. Signatures like the curved feather design, colorful rhinestones, and artfully distressed details gave them an edgy biker feel. The jeans focused on classic five pocket styles, using high-grade denim from some of the top mills in Japan and Italy to ensure quality.

Rock Revival is especially known for their wide variety of wash treatments like hand-sanding and whiskering that give each pair a lived-in, road-ready look. Their attention to detail even extends to custom buttons and rivets featuring the brand's horseshoe logo.

Expanding the Rock Revival Line

Over the years, Rock Revival has expanded into a full contemporary westernwear lifestyle brand. Their products now include not just jeans but shirts, jackets, hats, boots and accessories featuring a mix of Americana rebel style with modern fits and finishes.

They offer tops like graphically embellished t-shirts as well as classic button downs in plaids, chambray and denim. Outerwear ranges from leather motorcycle jackets to distressed denim vests and jackets featuring their signature feather and embroidery accents.

Why Rock Revival Jeans Stand Out

Here are some of the key factors that set Rock Revival jeans apart in the premium denim market:

Cutting Edge Designs

Rock Revival is known for taking risks with unique, over-the-top embellishments like vibrant embroidery, intense hand-finishing, and eye-catching details like python print leather label patches. Their jeans feel fresh rather than basic, epitomizing the brand's motto of "keeping true grit American design alive."

Quality Materials

The brand only uses premium selvedge and stretch denims from the best mills around the world, mainly Japanese textiles prized for both durability and softness. This gives their jeans an authentic broken-in feel right off the rack.

Custom Hardware

The jeans feature engraved rivets and buttons with the Rock Revival horseshoe as a sign of quality craftsmanship. It's a subtle accent that shows attention to detail in every aspect of construction.

Consistent Fit

Rock Revival jeans are designed to accentuate a flattering silhouette with a tailored yet comfortable fit. They maintain consistent sizing across washes so customers can buy multiple pairs knowing they'll all achieve that signature body-hugging style.

How to Style Your Rock Revival Jeans

A good pair of Rock Revival jeans commands attention, so keep the rest of your look simple. Here are some easy ways to wear them:

Western Inspired Looks

Lean into the cowboy cool vibe with distressed bootcut jeans paired with boots, button down shirts or graphic tees tucked in. Layer on a leather jacket or denim vest to complete the rugged Americana ensemble.

Biker Chic Style

Skinny jeans or straight leg jeans with moto jacket styling pair perfectly with biker boots and chambray for a rebellious look. Accessorize with silver jewelry and fingerless gloves to reinforce the rocker attitude.

Casual Everyday Wear

Rock Revival's jeans are statement-makers on their own. Tone it down with understated t-shirts, hoodies or pullover sweaters for an off-duty model vibe. Finish with sneakers or casual boots for running weekend errands.

However you style them, Rock Revival jeans make any outfit feel a little more daring and fun. Their vibrant embellishments and flawless finishing offer artful flair you can't find anywhere else.

FAQs

What years were Rock Revival jeans founded and launched?

Rock Revival was founded in 2008 by Michael Ballard, but the brand wasn't officially launched until late 2009 when their first jeans collections debuted.

Where are Rock Revival jeans made?

While designs and finishing touches are done in Vernon, California, most Rock Revival jeans are manufactured abroad in factories located in Mexico, Turkey, and Asia to allow for lower pricing.

What makes Rock Revival jeans so expensive?

The combination of premium materials, unique embellishments and hand-finishing techniques like sanding and whiskering contribute to the higher prices ranging from $150-$300 per pair.

What wash treatments do Rock Revival jeans use?

Signature finishings include hand-sanding around pockets and hems, whiskering on the thighs, and multiple eco-friendly laser and stone washes to break in each pair of jeans.

What colors and fits do Rock Revival jeans come in?

While best known for medium blue finishes, Rock Revival makes jeans in all kinds of washes from light to dark along with black, gray and white denim. Fits range from loose bootcut to skinny tapered legs to accommodate different styles.