The Style and Craftsmanship of Wide Leg Selvedge Denim

The Appeal of Wide Leg Selvedge Denim

Wide leg jeans made from selvedge denim have seen a major revival in recent years. The distinctive wide leg silhouette paired with a raw, selvedge outseam creates a look that manages to be both vintage-inspired and on-trend. Keep reading to learn more about why this style has earned modern #streetwear credibility.

A Flattering Cut

The exaggerated wide leg cut of this style provides balance to a variety of body types. The roominess through the hips and thighs helps create a flattering silhouette. Paired with a cropped or fitted top, the overall look is stylish yet comfortable and easy to wear.

Authentic Character

Much of the appeal of wide leg selvedge denim lies in the authentic details. Unlike mainstream jeans, selvedge denim is woven on old-fashioned shuttle looms that produce a #rawdenim edge. This self-finished outseam gives the jeans an organic, imperfect look and feel that sets them apart.

Artisanal Construction

This authentic character also stems from the specialized construction methods used. Selvedge jeans are traditionally assembled by hand, with lock-stitched seams that are durable and specially engineered rivets for reinforcement. This artisanal craftsmanship results in jeans capable of molding to the wearer’s form over time.

Choosing the Right Wide Leg Selvedge Jeans

With so many selvedge denim brands on the market today catering to the revived interest in this style, choosing the right wide leg pair for your needs and tastes takes a bit of savvy. Keep these tips in mind while shopping to find your perfect match.

Consider the Rise

An often overlooked but very important detail is the rise or waist positioning. A higher rise with more coverage feels vintage-inspired and pairs well with cropped tops. Low-rise or mid-rise may feel more contemporary and jet set the right tones for an urban street style ensemble.

Watch the Weight

Selvedge denim is available in a range of weights and textures. Lightweight fabrics around 10-12 oz. have a vintage worn-in look and feel ideal for warm weather. Mid-weight 14 oz. options provide everyday versatility. For winter or a more structured look, choose a heavyweight 16+ oz. style.

Evaluate Unique Details

Signature craftsmanship details like chainstitch runoff, tucked belt loops, hammered rivets, and hidden rivets demonstrate skilled construction and give the jeans a depth of character. Don’t be afraid to examine jeans inside and out to appreciate these sometimes subtle handmade elements.

Styling Wide Leg Selvedge Denim

While vintage workwear-inspired looks pair perfectly with this cut, the wide leg silhouette and premium selvedge denim fabrics make these jeans surprisingly versatile. Use these tips to build stylish outfits.

Balance with Tops

A cropped, slim-fitting, or tucked-in top helps provide visual contrast and balance to the exaggerated wide leg shape. Try pairings like a cropped leather jacket, slim turtleneck sweater, or midriff-baring blouse to nail proportions.

Consider Length

Hems finishing above the ankle complement today’s footwear trends nicely. A slight stack at the hem or cuffing also shows off those distinctive chainstitch runoff details along the outseam. For a more vintage take, try a longer inseam length and slight break.

Finish with Footwear

While the oversized leg shape pairs perfectly with lace-up workboots, don’t be afraid to juxtapose the vintage vibe with modern kicks. Chunky sneakers, leather ankle boots with a walkable heel, and sleek slip-on mules all combine effortlessly for an of-the-moment #mensfashion ensemble.

Caring for Wide Leg Selvedge

To keep your investment pair looking their best, proper specialized care for selvedge denim is essential. Keep these care tips in mind to preserve the integrity of the fabric and construction details.

Wash Less Often

Overwashing defeats the purpose of raw unfinished denim designed to mold to your body. Unless heavily soiled, air them out instead to refresh. When washing, turn them inside out and use gentler cold water cycles.

Hang Dry

Resist the temptation to machine dry your jeans to prevent premature fading. Always hang them to air dry instead to maintain their structural shape and the rich indigo hues as long as possible.

Repair When Needed

Don’t throw away a damaged favorite pair! Specialty denim repair services can patch holes, replace broken zippers, and reattach loose rivets and tears along stress points so you can revive beloved jeans.

Wide leg selvedge denim makes a stylish foundation piece for both contemporary and heritage-inspired looks. With proper fit and care, a pair of these premium jeans will earn their place in your regular wardrobe rotation for years of fashionable wear.

FAQs

Why is selvedge denim so popular again now?

The noticeable selvedge edge and vintage-inspired look of selvedge denim fits well with current streetwear and menswear trends. The premium fabrics and handmade construction details also appeal to today's consumers looking for well-crafted, sustainable garments.

What makes wide leg jeans more flattering?

The exaggerated wide leg silhouette provides more room through the hips and thighs to balance body shapes. The looser cut appears effortlessly stylish while allowing you to move comfortably.

What rise options should I consider?

Choose a higher rise for a vintage fit or low/mid rise for a contemporary look. The rise positioning will impact the jeans' proportions with different tops.

Can I machine dry my selvedge jeans?

Never machine dry selvedge denim. The high heat can damage the fabric and cause premature fading. Always hang dry jeans inside out instead to maintain their color and structural integrity.