Gustin Denim
Who said selvage denim has to be expensive? Gustin Denim ($81 and up) is set to change the typical price of a pair by delivering them to you wholesale instead of via retailers — and without the requisite markups. The jeans will be handmade in San Francisco, and will feature the same features you'd expect from a luxury pair, including leather patches, tucked beltloops, selvage side seams and flies, chainstitched waistbands, and custom shaped and finished hardware. On Kickstarter now for April delivery.
Levi's x Nike 511 Skateboarding Jean
It doesn't matter whether you're golfing or skateboarding — jeans aren't exactly the best garment for sporting activities. Which is why they make the Levi's x Nike 511 Skateboarding Jean ($100). Based on the 511 Skinny, these denim bottoms integrate Nike's Dri-Fit and vectran technologies, giving the stylish athlete a greater range of movement while helping to ward off the dreaded "swamp ass". Launching July 4.
Taylor Stitch Summer Weight Denim
Just because the temperature's rising doesn't mean you have to show off your underwhelming calves. Taylor Stitch Summer Weight Denim ($130) is meant to be worn when the weather gets warm. Handmade in San Francisco from 8 ounce Kaihara Mills indigo selvedge denim, they feature a tailored-but-not-quite-skinny fit, a medium rise with some added shape to keep the back waistband against your skin and some added room for your bait and tackle, and an understated 5-pocket design that'll look great with damn near anything.
Bonobos Bottle Rocket Jeans
Celebrating Earth Day? Aside from partying naked, you'll be hard pressed to arrive to the gala in more eco-friendly apparel than Bonobos Bottle Rocket Jeans ($135). Available in both natural canvas and indigo varieties, these straight-leg pants were made specifically for the occasion from White Oak Cone Denim that's crafted using yarn made from recycled beer bottles, cotton, and polyester. And just in case you're wondering, they even sport a patch telling you how many bottles went into your pair — so plan on matching that with actual bottles throughout the night.
Timberland Earthkeepers Casco Bay Canvas Shoe
Prepare for casual summer days with Timberland's® Earthkeepers® Casco Bay Canvas Shoe. These lightweight, laid-back kicks will add a stylish pop of color to any no-sock, warm-weather look. Choose either a fun slip-on style or the one-eye moccasin style, with a choice of four colorways ranging from blueberry to poppy. See the entire collection here.
Nudie Post Recycle Dry Jeans
Products made from recycled materials are always on our radar, but we have to say that this is the first time we can recall writing about recycled jeans. Nudie Post Recycle Dry Jeans ($215) are born from old denim that has been cut, mulled down to a pulp, and blended with virgin organic cotton to create a new, slubby denim with a soft feel and distinctive look. Other features include five pockets, a zip fly, tonal stitching, and a numbered limited edition pocket lining to signify that it's one of only 500 pairs worldwide.
Naked & Famous Glow In The Dark Jeans
At first we thought it was just a clever name for some abnormally-bright pants, but nope, these Naked & Famous Glow In The Dark Jeans ($TBA) really do glow in the dark, thanks to a phosphorescent coating that's applied to the Japanese-sourced raw denim. In addition, the coating will fade in certain areas based on your natural wear pattern, so they'll only get cooler with age. Just charge them up in the light and prepare to be noticed. [Scouted by Eric]
Levi's 511 Commuter Jeans
We suppose it was only a matter of time before the biggest name in jeans realized that bike riders needed something more than just plain denim. Levi's 511 Commuter Jeans ($80) are designed especially for the urban commuter. Based on the company's 511 Skinny jean, the Commuter comes in four versions — full length or cropped, in denim or non-denim — and offers cyclist-friendly features like NanoSphere treatment for water- and dirt-resistance, Sanitized tech for protection against odor, 3M Scotchlite reflective fabric for safety after dark, just the right amount of stretch for unencumbered movement, a raised back yoke to keep your lower back from showing, a reinforced crotch, double back layer pockets, and a U-lock storage system. Ride on, eco-friends.
Levi's 501 Raw Selvedge Jeans
The legendary comfort and utility of Levi's meets high-end selvedge denim in Levi's 501 Raw Selvedge Jeans ($180). Part of a collaboration between Levi's and Billy Reid that includes shirts, bags, and bottoms, the 501 Raw Selvedge are high-rise jeans patterned after mid-century 501s, featuring pocketing made from duck cloth from the Levi's archives, a button fly, and a 34-inch inseam — just right for rolling up those seams.
Unbranded Jeans
Okay, so the name is kind of an oxymoron, but Unbranded Jeans ($80) prides itself on putting aside the typical brand-awareness thing, and all of the marketing that comes with it, to focus on making just one thing: kick-ass jeans. Available in three fits — skinny, straight, and tapered — these modern, unassuming jeans are made with raw, selvedge, or black selvedge denim, and feature 34-inch inseams, button flys, and low-rise cuts that make them a great base for nearly any shirt/shoe combo.
Rugby Limited Edition Selvedge Jeans
What's hand-numbered, limited to just 100 units, and comes in a boxed set? Nope, it's not the latest high-end Blu-ray release — its Rugby Limited Edition Selvedge Jeans ($400). Made from selvedge denim sourced from the Cone Denim White Oak Plant in Greensboro, NC, these vintage slim fit jeans arrive in an ultra-dark indigo-washed hue, and feature a belted waist, button fly, five pockets, and a striped silk twill back patch that plays off the included narrow striped tie. Expensive, yes, but also exclusive in a way that most $200 and up denim isn't.
Levi's 1967 505 Jeans
Add some classic denim to your wardrobe with Levi's 1967 505 Jeans ($225). Part of the company's Vintage Clothing line, these recreated bottoms are made from Red Line Selvage Sanforized denim to reduce shrinkage -- a process that also makes them run a little small, so be prepared to suck it up and buy a size larger than normal -- and feature a slimmer cut than the standard 501, bar tacks for added toughness, copper rivets, and a big "E" red tab on the seat. Peg them if you must, but remember that shorter-legged fellas will need to get them tailored if you want a perfect fit.
Original Penguin Selvage Jeans
Stocking up on jeans for fall? Grab some premium denim without breaking the bank with the new Original Penguin Selvage Jeans ($125). Sporting a sophisticated finish that can go from dressy to casual depending on what you're wearing up top, these jeans feature a selvage trim finish on the back pocket and a slim, straight fit.
