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.
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.
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 ($215) are born from old denim that has been cut, mulled down to a pulp, and blended with virgin organic cotton to create a new, slubby denim with a soft feel and distinctive look. Other features include five pockets, a zip fly, tonal stitching, and a numbered limited edition pocket lining to signify that it's one of only 500 pairs worldwide.
At first we thought it was just a clever name for some abnormally-bright pants, but nope, these Naked & Famous Glow In The Dark Jeans ($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]
Behold the awesome old school goodness of these vintage-printed, buttery-soft Homage T-Shirts. They turn back the clock with shout outs to eclectic moments and personalities in sports, music, politics and popular culture. From Bruce Lee to Larry Bird, the tees tell stories of triumph, individualism and hustle. Pay Homage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ever wish you could have a pair of jeans where the fading marks were authentically made by your own body? Check out Levi's Imprint Slim Straight 514 Jeans ($80). Sporting a not-too-baggy, not-too-tight fit with a low-cut waist, the Imprint 514's start off a dark indigo color, letting you fade, wear, and distress all you want, with the imprint becoming more accurate with each pre-wash wearing. The big deal here is that all of this natural fading occurs in a fraction of the time that it takes other raw denim jeans. Perfect for the patience-impaired.
You can customize your new car, new computer — hell, even your cheeseburger at the local greasy spoon — so why not your jeans? Jean Shop Rocker Jeans ($260 and up) are mid-ride, slim fitting, straight legged authentic, vintage-quality blue jeans made from the best Japanese selvedge denim fabrics, and then finished your way from a wide variety of traditional and not-so-traditional finishes, each done individually by hand to make your pair uniquely yours.