Red Cloud & Co. jeans

[oomslokop]

I'm 99% sure they are screen-printed as I saw a photo of him screen printing on the blog. The certainly aren't stitched.

the arcs on the s400 are screen-printed/painted on because its a levis 501 ww2 repro which to save (rationed?) thread was made with painted-on arcs. the other ww2 details that the s400 reproed faithfully are the donut buttons (though red cloud uses laurel donut buttons all the way and not just for the top button like the levis original) and the missing rivets on the coin pocket (also an austerity measure apparently).

heres paul t's levis visual guide for further perusal (its got a picture of faded painted arcs too) http://www.superfuture.com/supertalk/showthread.php?t=34010

[Gnob]

No b_f, your height compensates everything.. That explains why you have bigger waist size? Being a fan of your fit, I think I'll rather an european build than my can-never-pull-off-a-suspender-look.

[beautiful_FrEaK]

^^all true!

it really depends on how good the paint job is done. The paint on those Red Clouds arcs are really "flat" and I beleive they will last a while. On the Samurai S3000VX, the paint is kinda elevated and rubs off rather easily. I already repainted my S3000VX on some spots.

edit:

@Gnob: maybe. but I'm just 184 cm so not that big. waistwise I could easily pull off a size 33 or maybe even 32 in the S423XX (as the denim will stretch at the waist easily) but my thick soccer legs won't allow it Especially as I don't like a painted on look on my legs

[Gnob]

Yeah.. Happens..

Actually...Doesn't really matter what Tag size you are, as long as you can pull off a good fit. All's good.

Out of curiousity.. How did you repaint your sams arc? With fabric/acrylic paint?

Apologies, I realized I've spent multiple posts asking questions but not able to contribute anything. Will try to update and contribute with anything that's relevant to RC..

[beautiful_FrEaK]

No problem

I used some kind of textile paint...not sure right now but I think it's an acrylic one. I used 2 different yellow colors and one white to mix the correct color. Didn't match the corect color exactly but if you don't know, you won't notice it and only if you come really close to my ass

[Gnob]

Haha!

Ok Got it. Because I don't know what kind of paint stays on denim. Fabric paint that we have here usually aren't 'thick' enough for heavier denim, it won't be obvious.

[beautiful_FrEaK]

you have to paint multiple layers on it. at least I had to do it. Multiple layers because I wanted to get the same structure as the Samurai paint which is, like I said, kinda elevated.

I also painted a pair of Waerhouse with the same paint. will search for pics of that later

[beautiful_FrEaK]

there you go:

sorry for derailing...

[oomslokop]

o yeah gregornz cd u please hv a look if yr s400 also has an unfinished/open/not lockstitched seam inside on the crotch (another 501 ww2 peculiarity)? i love that the s3000vx gets that totally nerdy detail down pat

[beautiful_FrEaK]

yeah the S3000VX has all the fancy little WW II details I know of. But it also has a offset belt loop what is not a WW II detail and selvage at the waist band

[Gnob]

wow b_f, it really doesnt look like you painted that. haha!

[gregornz]

o yeah gregornz cd u please hv a look if yr s400 also has an unfinished/open/not lockstitched seam inside on the crotch (another 501 ww2 peculiarity)? i love that the s3000vx gets that totally nerdy detail down pat

I'm not exactly sure what you mean, but all the seams on the inside of the jeans are overlocked, along with the fly.

[coleslawyum]

Anyone know a link to a size chart? Thank you in advance.

[gregornz]

Anyone know a link to a size chart? Thank you in advance.

They are all linked by ranonranonrat on about page 8...

[ranonranonarat]

quoting this for the sake of those who missed out and don't want to read through the whole thread again..

at last count there are 8 different pairs of jeans available on sale. not all of them are in stock with sizes though. they are mainly split to 2 categories if what i am interpreting is correct. they are mainly:

2nd Anniversary Edition (4 pairs from this collection)

1) S400 (World War Edition) - 758yuan (17oz, Red Levi's-like Backpocket Arcs, 5 Oxidised Laurel Button Fly, Apparently Based on a WWII cut)

measurement chart

2) R424XX (Sun Wukong Edition) - 699yuan (13.7oz, Unsanfornized, Red Backpocket Arcs, Xinjiang Long Staple Cotton, Medium Fading Rate, Goat Skin Patch, 100% Cotton Pocket Bags, Light Pink Selvage, Based on a 1947 Cut )

measurement chart

3) R423XX - 699yuan (The Classic Representative for Red Cloud & Co. Brand, 13.7oz, Unsanfornized, No Backpocket Arcs, Xinjiang Long Staple Cotton, Medium Fading Rate, Rope Dyed Indigo, Light Pink Selvage, Based on a 1947 cut )

measurement chart

4) R400 - 758yuan ( 17oz, 100% long staple cotton from Xinjiang, 100% cotton threads, Goatskin Leather Patch, Shrink to Tagged Size, Blank Selvage if I am not mistaken, Straight Cut Fit)

measurement chart

[ranonranonarat]

quote (10 characters)

1st Edition (Im assuming its the first lot of red cloud & co. Also 4 models..)

1) R424XX - 699yuan ( details are not stated but they should be the same as the 2nd anniversary edition except that the backpocket arcs are lemon yellow instead. )

measurement chart

2) S423XX SPECIAL - 758yuan ( 14oz Xinjiang Long Staple Cotton, Levi's Styled Backpocket Arcs, Laurel Top Button for buttonfly and donut styled buttons for the other 4, Hickory Striped Pocketbags, Goldline Selvage Edge, based on a WWII cut )

measurement chart

3) N0.2 1970'S - 399yuan ( 14oz Xinjiang Long Staple Cotton, Repro-ed 1970s hardware including buttons and rivets which will oxidise with age, no backpocket arcs or tabs, Nylon Backwaist Patch, Bartacked backpockets, Light Pink Selvage Lining, Based on a 1966 cut)

measurement chart

4) R436 - 799yuan ( 13.7oz Xinjiang Long Staple Cotton, Repro cut of a 1936, Replication of the denim used during that period by Cone Mills, hardware details, riveted crotch, Goat Skin Patch, Cinch Back, Red Tab with no Backpocket Stitching, Cut based on a 1936 cut)

measurement chart

5) R403S - 899yuan ( 19oz Cinchback, dual coloured chainstich hem, revised leather patch, pink selvage, limited stock. other than this, not much other information has been provided. perhaps gregornz can provide more information about this model)

all information has been translated manually by me, from the taobao website which i will be using. information should be correct unless stated supplied wrongly from the website.

click on the model number for more images and the "measurement chart" for figures. please note that not all sizes are in stock at the moment and measurements are in centimeters. i do not have information for R400 since it isnt listed so i am unable to provide this as of now.

[gregornz]

In the interests of keeping this thread pic heavy - everyone loves a good picture now and then, right? - I've uploaded some "fade" pictures. I say "fade" because it isn't really fadez, I've only got about 5 days wear in each pair... but there are areas where the indigo is losing the battle, so consider this the parsley before the caviar

Part of the belt-loop on the 403 has gone straight to white:

IMG_3425 by gregornz, on Flickr[/img]

403 testicle fade:

IMG_3430 by gregornz, on Flickr[/img]

Lastly, I wanted to show you these two, to try and indicate the texture of this 17oz denim. I tried to capture the large amount of raised vertical threads all over these jeans. I think they promise some intense vertical falling in the future. Also, I'm not sure if these photos illustrate it well, but the dye job is very patching, some areas are darker then others....

IMG_3433 by gregornz, on Flickr[/img]

[ranonranonarat]

im interested to see how these will go down the line gregornz. they are showing a fair bit of potential.

some heartening news is that i just received news that the orders have arrived. i will be picking them up tomorrow morning since i am at work now. got slapped with a customs fine for prices being above $400 : / will shell that out of my pocket, must apologise for those whom i underestimated for the orders. to those who have ordered, please check your PMs. i have sent one out to anyone who made an order. if you didn't receive one, please let me know.. they will be ready to be collected/posted out tomorrow..

will be putting in a couple of orders this weekend. not too sure if i can continue doing this proxy because my friend residing there feels that its taking up a bit too much of his time as well and is not sure if he wants to do it for free. will try to persuade him and see how it goes down the line.

[gregornz]

If you need a Chinese local to do stuff, I'm your man!

[ranonranonarat]

just got off the phone with him.

up till now he is still willing though but once he starts his exams you guys will have to approach gregornz. convinced him to do it for free still on promise of beer when we meetup. heh.

[ItsJustNC]

You guys are doing great jobs...! Wish i could rep you guys more..!

Anyways, the denim looks good.! Nice and slubby..! Can't wait to see the vertical fades.!

[Gnob]

Awesome people, in an awesome thread. My contributions can start only on Saturday. Stay tune~~

[SwedeAlex]

Yes I agree with the above! You guys are doing a really good job spreading love on these!

I´m just about to jump on the train and join you who have these. I´m thinking of the R400 17oz model in size 34. They look SWEET!!!

[gregornz]

Sweet, pleased to feel the love and see my peeps join the train!

Just looking at those vertical lines I posted before - is it usual to see this to that extent [they are all over the jeans].

I'm just thinking that this guy - who seems to have each step of the operation under his control, including the production of cloth - I reckon he must have some real old school looms to go with his obviously sweet sewing machines. You can just imagine the ancient technology that one would have access to in China! Soviet era denim looms for the workers! LOL

It seems like, and I'm not expert, but it seems like there is some real old school shit going down at each stage of the production. Thoughts?

Another point I was just making with Ranon in a PM is, in my experience, brands like this - smaller and newer ones - tend to put out the best shit early on, and then as they get more popular they tend to standardise everything and cut details to save cost and increase profits... so, that translates to, get in while the going is good!

[ItsJustNC]

Sweet, pleased to feel the love and see my peeps join the train!

Just looking at those vertical lines I posted before - is it usual to see this to that extent [they are all over the jeans].

I'm just thinking that this guy - who seems to have each step of the operation under his control, including the production of cloth - I reckon he must have some real old school looms to go with his obviously sweet sewing machines. You can just imagine the ancient technology that one would have access to in China! Soviet era denim looms for the workers! LOL

It seems like, and I'm not expert, but it seems like there is some real old school shit going down at each stage of the production. Thoughts?

Not surprised if they do Gregornz. I went to Guangzhou on an exchange trip once for school. Was there around a month. And within the school itself, they had the resources to set up their own assembly line. So having control of the whole manufacturing process wouldn't be that big of a surprise..!

And I went to one of those "historical reenactment village" once, and there was an old lady using a shuttle loom that is even more low tech than the one in the Momotaro Main Branch. The weft thread had to be manually "shuttled" along a track using a flick like motion. So I'm guessing obtaining/making one of these old shuttle looms wouldn't be that difficult. All you need is a decent carpenter.

But then again, it seems highly unlikely as she mentioned it takes a day to make roughly a meter worth of fabric... But the stuff she made that were for sale was awesomely slubby too..! Was so tempted to buy some, but it was pretty pricey.!

[Warakia]

Ordering myself a pair next month when I get to Hangzhou, once I figure out how to use Taobao..

[gregornz]

Ordering myself a pair next month when I get to Hangzhou, once I figure out how to use Taobao..

I could be wrong, but I don't think foreigners can order on taobao... I think you need a Chinese national ID. And even if I'm wrong about that, you'll need to read Chinese to use properly

[Warakia]

I think if you have a Chinese residence permit and an address in China it should be fine, but we'll have to see. How did you order yours?

[ranonranonarat]

picked up the orders for the red cloud & co. jeans today. i must admit that i am pretty impressed with the quality of the shirts. wanted to grab some pictures but realised that i forgot to bring a camera around. overseas orders have been prepped and are ready to be mailed out, while local orders are pending collection over the weekend. hope to hear some feedback from other owners!

[gregornz]

@warakia - My girlfriend is Chinese, and even she had issues trying to buy jeans from taobao... Everything, but particularly the banking system, just doesn't work well here... Something as simple as signing up for a taobao account will have you jumping through hoops for a couple of hours, even if you are Chinese. For a foreigner - well, that's stress-related heart attack territory