Lightweight yet still durable denim for summer?

[breadgetbun]

So I live in Australia and quite often our summer sits on 30 to 40 degrees celsius (86 to 104 F), yet I am not overly into shorts. They will never be as good as an outfit you can put jeans with in my opinion.

So I have started a search for a pair of jeans, whether it be slim and tapered or skinny fit, I want to find a decent pair of (preferably designer because quality but open to anything) lightweight denim to be able to wear in summer.

I have heard things hear and there about 4oz denim but I am not a huge denim head and don't know much about it. What are your thoughts on lightweight jeans? Is there such a thing? Do you have of a specific pair of jeans like this that you would recommend?

[Iron Horse]

I'd look into Warehouse's cotton/linen blend. Seems like a good summer jean.

Edited January 25, 2016 by Iron Horse

[kicks79]

3sixteen, Orslow and Sugar Cane all do some nice lightweight summer options.

 

Its not just down the weight of the denim. The cut, weave and the type of cotton used all play a part. I get away with my 15 ounce Samurai's most of the year here in Sydney as they are a loose fit.

 

http://www.3sixteen.com/collections/denim/products/st-101x-slim-tapered-lightweight-selvedge

 

http://www.selfedge.com/sugar-cane-denim?product_id=1285

 

http://www.selfedge.com/sugar-cane-denim?product_id=1208

 

http://www.pavementclothing.com/index.php/new-in-orslow-107-slim-fit-jeans-with-13-5oz-selvage-denim.html

[Mr-Bielby]

Studio D'Artisan 5XX range

[Foxy2]

SDA used to have a pair in a denim slightly below 11oz - D1596, but it came in SD101 cut (wide, straight).

Tate&Yoko still have a few sizes - for some reasons they label it slim, straight and slim, relaxed...

PSA had SDA make them a special make-up in a slightly heavier denim in around 12-12.5oz - I'm sure there a still a few pairs left...

[dwilson123]

Maybe look into a looser weave denim like TSG 5XXX line or Oni's lighter weight stuff?  Sometimes weight isn't everything.  Like my PBJ 24oz are pretty wearable in the summer but my Iron Heart XHS are completely impossible to wear when it is hot.

[Sugar Mountain]

Full Count's 13.75oz denim has served me well through Hong Kong summers (low 30C, high humidity). The denim is very soft once broken in and breathes noticeably better than my other denim, even if the listed weight is not considerably different. I would recommend getting a run-up on wearing jeans in the summer though - you don't want dark, raw jeans of any kind in July (or December down under).

[mondo]

This summer's been a shocker for jeans, so I invested in a pair of persimmon-dyed selvedge shorts from Japan Blue.  Can't quite bring myself to cuff them, so only I know how achingly cool I am.  I also upped the wanker factor by purchasing a Momotaro denim fedora, which does a nice job of keeping the sun off.

[Maynard Friedman]

Any pre-1927 LVC model (excluding the 1920s 201) should only be 9oz raw. The 1927, 33 and 37 are 10oz raw. All are good, lightweight summer jeans, especially if worn loose.

[louisbosco]

i'm in perth. can't say i feel the same.. but anything 11-14oz would get you through. in wa's heat i'm still wearing my 21/23oz IH. though if you're on the east coast, especially melbs, you get four seasons in a day.. 

[clt3]

Warehouse's 1001 is great here in Manila with low to high 30s. 

[TheIntelligentHoodwinker]

Wasn't a huge fan of them, but Tellason do a 12.5oz model (Ladbroke Grove). Very hard wearing, very little fading after a year. They felt very lightweight. 

[hungryalien]

you might want to check out momotaro's 1705. its the same fit as their 0705 but in 10oz denim. 

[Planetarium]

Kapital has many different fabric options depending on the season, plenty of lightweight pants and shorts for summer

 

not always traditional denim, but should satisfy a denimhead's textural interests

[Mr.Su]

I came across Imperial x Self Edge at Self Edge NY store last week. 16Oz, thick weaving. Allowing air to pass through.

Link as attached:
http://www.selfedge.com/imperial-denim?product_id=1235

 

I think anywhere between 15-18oz should be bearable for hot dry summer.

Edited January 26, 2016 by Mr.Su

[MellowYellow]

Kilts. Denim kilts. Pleated so that you get some interesting fades. 

[breadgetbun]

Thanks for all the suggestions fellas! gonna take a gander at them all and see if I can find something that tickles my pickle.

[kicks79]

I think anywhere between 15-18oz should be bearable for hot dry summer.

 

 

Most of Australia is not dry, but super humid. But agree with up to 15 ounce. Any more you are pushing it.

[TheArtisanJournal]

I would recommend the IMjiT35020 Manufactus style 807, I got it last summer (live in Europe) and it's a very comfy tapered fit in an 11oz Italian denim woven (by Berto) and made in Italy. It wears very relaxed and easy to mix with flip-flops, loafers, sneakers or even a formal shoe. 

[Blue Nemo]

Denime 66, or any other Denime with the standard 13.5 oz denim.

 

MFSC utility pants, weigh somewhat 10 oz, loose cut... perfect for summer. my next cop actually

[ShootThePier]

Not often talked about here, but my go to for SoCal Summer's while cycling are my Big John Rare. I believe they're 14 oz. and summertime in my area is consistently mid 90's and up. They are slow faders, and comfortable.

[dylanbooth78]

Lee archives would be pretty good for the summer, anything from the 30's is a looser cut and also a lighter weight denim.

[Conundrum]

Full Count's 13.75oz denim has served me well through Hong Kong summers (low 30C, high humidity). The denim is very soft once broken in and breathes noticeably better than my other denim, even if the listed weight is not considerably different. I would recommend getting a run-up on wearing jeans in the summer though - you don't want dark, raw jeans of any kind in July (or December down under).

 

Fellow HKGer, good suggestion, but the rise is too high for me.

 

Does anyone know a model that is lightweightish, with a taper, waist 31-32, thighs 12.5, and and low-medium rise.

 

I would like to fit a 1101, but that rise puts me off...

 

I might go for the SdA 107 32, and try and stretch the hell out the thighs,

Edited February 17, 2016 by Conundrum

[tigerstrom]

The 15oz studio d'artisan fabric is a hard nut to crack. I tried to stretch the thighs on my pair but it didn't work.

[Maynard Friedman]

Left Field has a 10oz Japanese denim in both the Chelsea and Greaser fits:

http://leftfieldnyc.com/collections/chelsea/products/deadstock-10-oz-japanese-nep-dead-stock-chelsea-jean

[givemefive]

Fellow HKGer, good suggestion, but the rise is too high for me.

 

Does anyone know a model that is lightweightish, with a taper, waist 31-32, thighs 12.5, and and low-medium rise.

 

I would like to fit a 1101, but that rise puts me off...

 

I might go for the SdA 107 32, and try and stretch the hell out the thighs,

Flathead 3009 is your jean I think.

Soft and durable. Poly core thread will hold up 10x better than that crap full count uses.

Edited February 17, 2016 by givemefive

[volvo240thebest]

tcb 60's are a great summer jean, IIRC it's 12.7 oz denim, loose weave, the rise is mid/low as you like. the cut has very little taper though, but might be a good idea to look at sizing charts and evaluate yourself.

https://tcbjeans.stores.jp/items/54a65f9c552f2f097d0020d8

tcb 505 might work too, slighty higher rise and more taper compared to the 60's

 

I'd love to give SDA a try but I couldn't stand their standard 15 oz denim, too heavy and dense for most of the year where I live.

[Conundrum]

Flathead 3009 is your jean I think.

Soft and durable. Poly core thread will hold up 10x better than that crap full count uses.

 

Holy shit, good call! They're 38, i always wonder; How much of the taper is left after hemming to 34 - 33?

Edited February 17, 2016 by Conundrum

[givemefive]

Holy shit, good call! They're 38, i always wonder; How much of the taper is left after hemming to 34 - 33?

FH shrink about 3" in the length so its only an 1-2" hem.

I'm sure one of the million of tailors in HK can help you out if it's not enough

[Conundrum]

and thanks for the other suggestions