Word of Mouth - Contest Denim Decision

[beautiful_FrEaK]

Choices of denim. The Poll is OPEN!

 

1. RS1950-ROW
Cotton origin: USA
Mill: Shinya
Loom: Ensyu (Enshu)
Rope dyed
Yarn count: 7.1 x 7.1
Density: 62 x 46
Weight: approx 12oz loomstate

 

2. RS501-UF
Cotton origin: USA & Australia
Mill: Kaihara
Loom: Toyoda
Rope dyed
Yarn count: 7.1 x 7.1
Density: 67 x 48
Weight: approx 12oz loomstate

 

Denim No.1 is the denim used on my sample pair. It's rather new to Simone. Denim No.2 is Simone's "standard" denim where he has the most experience with.

Comparison between RS1950 (left) and RS501 (right):

 

His own pair made with RS501 was worn for 10 months and washed approx every 2 weeks:

  

[beautiful_FrEaK]

Please use this thread for voting!

[Thanks_M8]

What to do if we want to be surprised?

[beautiful_FrEaK]

We discussed this with Simone as well.
Availability of shuttle loom woven and loomstate denim is generally low and it sells out rather quick. So in theory, Simone could pick something from the swatches he has but we won't know if enough would be available for 25 contestants. And then you have an untested denim without knowledge of shrinkage and general behaviour. WE thought this is the safer route.

[Jared_Lee]

I have never been particularly excited by what I've seen, worn and handled from Kaihara. My all time favorite fabric is from Shinya (thanks @Maynard Friedman and PaulT). Makes that an easy choice for me.

[Broark]

Same as @Jared_Lee, I generally prefer what Shinya weaves. Handled a lot of nice denim from them over the years.
b_F since you have a pair using the RS1950-ROW denim, any early days comparisons to other denims you've handled? Assuming it is fairly breathable as well.

[bartlebyyphonics]

here is the tcb account of shinya - https://tcbjeans.myshopify.com/blogs/ニュース/shinya-mills

certainly tcb's 50s fabric from there is one of my all time favourites... pretty sure their 'Boss of the Cat' overalls are from there too [really great fabric]

any good experiences out there for kaihara? I had the eu made lvc 50s version from that mill; was pretty uniform, less weave-chattery [gave them to brother in law before seeing any real fades tho...]

[beautiful_FrEaK]

16 minutes ago, Broark said:

b_F since you have a pair using the RS1950-ROW denim, any early days comparisons to other denims you've handled? Assuming it is fairly breathable as well.

They are definitely my most comfortable one to wear in the current weather (30 °C). The stretchy-ness and lighter feel is similar to FC's 13.7oz denim and also the denim Ooe uses. The texture of FC is a bit rougher though. The 1950-ROW is smoother. I would need to make a closer comparison to the Ooe denim I have.

[Jared_Lee]

That sounds ideal, @beautiful_FrEaK. I don't tend to wear my tighter woven, stiffer fabrics nearly as much. As much as I love White Oak's history and how their denim fades, the tighter and smoother weave just isn't as appealing to me. Those are common characteristics of the Kaihara denim I've worn as well and looking at the fade pictures, it looks to be a relatively flat denim.

[reallypeacedoff]

I want to vote for #2 purely because it has some Australian cotton in it but I'd down with what the majority chooses. Both look great to me!