Source for quality selvedge denim fabric

[ozric]

Dear denimphiles:

Been lurking and reading up over here for a couple weeks now in anticipation of purchasing my first pair of jeans made from quality selvedge denim. I emailed a company in India which presently manufactures quality denim for labels on the international market, including Levis and Lee, about whether I could purchase selvedge denim in retail stores in India, since I will be visiting Bombay this summer. Here's the response I got:

---

Dear XXXXXX,

I am XXXXXX, Chief manager International sales and I'd like to introduce to you our Premium Denim fabrics in which we have a category of Selvedge Denims. These fabrics have been designed by a Japanese designer, Hiroshi Kato and have a collection of Selvedge and Wide width fabrics.

Our Selvedge fabrics are in 100% Natural Indigoes as well as Chemical Indigoes in dark and super dark tones of Indigo,and are sanforised. In case you are looking at unfinished/raw fabric we can provide on made to order basis. Weights are between 11.5 Oz to 14.5 oz.

These fabrics are not available for domestic sales at the moment. If you were to provide me more details of your requirement I can provide you specific details on the fabrics.

I look forward to hearing from you.

---

This is great, because I have a potential source for high quality selvedge denim possibly rivaling that manufactured by Japanese mills, without the ridiculously high premium price tag. Getting a good pair of jeans hand-tailored to a custom fit would be easy (and super cheap) in Bombay, as well. I could even explore buying some fabric, if it is possible, for people here who would like to experiment with crafting their own pair (if they have the expertise).

Cheers

Ozric

[ringring]

Welcome Ozric.

Cool first post. Thanks!

Curiously enough, I'd just been chatting with someone about the way quality denim is now widely available outside of Italy & Japan. Arvind make some jolly good denim in India.

Good luck with getting your denim.

[ozric]

Thanks, ringring. Been enjoying your wealth of denim expertise. It is Arvind that I've been in touch with

Edited by ozric on Mar 23, 2006 at 01:57 PM

[xcoldricex]

any updates on this? i'm having trouble finding kato here

[ozric]

Yes, I've recently communicated with the person, and he is likely to be visiting LA. I will also be in India next month, and shall speak with him directly and hopefully get a chance to examine the denim they manufacture. Is there anything specific you're interested in, xcoldricex?

[greentea]

lets make superfuture denim.

Julian Red Cali 32x32 *USED* 2 1/2 weeks. 130$ shipped -U.S only.

[url=" http://superfuture.com/city/supertalk/index.cfm?page=topic&topicID=11570"] <a href="http://superfuture.com/city/supertalk/index.cfm?page=topic&topicID=11570" target="_blank">http://superfuture.com/city/supertalk/index.cfm?page=topic&topicID=11570</a>

[__3xL]

^^ Exactly ^^

[ozric]

I didn't realize until xcoldricex mentioned Kato that the designer Arvind hired to design their fabrics is the very same Kato! This ought to mean some very nice natural indigo dyed denim. I'll definitely try and make a trip to the Arvind factory in India now.

Some specimens crafted by Kato I found doing a quick search:

http://www.complexmagazine.com/index.php?task=Products&id=162&section=5&issue=1

http://shop.yumetenpo.jp/goods/d/ontheearth-store.com/g/kato001/index.shtml#

[andewhall]

...................

[__3xL]

Nice guys .. Now for a photo of what has to be the sexiest Levi's selvage ever created

[tweeds]

Would it be inappropriate to talk about the rates they charge for their denim? I feel my interest rising as well; i've got a few friends who can help me make a pair if i get them the denim.

[viv1984viv]

hey ozric, im looking into making my own jeans, gonna make a plain cotton pair first but then ill have to buy some denim, have found some indigo dyed stuff on the web, but its not selvedge, and im uncertain about the quality, you seem pretty hot on this fabric and natural indigo cant be bad! If you end up buying a roll and have to much fabric ill happily buy some off you, or spilt the cost, depending on the price....

.

[ozric]

tweedlesinpink: I'll let you know the cost once I discuss specifics when I'm in India in July.

viv1984viv, Ande and everyone else interested: Sure. Please stay in touch via email (through my profile) for discussing details, that works best for me. I still have made no commitment to the International sales Manager who I'm communicating with, but I have a feeling we should be able to score a sane minimum that doesn't run into kilometers Of course, it means everyone needs to order an identical denim fabric (selvage, weight, natural or synthetic indigo).

Edited by ozric on May 21, 2006 at 02:11 PM

[pacioli]

Very exciting. I'm emailing you now. Keep up the great work.

Not sure of your background but I deal with denim mills all the time so hit me up if you have questions.

[batorizer]

hey ya'll just make your own fabric. for the price of a couple pairs of japanese jeans you can buy your own handloom

[ozric]

OK I think I might be able to score a sweet deal for those of you who have responded. Kato designed selvedge denim, natural indigo dyed, dipped 16x or more, for a price which won't break the bank! Please let me know the yardage you need by email. If you need a different kind of denim, let me know specifics (weight, dye character etc).

I also might be able to get those of you that are interested finished pairs of jeans (email for details).

Thank you.

Edited by ozric on Jun 3, 2006 at 08:57 AM

[TaylorMADE]

Very interested. sending you an email now.

AIM: tdubb96

Email: [email protected]

[dmckay]

How's the progress on this? I would really like to see how it looks.

I've been searching far and wide for Japanese mills able to do "boutique" quantities but its not to easy in my case. Especially when you live in Norway

[cheapmuthafukr]

Quote:

Nice guys .. Now for a photo of what has to be the sexiest Levi's selvage ever created

--- Original message by numero_uno_3xl on May 20, 2006 12:39 AM

womens big e?

shit...

[dmckay]

I just wanted to say that the dye is so beautiful!

[ozric]

My contact has accomodated my request for small quantities. In fact, two members here have already found a denim source for their label facilitated by me through this contact. I am awaiting a price quote per yard, but I can say that it will be significantly less expensive than Japanese mill denim, while still maintaining the same quality standard (he told me they use very similar looms) and dying techniques for the premium denim.

I'm attaching two pictures of jeans made with the Kato designed denim. I will take close up shots when I personally visit India. Please note that while the cut isn't too hot and these pairs are distressed, I will be buying only untreated dark natural indigo denim.

For those who want jeans, I can have jeans tailored for those who desire a pair to whatever fit/style you desire, provided I am either given a pattern, or an old pair. Or else, I can have them tailored after a 501 fit or a Diesel Kratt fit - which I love, since I am not skinny, and squat with 200 lbs, so I have a butt and 28" thighs

[__3xL]

28" thighs here too Ozric .. I like Diesel Kulter cut , never had a pair of Kratt .. I wear 38 waist , but have had to buy 40 in the past just so thighs dont hug me too bad ..

I squat with 230 :-)

[ozric]

Hehe... I'm a waist 33-34, although some of my pairs have stretched out a little. I hate the thigh-hugger/nut-crusher styles most favored here

[6MT]

i'll sell you some selvedge, how many yard do u need? i only have like 35 yards left, let me know if you are interested

[6MT]

or if you are interested i'll try to hook you up with one of my fabric rep if you are in LA

[dmckay]

Ozric:

Does your contact manufacture the denim itself only, or can they do the construction as well?

If i may, i would like to PM you with some other questions.

[ozric]

They do construction as well. Feel free to PM or email.

[dmckay]

I'll hit you up in a few.

Also, in the spirit of getting jeans tailored/manufactured, what about starting a thread or using this one for measurements of the well known jeans that all the repro labels reproduce?

I.e. the 1947 501 or even a diesel kratt? One size will do, as they can easily be graded up or down. Although a full spec pack for each of them would be amazing, i'm not sure who will have

the time or energy to measure every hem, seam and pocket of their jeans?

[cheapmuthafukr]

or you could buy a pair and take them apart, tweak 1 little thing, and then make your line.

id start with some canes 47, or apc ns if you want to do it cheap and still have sf approval.

shit...

[TaylorMADE]

hey 6MT I would love to talk to you about some sourcing if possible please email me at [email protected] thanks i look forwarrd to hearing from you.

AIM: tdubb96

Email: [email protected]