Many people think that most denim is much the same but, in actual fact, there’s a whole host of fabrication processes, constructions and finishes out there to choose from. And which is best for you? It depends entirely on your budget. If you’re feeling flush and you want to invest in denim that’s built to last, we always recommend selvedge denim. Selvedge Mens Jeans (or ‘selvage’ as it’s known in the States) denim is a self-finished fabric construction - the name derives from ‘self edge’ - which is often slightly more expensive. Why? The unique construction of selvedge jeans means that it’s lovingly woven on special looms to stop the edges from unravelling, and therefore your selvedge denim is far more likely to last. So although the initial investment is higher, it’ll continue to pay off for seasons to come.

You may well have heard of Japanese selvedge denim, which misleads people into thinking that only denim made in Japan is truly ‘selvedge’. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. The reason for this common myth is that, for a long time, Japan held the sole monopoly on production of selvedge jeans, but now that other factories have caught up, that’s no longer the case. Selvedge denim is now produced all over the world, although Japan generally still holds the record for producing the largest quantities

The easiest way to check if your denim is truly selvedge? Check out the edges of internal seams by turning up the hems. If the seams look frayed or ‘unfinished’, it’s not selvedge. The sign of true selvedge is seams with fabric edges that look clean cut and perfect.