The Best Raw Denim Brands in the World
This guide covers more than 50 makers—from Japanese selvedge specialists to American and European brands—helping you pick the right place to start.
Benzak Means “Denim Done Right” in Dutch (I Think)—Here’s Why
I’ve followed Benzak’s journey since the beginning. With modern fits, Japanese and Italian selvedge, and real fade potential, here’s what makes their jeans worth your attention.
The Best and Toughest Heavyweight Selvedge Jeans
Heavyweight denim isn’t just fabric—it’s a test of patience, comfort, and commitment. This guide breaks down what makes it special, why it’s worth the struggle, and which brands are doing it best.
Cream of the Crop: Redline Rally Y3 Winners
After a brutal year of competitive fading, the cream has risen to the top. Here are the winners from Year Three of the Redline Rally.
Built for Fades: Realign’s New Line Pays Homage to Japan
Explore Realign Denim’s new collection, built for fades and inspired by Japanese craftsmanship. Discover premium selvedge denim made for lasting wear.
Slim Pickings: The Best of Slim-Fitting Selvedge Jeans
If you’re looking for the absolute best-fitting pair of jeans that can also fade beautifully, these pairs should be at the top of your list.
Best Lightweight Selvedge Jeans: A Denim Expert’s Guide
Everything you need to know about lightweight selvedge denim—from true lightweights under 12 oz. to borderline fabrics that wear easier than the spec suggests.
Small-Dollar Selvedge: These Jeans Are Worth Every Penny
Selvedge jeans don’t have to break the bank. We’ve rounded up the best budget raw denim—perfect for your first pair or your next daily driver.
Battleready Blues: Denim Shirts That Are Made to Fade
A well-faded raw denim shirt is a grail for most denimheads. But it’s tougher to fade than your jeans. These shirts are worth the work.
The Selvedge Masterlist: Our Ultimate Jeans Guide
Looking for the bar-none best pair of selvedge jeans? You’ve got options. We’ve cut it down the best we can, but this list still has more than 20 makers of the best men’s selvedge jeans.
Answers to 7 FAQs about Buying Raw Denim Jeans
The goal of this episode of the Denimhunters Podcast is to help you make a more informed purchase when you’re buying raw denim jeans.
Where Are You on Your Raw Denim Journey?
Raw denim is a journey with eight stages. Where are you in your journey? Are you seeing the blue light for the first time, or are you in denim heaven?
Raw Denim FAQs: What to Buy and Why
New to raw denim jeans? You’ve probably got questions. If you want the straight dope (no geekiness, we promise), this raw denim buying guide is for you.
What’s on Instagram #6: Ruedi, Iron Heart Army, and Indigofera
Another week has flown by and here’ are the posts I’ve saved on Instagram since the last instalment.
Making Jeans in Japan with Lennaert from BENZAK (S01E23)
We are again joined by Lennaert from Benzak Denim Developers. This time, we dig a little deeper to learn more about what it’s like to make jeans in Japan.
The Details of Jeans with Lennaert from BENZAK (S01E22)
On this episode, Jake and I are joined by Lennaert from Benzak Denim Developers to talk about his denim passion and why the details of jeans matter.
Denim Cribs #1: The New Benzak Denim Developers Studio
During Amsterdam Denim Days 2018, Benzak Denim Developers celebrated their 5-year anniversary. The day after the party, we got a tour of the new BDD studio.
Blue Blooded Instagrammer #21: @dry_luke
Lukas aka @dry_luke is a super down-to-earth German denimhead with a passion for Benzak jeans and Omega Speedmasters, and an unconventional profession.
Lennaert Explains Core Denims of Benzak Denim Developers
In this fourth and final lesson of the course about Benzak Denim Developers, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the core denims that BDD offers.
Everything You Need to Know About BDD’s 3 Fit Groups
In this third lesson of the course about Benzak Denim Developers, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the three types of fits the brand offers, and not least who they’re designed for.