Fade Friday – Strike Gold SG2109 (6.5 Months, 3 Soaks, 2 Washes)

This week’s edition of Fade Friday features a label that we have surprisingly yet to ever cover – Strike Gold. Based out of Okayama, Japan, Strike Gold seeks inspiration in the 1950’s denim styles and is revered for their simplistic, yet highly detailed, approach.

When paying close attention to their stitching, detailing techniques, and (of course) resulting denim fades, it’s very easy to understand why and how this label is so respected in both the Japanese and global denim industry.

Although many advocate not washing their denim for at least 6 months (including, admittedly, yours truly), this pair of Strike Gold SG2109 is proof that the 6 month timeframe is more of a guideline, especially when factoring in the denim type – the SG2109 is considered a heavier than average denim at 17 Oz. and is unsanforized (i.e. not pre-shrunk).

Also, a big shout out to Matthew Neidich (@mneidich) for sending us these photos of his denim. According to Matthew, the first few days after soaking them for the first time were not easy. They were very rigid and hairy as hell, due to their slubby nature. In retrospect, he would have liked to soak them for a touch longer.

During his 6.5 months run of daily wear, he gave them two additional soaks and also washed them with Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap (primarily out of convenience). Beyond regular day-to-day activities, Matthew even slept in them for a couple nights; eventually leading to stronger contrast and fades and the denim softening (albeit they are still stiff).

Needless to say, it will be interesting to see how these look in a year from now, especially given the denim’s weft is mud-dyed (don’t worry – a different type of muddiness compared to last week’s Fade Friday). For a full run down on his journey thus far, check out Matt’s blog.

Details

  • Name: Strike Gold SG2109
  • Weight: 17 Oz.
  • Fit: Slim tapered
  • Length of Wear: 6.5 months
  • Number of Soaks / Washes: 3 soaks, 2 washes
  • Denim: Unsanforized Japanese Selvedge Denim
    • Pure Indigo Dyed Warp Threads
    • Beige Mud Dyed Weft Threads
  • Other Details
    • Gold Spark Selvedge Id
    • Hidden Rivets
    • Button Fly
    • Deerskin Leather Tag
    • Iron Male Rivet, Copper Female Rivet
  • Available At: Self Edge
Photos – Before (source: selfedge.com)
Fade Friday - Strike Gold SG2109 Raw Denim
Fade Friday - Strike Gold SG2109 Raw Denim
Fade Friday - Strike Gold SG2109 Raw Denim
Fade Friday - Strike Gold SG2109 Raw Denim
Fade Friday - Strike Gold SG2109 Raw Denim
AFTER
Fade Friday - Strike Gold SG2109 Raw Denim
Fade Friday - Strike Gold SG2109 Raw Denim
Fade Friday - Strike Gold SG2109 Raw Denim
Fade Friday - Strike Gold SG2109 Raw Denim
Fade Friday - Strike Gold SG2109 Raw Denim
Fade Friday - Strike Gold SG2109 Raw Denim
Stay Raw!

-Nick
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