Left Field NYC Chelsea Jean – Denim Review

I was recently able to put a pair of Left Field NYC Chelsea jeans to the test, excitedly getting into the box to put the relatively emerging New York-based brand’s slimmest jean through their paces. The Chelsea is the brand’s second fit – a slimmed down version of the original Greaser jean – featuring a narrower thigh, knee and leg opening as well as a slightly lower rise.

As the jeans come with a recommendation that they’re not for guys with athletic legs, I was forced off the bat to size up a bit to ensure they’d fit me – but can now fully rebut this recommendation.

Details

  • Name: Left Field Chelsea Green Heather
  • Denim: Cone Mills White Oak Plant Green Heather Selvedge
  • Weight: Midweight denim
  • Other details:
    • American-made Scovill tack buttons
    • American-made Universal rivets and burs
    • Custom American-made canvas pocket bags
    • 100% cotton
    • Woven, cut and sewn in the USA
  • Available at: Left Field NYC for $180.00 USD (on sale)

Denim

Selvedge Details and Pocket Bags Left Field Chelsea Jean

Selvedge Details and Pocket Bags

The denim on the Left Field Chelsea jeans that I was sent was a particular highlight as the jeans featured a unique White Oak Plant green heather selvedge denim from Cone Mills. The green is obvious when you turn the denim inside out or when you turn up the cuffs, but it gives the jeans an attractive subtle green tinge as well during normal wear.

I took a fair chunk of the summer off of wearing raw jeans, so I’ve yet to be able to attest to the way the green affects pronounced fades, but based on what I have seen I’d say that this is going to be a very unique denim by the time it hits the year/year and a half mark.

Despite not being given an official weight of the denim, I’d place it between 13 Oz. – 15 Oz. which sits it squarely in the middleweight category. It’s not too light, but also none too heavy. It’s distinctly wearable straight out of the box (though this also might have something to do with my decision to size up) and feels comfortable during the breaking in process.

Hardware

Left FIeld Hardware

The Chelsea jean features all American-made hardware, including Scovill tack buttons throughout and Universal rivets and burs. The top button on the fly is painted slightly green in tribute to the fabric while the rest are simple but attractive copper. The back pockets feature hidden rivets which is becoming more common, but still a big plus. Not only do they provide the necessary reinforcement to the pockets, but they also ensure you won’t be scratching up any of your furniture.

Fit

Front and Back View Left Field Chelsea Jean

Front and Back Views

Left Field Chelsea Jean Fits

Left Field Chelsea Side View

The fit on the Chelsea is certainly relatively slim, as advertised, without becoming skinny. The jeans do fit quite snug, but what I felt was a surprisingly roomy thigh opening given the warning to athletic types to avoid the jean left me with a bit of room to move with. The rise of the jeans is quite high, which I liked as it means when I bike in the jeans there aren’t any issues with showing too much skin.

Left Field Chelsea Back Pocket

High Pockets

The one problem is that due to the construction, the higher rise pushes the tops of the pockets up a surprisingly large amount. As a result, it’s slightly awkward to put a phone or wallet in as they sit at an uncomfortable position on the derrière. Pocket placement aside though, the jeans are very comfortable and fit as you’d expect them to.

Craftsmanship

Left FIeld Craftsmanship

Left Field NYC put significant pride into their Made in the USA claims as well as the associated craftsmanship quality that tends to follow that distinction. In my experience with the jeans there have been absolutely no quality issues – all stitching is well done, there aren’t any strange loose stitches, no offset buttons, no seams coming loose. Just a solid, well built jean.

Overall

With such a unique denim, the Left Field NYC Chelsea jean makes for a really great choice for anyone looking for a slim fit denim. As much as I didn’t like the pocket placement, I’m willing to live with them for the rest of the benefits the jeans afford. I’d be willing to go on record to say they’re a great option for a medium priced, well built, slim fitting jean with a unique denim.