Following up the introduction to budding New York brand, The New Standard Edition, we offer up our review of their James Skinny Fit Herringbone Selvedge Denim. The brand is beginning to gain steam as they are recognized for their awesome entry level prices and unique takes on fit within their products.
For this particular jean they presented us with a herringbone weave selvedge denim, a step outside the path of usual left, right hand, or broken twill weaves that we find in most denim fabrics. Coming in at an easy $135 those looking for something to switch up their rotation will love these.
Details
- Name: The New Standard Edition James Herringbone Selvedge
- Fabric: 11.5 Oz. 100% Cotton Chinese Raw Indigo Herringbone Selvedge
- Fit: Skinny
- Unique Features:
- Branded buttons on waist and fly
- Black Leather branded back patch
- Jacquard fabric on yoke lining
- Selvedge detail on back pocket and coin pocket
- Brand tag on back pocket
- Coming soon for $135
Fit
I’m wearing a size 32. Standing at 5’7″ and 170 lbs.
These fit similar to a pair of A.P.C. Petit Standards with a few exceptions: the waist, seat, and thigh seem to be a bit roomier in the case of a skinny jean to allow for comfortable movement. At the knee I find that there is a bit more of a taper to the bottom hem which gives the jeans a more modern look.
Personally, I love the way that these jeans fit. I find them not too skinny but not bordering too much on the slim side. It will suit most body types, true waist size is suggested on these jeans.
Fabric
The jeans are made from an interesting Chinese herringbone selvedge. This is the first herringbone that I’ve ever dealt with, so I’d venture to say that it is of moderate quality and seems sturdy enough for regular wear. They are made from sanforized 100% cotton denim with a raw indigo warp and a nice white weft.
The selvedge ID on the jeans is standard red and white. Interestingly enough the herringbone patten was woven in quite a regular manner, just don’t stare at the pattern for too long or it begins to mess with your eyes! I haven’t noticed too much stretch within the wear time, perhaps half an inch at best. However, I am sure that fading on these will be interesting.
The creases are just beginning to set in due to the light weight of the fabric and it seems like the fades will be slow forming. I cannot predict how defined or contrasting they will be. The herringbone weave will definitely be a major factor in the way that these look in the future.
Unique Features
Like this? Read these:
The jeans feature standard branding on the back patch, rivets, and buttons on the waist and fly. Something interesting that I found however was that while most brands will tend to feature a tab on the side of the pocket, TNSE decided to place a navy and silver color blocked tab on the bottom of their back pockets.
The brand also has a penchant for showing selvedge detail in their garments which rears its red and white head along the top of one of the back pockets as well as being present on the top of the coin pocket. Contrasting stitching throughout the jean brings the package together nicely.
Construction
While this jean was made well, I would not recommend it for heavy daily wear. The herringbone fabric itself is woven more for comfort than it is for heavy work use. However, the stitching, riveting and other aspects of construction are all clean and on point with zero stray threads present throughout the jeans.
Riveting on the pockets is neat and branded. The jacquard lining on the waist band and the inside of the yoke is a nice touch as well.
Value
As mentioned before, the fit of the James skinny can be likened to the A.P.C. Petit Standard with slightly more of a taper below the knee. Compared to other jeans that reside in this price range I believe that they are on par or superior to the competitors in regards to fit and construction quality, though the test of their construction quality will truly reveal themselves after the first year of wear.
For beginners, or those simply looking to add an interesting raw jean to their rotation The New Standard Edition James Skinny Herringbone Denim is a definite recommendation.
