Whatever you thought of the wild and crazy ride that was 2016, one thing’s for sure: it was full of great fades. Some of those fades even reached the inner court of greatness, which we created in the past year: Fade Friday. Still, from that fine set of jeans, we’re determined to pick the single best fade of 2016 to ascend to denim Valhalla — and we need your help to do it.

We handpicked the best 16 fades of the past year for your consideration as the absolute, undisputed best fade. Who will you crown the champion of raw denim? What will the criteria be? Shredded honeycombs? Wicked whiskers? More importantly, what’s up for grabs?

The owner of the Top Fade of 2016 will receive a three-part bundle from Left Field NYC including any pair of their raw denim jeans, a tube tee, and a bandana; while two lucky voters will be randomly selected to receive either a one-year subscription to Clutch Magazine (six issues total) or $100 gift card to Tanner Goods.

The deadline to vote is January 29th, 2017 at 11:59PM EST and we will contact the winners shortly thereafter. If the winning voters do not confirm their acceptance within 24 hours of being contacted via e-mail, we will need to redraw another person (so keep an eye on your inboxes!).

And now, onto the denim in all its glory!

Update [Jan 30th, 2017]: thank you all for entering our annual contest! We’re in the midst of confirming the winners and will announce them shortly.

1. Oldblue Co. Plain Selvedge Indonesia (7 Months, 1 Wash)

2. Iron Heart 301S (5 Years, 8 Months, 3 Washes, 7 Soaks)

3. A.P.C. New Standard (2 Years, 7 Months, 7 Washes, 6 Soaks)

4. Hoya Ironwood (1 Year, 1 Wash, 2 Soaks)

5. Samurai Jeans S710xx (1 Year, 3 Months, 1 Wash)

6. Buaisou Denim (4+ Years, 15 Washes)

7. Iron Heart 21 oz. 555 Fit (2 Years, 4 Washes)

8. Samurai Jeans 24 oz. S510XX (1 Year, 1 Wash, 5 Soaks)

9. Warehouse 660 (9 Years, 7 Months, Unknown Washes, 10 Soaks)

10. Warpweft Company Superior Line 05 (10 Months, 1 Wash, 4 Soaks)

11. Samurai Jeans S003JP (4 Years, 1 Month, 5 Washes, 1 Soak)

12. Carnivores Soul Golden Claw 15oz. (2 Years, 2 Months, 4 Washes, 10 Soaks)

13. Sage Marcher 22 oz. (16 months, 1 wash)

14. Stevenson Overall Co. 401-RXB Slinger Jacket (5 Months, 1 Wash)

15. Somét 008 (7 Years, 5 Washes)

 

16. Naked & Famous Elephant 4 (9 Months, 2 Washes)