We showcase some of the most insane fades from around the world in our Fade of the Day series, but it’s also right to appreciate the subtle, laid-back fades from time to time, like those seen in this pair of Sugar Cane 2009’s. They belong to Heddels reader Herbert Theodore of the U.S.A., who’s been making his mark on them for just over two years.

These jeans are from Sugar Cane’s 1947 line which is notorious for its authentic, subtle fading properties, and it seems Hubert’s pair is backing that sentiment up. After five washes, the dye loss is pretty even throughout, with subdued whiskers and honeycombs emerging through the denim.

Hubert tells us these jeans see a lot of walking and cycling, which explains the gnarly crotch blow out that these Sugar Canes have suffered. It’s cool though, as it looks like Hubert has patched them up, allowing these bad boys to live on in all their understated glory.

Sugar Cane 2009 Raw Denim Jeans

• Fabric: 100% cotton selvedge denim
• Fabric weight: 12 oz.
• Fabric source: Japan
• Made in: Japan
• Fit: Slim Straight
• Additional Details:
  • Deerskin leather patch
  • Button fly
  • Zimbabwe and Texas cotton blend
• Available at: Self Edge for $199