Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
We’ve talked about Black on Black Denim many times before, but times change, and while we still appreciate everything on that list, many are no longer available. That’s why we’ve decided to revive the topic: examining the best that is currently available for those looking to complete their blackout look, but who lack access to a time machine.
1) Pure Blue Japan: XX-019-BB
If you want to go straight to a high-tier pair of black/black jeans, then it doesn’t get any better than Pure Blue Japan’s XX-019-BB. They’re constructed from slubby, 14oz. sulphur-dyed denim, which retains the original hue of the cotton yarn to facilitate interesting fades. They’re finished with black enamel buttons and black powder-coated rivets, highlighting PBJ’s attention to detail in every aspect of their garments.
Available for $330 at Blue In Green.
2) Japan Blue: JB-0716-J
Japan Blue is a perfect brand if you’re looking for a unique pair of denim without breaking the bank. Their JB-0716-J jeans are constructed from sulphur-dyed denim, a Zimbabwe cotton sourced for the warp and Memphis cotton for the weft. They’re made in a tight, straight fit, a style that, at least in the eyes of this writer, matches especially well with the black/black colorway. While these don’t have all the high-end details you’d get on a pair for double their price, they offer more bang for your buck than nearly any other brand.
Available for $130 at Denimio.
3) 3sixteen: T-220X
3sixteen’s T-220X’s jeans are slubby, sulphur-dyed, and available in four killer fits, ensuring you’ll be able to find a pair that you like regardless of the amount of room you want in the top block and the amount of taper you want below the knee. The denim used features a red selvedge line and are finished with a black cowhide patch that offers a little contrast given the undyed edges. Each pair is made from start to finish in San Francisco, ensuring top-notch quality.
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Available from $240 at 3sixteen.
4) Naked & Famous: Black Cobra Stretch
There are a ton of great, entry-level denim brands out there but Naked & Famous remains a fan favorite. Their Black Cobra Stretch jeans are available in their Weird Guy and Super Guy fits, both of which are tapered below the knee. This design feature, combined with the fact that these jeans feature 2% elastane, cements them as one of the best selvedge options from stretchy, black selvedge jeans on the market.
Available for $169 at Blue Owl.
5) Momotaro: 0405-B
Many of us like the look of skinnier jeans through the leg, but can’t stand the feeling of a low rise. That’s why it’s so great to see brands embracing medium and high rise jeans, such as Momotaro in their 0405-B. They’re made with Momotaro’s iconic pink selvedge line, copper rivets, black buttons, and a natural leather patch. These jeans are made in Japan using Zimbabwe cotton making them some of the best jeans by every metric.
Available for $295 at Standard & Strange.
Plus One — Somét: 033 Writer’s Jean
It’s hard to find black/black selvedge jeans that stand out given their niche place in the market and the increased popularity in sulphur-dying. Be that as it may, Somét’s 033 Writer’s Jeans stand out in several ways. From their gold plated rivets and white leather patch to their half-lined back pockets and zinc button fly, these jeans are really something special. Sure, some of these details might make these jeans stand out a bit more than you might like, but it’s hard to deny these jeans inherent beauty.
Available for $295 at Division Road.
