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.
The creation of synthetic indigo has had a profound effect on the denim industry and can be found in more than 99% of denim sold today. While cheaper than natural indigo, many find the hues of synthetic denim to pale in comparison. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best, natural indigo selvedge on the market. While we tried to cover a wide breadth of price, style, and hue, this is only the tip of the iceberg.
1) Oni: 510-SHM “Kiwami Bio Wash” 16oz. Natural Indigo Selvedge Denim
If you are looking for a light color natural indigo jean then Oni’s 510-SHM Kiwami Bio Wash is the clear winner. These jeans feature a beautiful, light indigo hue warp with a natural beige weft, which come together perfectly with the fabrics slubby texture. Like all of Oni’s offerings there jeans are made in Japan, and feature great details such as custom hardware, raised belt loops, and a custom leather patch.
Available for $271 from Redcast Heritage.
2) The Strike Gold: 0104KE “Keep Earth” Natural Indigo Straight Tapered Jeans
The options are much more plentiful if you’re looking for a darker indigo, but The Strike Gold’s 0140KE Keep Earth should definitely be on everyone’s consideration list. These jeans have a deep indigo hue paired with neppy, irregular denim; weighing in at 17oz. these jeans are definitely on the heavier side, but that will certainly add to their fade-ability.
Available for $336 from Redcast Heritage Co.
3) Samurai: S211AX 18Oz. AI Benkei Jeans – Relaxed Tapered
Samurai is one of the most well renowned denim brands, so it should come as no surprise that they have some fantastic natural indigo offerings. Their 3211AX AI Benkei Jeans come in at 18oz., and while the fabric isn’t as irregular as some of the others on this list it still has a ton of character. These jeans are finished with copper rivets and iron buttons, two details that shouldn’t surprise any fans of Samurai.
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Available for $353 from Redcast Heritage.
4) The Flat Head: 17Oz. D306MKC Natural Indigo Cotton/Silk Denim (Relax Tapered fit)
If you are interested in trying a fabric that isn’t 100% cotton with your natural indigo jeans, then The Flat Head’s D306MKC are a compelling choice. They’re made from a 95%/5% cotton/silk blend fabric, which features yarns that have been dipped 24 times in “Grand indigo” dye followed by 11 times in natural indigo. While we won’t know until the fade pics come in, this dyeing and fabric combination should result in some truly gorgeous fades.
Available for $481 from Corlection.
5) Naked and Famous: Natural Indigo Loomstate Selvedge
If you are looking for natural indigo jeans but don’t want to break the bank then you should definitely check out Naked & Famous’ Natural Indigo Loomstate Selvedge. Available in multiple fits, these 13oz. loomstate denim jeans feature natural indigo dyed yarn and are completely made in Canada. While you won’t get all the bells and whistles you get with more expensive brands, these jeans offer a ton of bang for your buck.
Available for $124 from Tate + Yoko.
Plus One – Pure Blue Japan: 1165 Double Natural Indigo Sashiko Relaxed Tapered
This week’s Plus One spot was hard to choose with both loomstate and silk denims vying hard for the coveted spot. But in the end, Pure Blue Japan’s 1165 Double Natural Indigo Sashiko was just too special. Yes, they are incredibly expensive, but the 12oz. natural indigo sashiko fabric is not only beautiful in its own right, but also allows the hues of the dye to truly show off. While not everyone would be comfortable wearing these everyday, it’s hard to deny their inherit beauty. And let’s be honest, we all just want to see how they fade.
Available for $1015 from Blue in Green.
