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.
If you’re reading this, you most likely consider yourself to be a denimhead, but that doesn’t mean you’ve stepped into the world of ultra heavyweight raw denim just yet. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best options currently available. While heavyweight denim isn’t for everyone, and certainly isn’t pleasant to wear on muggy summer days, the weather is about to get a bit cooler. And with enough wear these heavyweight options will start to feel like a second skin.
1) Iron Heart: 555S-SBG Super Slim in 21oz. Superblack Fade To Grey
Iron Heart is the obvious choice for a pair of heavyweight denim, with many fans of the brand claiming their heavyweight offering to be just as comfortable as most brands regular weight offerings. Their 555S-SGB Super Slim is a great option, especially if you are interested in a pair of black jeans. These made in Japan jeans are constructed from 21oz. black selvedge denim that fades to grey similarly to how indigo fades to lighter blue hues, and features a ton of great details: zinc buttons, tucked belt loops, fully lined back pockets, and so much more.
Available for $385 from Division Road.
2) Samurai: S511XX19ozII “Kiwami II” 19Oz. Selvedge Denim – Slim Tapered Fit
While not the heaviest denim around, Samurai’s 19oz. S511XX19ozII “Kiwami II” jeans still pack a punch. They’re made from an unsanforized (but one wash) fabric with lots of irregularities, custom copper rivets, and raised belt loops—all the details you’d expect from a brand of Samurai’s caliber. These jeans feature a mid rise and slim, tapered fit with plenty of room in the thigh; while we all know the style of jeans we like, just remember that generally speaking heavyweight has less stretch and is overall less forgiving in regards to fit.
Available for $370 from Blue Owl.
3) Unbranded: UB #21 21oz. Heavyweight Selvedge
If you are interested in getting into the world of heavyweight denim but don’t want to break the bank then Unbranded is the way to go. Their #21 line of jeans, which come in a wide range of cuts, are an economical way to try out heavyweight denim if you’re unsure how much you’ll actually like wearing it. They are made from 21oz. indigo selvedge denim, and while they may lack some of the bells and whistles you’d get from a more expensive pair these jeans still feature chainstitching, hidden rivets, and great construction for the money.
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Available for $126 from Unbranded.
4) Oni: ONI-622ZR 20Oz. Secret Denim Relax Tapered
Oni is known for their highly irregular denim, all of which are present on their heavyweight Oni-622ZR jeans. They’re made in Japan from a 20oz., low tension fabric that has tons of texture and character, and features raised belt loops, custom copper hardware, and reinforcement throughout. Obviously denim is incredibly personal so you should always get the pair that best suits you, but remember that heavyweight pairs will last you even longer—just be sure you’ll be happy with all the little details for years to come.
Available for $258 from Redcast Heritage.
5) Naked and Famous: Weird Guy Super Heavyweight in 32oz. Selvedge Indigo
If you want the absolute, heaviest denim possible, then there are few substitutes for Naked & Famous’ Super Heavyweights. These 32oz. monsters are going to be miserable to wear new and will remain incredibly uncomfortable once broken in, but that’s the price we pay for pushing the boundaries of denim. These jeans are paired with an ultra-thick leather patch, contrast stitching, and dark copper rivets, resulting in a great pair of jeans that almost no one would like to wear.
Available for $545 from Tate + Yoko.
Plus One – The Strike Gold: SG 9105 24Oz. Straight Jeans
If you are interested in heavyweight denim but want a more traditional, straight-fitting jean then The Strike Gold’s SG 9105 are a phenomenal choice. Made from 24oz. denim with an indigo warp and grey weft, these jeans have a ton of great details such as iron/copper male/females rivets for reinforcement, an ultra-textured fabric, and a gold selvedge ID. While these aren’t the type of jeans to buy lightly (no pun intended), they are the type you expect to keep in your rotation for years to come.
Available for $282 from Redcast Heritage.
