Concept take an in-depth look at one the most exciting denim brand's currently on the market - 3sixteen.
Denim is a funny old thing. On the one hand, it’s easily the most ubiquitous fabric in the world. On the other, the vast majority of people who buy and wear the stuff know very little about it. Especially, when it comes to what separates good from bad. For that reason, we thought we would talk you through what makes a pair of 3sixteen jeans just so damn good.
Founded in 2008 3sixteen has been producing U.S. made denims of the highest quality. Made by denim lovers for both purists and casual wearers alike, 3sixteen dare you to find a better made pair of jeans.
Fabric Details & Manufacture
Denim Origin: 14.5oz raw indigo selvedge denim custom woven in Okayama, Japan.
Manufacture: San Francisco, CA.
Since the brands conception back in 2008, they have had the privilege to work with the Okayama based Kuroki Mills - one of the most famous denim mills in Japan. Producing their own custom woven fabric proved to be somewhat of a challenge for the small company starting out, due to the cost of yardage minimums. But the guys at 3sixteen thought it was an important factor to offer a fabric that is completely unique to their jeans, something that no one else can buy. The end result was a 14.5oz raw denim - not too light, but heavy enough to offer significant durability over time. Each pair is woven with open-ended weft yarn that offers a much softer handle on the inside than your typical crunchy raw denim. The brand felt it was important to produce their jeans in the good old USA so that they can maintain the high standard of quality and make adjustments and improvements along the way.
Leather Patch: Natural tan leather patch made by Tanner Goods in Portland.
The Jeans are finished off with a simple branded Natural tan English Bridle leather patch, produced by a small leather goods company by the name of Tanner Goods in Portland Oregon. The great thing about each patch is that they age alongside the jeans, so, as the denim wears out and lightens over time the leather patch darkens creating a contrasting patina.
Additional Details: Selvedge fly placket and hidden coin pocket detail.
Sometimes the best details are the ones that only the wearer knows about. 3sixteen didn’t want any flashy embellishments to spoil there clean minimal aesthetic, which is why they chose to keep them minimal. With each pair featuring a simple hidden selvedge coin pocket, selvedge fly placket and branded gun metal shanks and rivets the New York based company are letting their customers know that their new jeans were put together with a fantastic eye for details.
Hems: Chain-stitched hem using a vintage Union Special machine.
It may seem like an insignificant detail, after all who really looks at the stitching on the hem? Chain-stitched hems are also in no way stronger than topstitched hems, however its merely down to personal preferences and 3sixteen feel that finishing their jeans in such a way lets the customer know that there was plenty of thought and attention put into the finish of every pair of jeans. Of course traditionally chain stitching is the authentic vintage way to finish the hem but you didn’t need to know that!
View the full 3sixteen range online at Concept.