Article: Cheap vs Expensive Selvedge Denim
So you’re trying to up your denim game and decided that selvedge denim is where it’s at. But how does a $50 pair of jeans differ from a $350 pair of jeans? Let’s take a look.
Tale of the tape
| Brand | Uniqlo | Rogue Territory |
| Price | $50AUD | $350AUD |
| Model | Stretch Slim Fit Selvedge Jeans (Navy) | SK Indigo 15oz |
| Fabric | 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex | 100% Cotton |
| Fabric from | Kaihara in Japan | Nihon Menpu Mills in Japan |
| Made | Bangladesh | Los Angeles, USA |
| Raw | Not confirmed, but may fade | Yes |
| Size | True to size (slightly small) | True to size (slightly large) |
| Selvedge | Yes | Yes |
| Details | – Branded buttons – Coin pocket | – Hidden pen pocket – Lasso stitch back pocket – Hand branded leather patch – Selvedge on fly & coin pocket – Branded buttons – Coin pocket |
Uniqlo Stretch Slim Fit Selvedge Jeans
Pros
- Heaps affordable
- Comfortable from day one
- Has slight stretch thanks to 2% elastane
- No break-in required
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not 100% cotton
- Sick fades aren’t guaranteed
- No extra design details
- Not as durable
Rogue Territory SK Indigo 15oz
Pros
- 100% cotton
- Sick fades are definitely possible
- Loads of extra design details
- Way more durable
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Heaps stiff from day one
- No stretch
- Break-in period required
- Heavy weight compared to Uniqlo
Affordable Earl Recommendations:
They’re both going to last quite a while, but the pair from Rogue Territory will definitely outlast the Uniqlo pair. Everyones cost per wear will be different here and if you find one fits better than the other, you’ll definitely find more value in a pair that you wear more.
If you like the look for selvedge denim, but don’t want to go through the break-in period or just aren’t ready to jump into the world of raw selvedge denim, then I’d recommend picking up a pair of Uniqlo Selvedge Denim.
If you want to take your jeans on a journey with you, and you want your jeans to rep some sick fades as memories of where you’ve been, I’d recommend the pair from Rogue Territory. They’re more expensive, but they’re likely to last a whole lot longer and be super versatile along the way.
Uniqlo Jeans purchased by Affordable Earl, Rogue Territory Jeans provided by Urban Lupe.
