The Sharp Guide to Denim « Sharp – Canada's Magazine for Men

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May 2013

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The Sharp Guide to Denim

What's The Deal With Japanese Denim?

Wear And Repair

A Word On Washing

Get The Sharp Look

<b>The Bar</b>
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Medium-wash jeans and a sleek leather jacket are a can’t-miss combo for a night on the town.
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<i>Jeans ($195) by BOSS Black; Lambskin jacket ($4995) by Jil Sander, at Nicolas; cotton shirt ($225) by Oliver Spencer; leather belt ($90), by J.Lindeberg; patent leather boots ($1480) by Louis Vuitton</i>

<b>The Weekend</b>
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Light denim is the perfect anchor for casual classics: desert boots, quilted vests, flannel shirts, and boldly coloured scarves.
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<i>Jeans ($265) by Baldwin, at Nomad; Flannel shirt ($100) by Original Penguin; Quilted vest ($150) by J.Crew; Cashmere scarf ($495) by Burberry Prorsum; cotton socks ($15) by Happy Socks, at Gotstyle; Suede chukkas ($200) by John Varvatos</i>

Next-Level Moves

<b>Creased Jeans</b>
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Creasing your jeans will bestow the blue-collar work pants with a touch of white-collar formality.
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<i>Photography</i>: Jason Travis

Don't Neglect Your Torso

Three More Pairs To Try Now

<b>For The Fervent Denim Nerd</b>
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The denim itself is a unique blend of cotton and sugar cane that will develop a gorgeous patina. But it’s the details—like the python skin back patch—that truly make these a collector’s dream.
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<i>Sugar Cane Okinawa, $330 at Self Edge</i>

<b>For The Country-Bred Urban Transplant</b>
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From Sweden’s renowned denim experts, these dungarees have been washed for a tastefully worn-in appearance.
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<i>Acne Bob Washed Straight-Leg Jeans, $270 at Mr. Porter</i>

A Few Final Words On Buying Your Next Pair

<b>Sanforization</b>
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A mechanical method of pre-shrinking and stretching the denim before manufacturing, to prevent unwanted shrinkage later on.
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Photography: <a href="http://www.vintageworkwear.com/2010/12/pepperell-battle-axe-whipcord-1940s.html">VintageWorkwear</a>

<b>Selvedge</b>
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A portmanteau of the words “self edge,” selvedge refers to the finished seam of the fabric—the typically white-and-red taping you see when you flip up the cuffs of your jeans.
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Photography: <a href="http://rumcakeandrawdenim.wordpress.com/2011/01/08/selvedge-denim-vs-regular-denim/">Jordan and Scott</a>

<b>Twill</b>
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The type of weave used to create the textile. Right Hand Twill is the most common style and creates a diagonal pattern that slants upwards and out to the right. Left Hand Twill is less common, though it’s just as self-explanatory. Broken Twill, meanwhile, creates a zigzagging effect that results in a slubby, rugged texture.
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Photography: <a href="http://jeanshop.tumblr.com">JeanShop</a>

<b>Weight</b>
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Measured in ounces—denim ranges from as low as a feathery 6 oz. to a walloping 32 oz.—it refers to how much the fabric weighs per yard of cloth. Standard is about 12 oz., while heavier 18 oz. stock is preferable for motorcycling. Alternately, a lightweight 8 oz. pair will keep you nice and cool in the summer months.

Nothing compares to the rare, <a href="http://www.nakedandfamousdenim.com/blog/32oz-heaviest-jeans-in-the-world/">32oz Heaviest Jeans in the World</a> by Naked & Famous!
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And just for fun, check out more insane jeans by our favourite Canadian denim label, Naked & Famous.
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<b><a href="http://www.nakedandfamousdenim.com/blog/glow-in-the-dark-jeans/">Glow in the Dark</a>:</b> They look like regular jeans during the day, but while you're out doing your daily activities, this insane denim is actually using UV rays to charge up.
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<b><a href="http://www.nakedandfamousdenim.com/blog/scratch-n-sniff-raspberry-scented-denim/">Scratch and Sniff</a>:</b> These jeans are exactly what you think they are. The scent? Sweet raspberry!
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<b><a href="http://www.nakedandfamousdenim.com/blog/new-skinnyguy-blanket-lined-double-denim/">Blanket-Lined</a>:</b> Denim lined with a cozy blanket interior – just what Canadians need. Why didn't anyone think of this sooner?

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