Gustin Jeans Selvage Denim made in SF

[mattface]

SO I know these guys have been talked about on here in reference to their kickstarter project, but the Kickstarter is over, and they've launched a new website to sell their stuff with a similar crowd-sourced model. It's really quite incredible, the quality they can offer for the price. THe downside is that you put down your money up front, then have to wait for your jeans to be made, but you never have to worry about them running out of your size, and the quality is right up there with stuff selling for $200 plus. Basically they set a goal number of jeans for a project to be funded. once that goal is met, the project closes, you get charged, and they commence production on that set of jeans. In Just 3 days, 6 projects have reached their goal. I know they are adding some new denims this morning.

I ordered a pair of the Classics which are a mid-weight Japanese denim. It was recommended as the most durable denim they had, but it has since sold out. I think the Heavy American looks great, and would have gladly jumped on that one. THey also had some more unusual denims like a heavy slub, and some unique colors, but what I want right now is just a good basic pair of jeans that I can wear forever, or hopefully at least for more than a year before I have to start patching them. I'm guessing I will want more in the future, but I'll wait until my first pair breaks in before ordering another pair.

I will leave you with a bit of denim porn from their site.

 

[Boyo]

+1
I jumped aboard for two pairs of jeans during the kickstarter campaign, but I backed the leather belt they're making yesterday.
Great American Made jeans for less than $100, whats not to like..

 

[mattface]

THe belt looks great. I don't need one, but I'm still tempted by it. I love good leather, and I'm thinking that given time and my home made beeswax/olive oil leather paste, that thing would burnish up to match my Honey Brooks Professional, and when it comes to accessorizing, I'm all about matching my belt to my saddle.

Anyway, be sure and post up pictures when you get your jeans. I'm anxious as hell to get my hands on mine, but I'll live vicariously in the meantime.

 

[Boyo]

According to the latest update, shipping has started, I'll post when something shows up.

 

[Boyo]

as a backer of the Kickstarter campaign and now their website (weargustin.com).. I finally got around to taking some wear pictures of these jeans...these are the "#07 Regular" .. remember i'm a big guy with short legs.. don't expect too much..

And one with my Levis Menlo

 

[resortes805]

These are cool jeans, but I'm not really sure they are Fedora Lounge Appropriate. Sure they are selvedge, and it is great that they are made in the US; but nothing else about them, neither in design nor presentation, speaks to the type of vintage aesthetics cherished around here.

 

[mattface]

Nice Boyo! Can't wait to get mine!

I would beg to differ with you resortes805, I think the design is pretty classic. Jeans cuts have changed quite substantially over the years, but the straight-leg medium-rise basic 501 cut is a classic kind of like the medium notch lapel, it never goes entirely out of style. I think the cut on these is really not that far different from the 1947 501 cut. They may not be reproductions for the historical re-enactor, but the fact that Gustin resists the urge to get too fancy or trendy means they will go nicely with plenty of vintage-inspired or contemporary looks. I don't need to be 100% period correct. I like to sample from styles from any time period that suits my fancy, and although I appreciate a good high waisted period correct outfit, I'm just more comfortable when my pants aren't around my navel.

 

[Boyo]

nothing else about them, neither in design nor presentation, speaks to the type of vintage aesthetics cherished around here.

I respect your opinion resortes, although for me and the way I dress they are practical. I have spent over $200 on LVC 501's and $175 on APC denim, these cost $81 and are equal if not better build quality.
Maybe these would go over better on a different forum, but they are certainly worth a look.

 

[bretron]

Gee, Matt, thx. Looks my wallet's in trouble!! Cool concept and unbelievable prices.

 

[resortes805]

No worries gents, they are clearly well made and at a fair price given the high quality.

 

[Lafayette]

I logged on specifically to find out more about Gustin jeans.

I don't need stitch for stitch vintage reproduction; I'm fine with a modern take on the classics.

Anyone out there with experience with the Gustin line(s), feel free to chime in with your experiences.

 

[mattface]

My #22 Classics finally came today! I'm pretty psyched. Couldn't wait to get some pics of them.

Untitled by mattface, on Flickr

Untitled by mattface, on Flickr

Untitled by mattface, on Flickr

Untitled by mattface, on Flickr

Untitled by mattface, on Flickr

 

[Boyo]

Looking good Matt, the fit looks right on....

 

[mattface]

Thanks Boyo! They were a little tight to get on the first time, but are loosening up nicely already. I think they'll be about perfect in a couple of days.

The #22 Classic 13.5 oz Japanese selvage denim is great stuff. Nice tight weave, nice and crispy feel with some texture, and a good weight. Pretty much the quintessential basic denim, and perfect for what I want. I've been ogling all the cool specialty denims they are putting up on a regular basis, and it sure as hell would be cool to have all that variety, but for a guy who usually has a couple pair of jeans in the rotation, a basic like this is the thing. I'd also like to get some heavyweight stuff for winter, but these are just about the perfect middle of the road weight, heavier than anything else I own, but not in a big way. I'm looking forward to seeing and feeling how they break in. I'm confident they are on their way to all time favorite status. Which is good, because my old favorite pair gave up the ghost several years ago, and I've never been able to find something I liked as much. My current favorites are not anywhere near as good as those jeans, and are also currently on their way out.

 

[Boyo]

Matt,
Do you plan on doing an initial cold soak on those? I have a pair of the "super heavy" on ice till the winter, they are pretty substantial, and will be great in the cold. my regulars are improving with each wear and are in a 3 -4 x per week rotation. my only gripe is the length. i would love to be able to wear either without having to double cuff but at a 36 inseam there is no way. seriously considering getting the heavy's hemmed. I sized down to a 35 on my recent order of the natural, which I"m still waiting for.

 

[Boyo]

double post

 

[mattface]

Matt,
Do you plan on doing an initial cold soak on those? I have a pair of the "super heavy" on ice till the winter, they are pretty substantial, and will be great in the cold. my regulars are improving with each wear and are in a 3 -4 x per week rotation. my only gripe is the length. i would love to be able to wear either without having to double cuff but at a 36 inseam there is no way. seriously considering getting the heavy's hemmed. I sized down to a 35 on my recent order of the natural, which I"m still waiting for.

No initial soak, heck I was in such a hurry to try them on I ripped open the envelope and dropped my pants on the way up the stairs to my bedroom. I didn't even take my hat off! I guess that's what comes of waiting 2 months for something. I will try to avoid washing them as long as I can, but I doubt I will be able to wait the 6 months they suggest. I'm just too much of a slob, and spot cleaning can only do so much. I'll probably give them a a salt water soak, swimming in the ocean and letting them dry on later this month when I'm staying at a buddy's beach house in Connecticut.

As for length, I think the 34" inseam is perfect for me, but I do double cuff. If I went up an inch in the waist I'd have to deal with the 36" inseam as well, and I would almost definitely want to hem them. I had a couple pair of Levis 501 Selvage with a 36" inseam, and the cuff was just too damned bulky. I wound up hemming them myself. I don't guess a chainstitched hem matters that much if you always wear them cuffed.

 

[daizawaguy]

Could I ask how true they are to size? What is your waist by tape measure, and what are your jeans? How about shrinkage?

 

[mattface]

Could I ask how true they are to size? What is your waist by tape measure, and what are your jeans? How about shrinkage?

The best way for you to judge sizing would be to compare the measurements of your favorite jeans to their sizing charts on their fit guide. That's what I did, and it worked out about like I expected.

I usually wear a 34 in 501s, and measuring the waistband on a pair of my freshly laundered 501s it usually measures 34", after being worn a few days it'll measure 35-36 inches. They are about perfect at 35" and too loose at 36", so I went with a Gustin 33 which has an actual waist measurement of 34" expecting some stretch. They were a bit tight in the waist, and very tight across the hips on me out of the box, but are breaking in nicely. The thing is I have heard other people say they usually wear a 32, and they sized up to a 33, and it was snug. There is no way I'm fitting into a 32, so I'm glad I trusted my measuring tape and my favorite jeans rather than someone else's experience with their body, and their preferred fit.

 

[ManofKent]

They look really good - you judged the fit well.