Dutil tops the list and rightfully so. With over 4000 pairs of jeans in plentiful supply, many of the most established and desirable brands are here. Situated on the historic 300 block of West Cordova Street, this specialist emporium harkens to an age where a well-made pair of jeans, were as essential as a hat. Indeed, that era is upon us again, fueled by the desire for denim that’s built to last and can be worn daily. For hardcore denim enthusiasts, Dutil is the best place in the city. Right now, it’s time to get raw. Check out the latest from brands like: Nudie, APC, Naked & Famous, Imogene & Willie, Doublewood, Tellason, Free Note Cloth and Iron Heart.
Neighbour is one of Gastown’s most respected and well-known clothing stores. Check out from Tres Bien Homme – their Zip Coat Kuroki Grey in Denim; made in Portugal, this is not your typical denim jacket and it’s crafted from grey Japanese denim in 3/4 length. Also quite nice is The Max Raw Jean from Acne Studios. The jean sits just below the waist, has a slim thigh and narrow cut below the knee. It is made with classic five-pocket jean styling, contrast stitching and a raw indigo wash that will fade well over time.
Haven stocks a ton of really great brands and offers a fantastic selection of denim in a variety of washes, cuts, and rises. They have a category devoted exclusively to the blue cloth. On our radar – from Japan – Visvim Social Sculpture 05 Slim Unwashed Indigo –The final result is a pair of denim which offer a unique and complex visual and tactile impression rarely found in modern garments, and one which only gets better with time and use. Featuring a high rise/tapered fit, the ’05’ jeans are finished by a natural dyed deer leather patch situated at the rear, and zipper fly fastening.
Roden Gray is possibly one of the best current fashion menswear stores around. They stock APC – a denim brand that one could follow for a lifetime. Since its inception in the late 1980’s by designer Jean Touitou, Paris-based brand A.P.C. (Atelier de Production et de Creation) has garnered a devoted following of denim enthusiasts with their high quality, minimalist selvedge denim. We recommend their Petit Standard Stretch Five pocket jeans in 12.75 oz Japanese stretch denim. Very nice and fitting.
Nifty Do sells quality men’s clothing and accessories with high levels of craftsmanship. They specialize in premium raw Japanese denim and they carry such brands as Rogue Territory, Oriental United, Prospective Flow and Railcar Fine Goods. We like the SPIKES X026 “BLACK SELVEDGE” DENIM by Railcar Fine Goods – made from beautiful mid-weight Japanese selvedge denim; with black weft and warp, Slim-straight fit in 13 oz Japanese red-line selvedge denim.
Livestock are carrying an interesting brand, made in Vancouver called {ie. Notewothy is their SLIM JEAN RAW INDIGO made from selvedge denim sourced from Japan, the {ie Denim features a classic white selvedge with red stitching, along with a reflective print detail for commuters, that can be seen when cuffed.
