We are pleased to introduce our Rad Rufus high-waisted, regular straight-fit in the extraordinary Dry Ace Selvage. This remarkable fabric, weighing 14.2 oz, boasts a rustic texture and a deep reddish-indigo hue, making it a true work of art. Crafted by the renowned Shinya Mills in Okayama, Japan, it exemplifies the art of perfecting the imperfections of selvage denim.

The story behind the Dry Ace Selvage is as fascinating as the fabric itself. It all began with a pair of unbranded vintage jeans, allegedly dating back to the 1950s, found in a thrift store somewhere in the United States. These jeans showed signs of wear and significant fading, but most importantly, an incredible texture. They were sent to Japan, where the denim was meticulously deconstructed down to the finest details.

The art of denim reverse-engineering is a hallmark of Japanese artisanal denim craftsmanship. The Dry Ace Selvage is a remarkable example of this craftsmanship, as well as a true testament to the unique collaborative approach sometimes employed in premium Japanese denim. The rather extreme slub yarns are spun by Yamachu Mengyo Co. Ltd. in Osaka. The warp yarns undergo an impressive process of 20 dips in pure indigo dye, resulting in a deeply saturated surface with a notably substantial undyed core, thanks to Kaihara Co. Ltd. in Hiroshima. Finally, the fabric is skillfully woven under low tension on vintage looms by Shinya Mills in Okayama. The guiding principle here is "do what you do best," and the final product beautifully reflects the craftsmanship at every stage of denim creation.

The distinctive character of the Ace comes from its thick, very irregular yarns, generous use of indigo, and low-tension weaving. These factors contribute to its appealing rugged wear characteristics. Over time, the dye quickly fades from the surface of the yarns, highlighting their slub, particularly in the vertical direction. When, or if, the jeans are washed, the yarns slightly rearrange, reducing the vertical slub and transforming into a rustic crosshatch texture with a salt-and-pepper effect. It is noteworthy that the heavily saturated surface of the indigo yarns undergoes extraordinary evolution. The washing initially causes a migration of the dye onto the white weft, enhancing color depth. With successive washes, the indigo gradually fades into bright blue shades while preserving deeper tones at seams and creases.

Because of its unmatched wear characteristics, the Ace undoubtedly ranks among the best Japanese selvage denims we have ever encountered. We are therefore very proud to offer it in Rad Rufus.