According to a professional shopper and semi-professional gift-giver.

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Get ready for high fashion! Alexandra Leclerc’s collaboration with FRAME brings ‘it girl’ looks and the highly anticipated Leo jeans.

French-Mexican influencer, Leclerc, has collaborated with FRAME on a new capsule collection which will be available as of May 1st, 2026.

Frame introduced its newest collaboration with Alexandra Leclerc, the “It” Girl influencer, art curator and wife of Formula 1 star and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. Leclerc serves both as muse and collaborator for the brand’s ultra-chic 21-piece capsule collection.

“I’ve always loved FRAME. I have so many pieces from them that I wear constantly around Monaco. This isn’t a collection I designed for a version of myself – it’s pieces I actually reach for, in a city that’s actually my home,” says Leclerc.

While Leclerc said her style is rather more feminine, this collaboration emulates her everyday, effortlessly cool and put-together style, like fitted jeans, statement jackets and sweet matching sets.

In that vein, the collection was designed to be a complete wardrobe of European summer essentials. Think sculpted dresses, snug tanks and tees, leather and capri pants.

Photographed by Robin Galiegue and directed by Vincent Catel, the campaign showcases Leclerc modeling the collaborative designs against the vibrant settings of Monaco, including Villa La Vigie and Pavyllon Monte-Carlo restaurant.

“This partnership is very special because it’s me at home. It’s not me at an event or on a red carpet – it’s just me, in the place that has always felt like home, in pieces I’m genuinely comfortable in and will wear every single day. Not for a particular occasion, just for life. The fact that the team wanted to shoot it that way, all around the places where I actually spend my time, dinners, coffee, walks, that meant so much to me. Every location in the campaign is somewhere that’s a real part of my life,” Leclerc explained. “We even shot part of it in the house where I had my civil wedding.”

You can shop for FRAME at Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and at YOOX.

The post FRAME × Alexandra Leclerc – Spring 2026 Capsule first appeared on Denimology.

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Get the Best of Unsanforized Selvegde Without Sizing Risks

When you dive into the world of well-made selvedge, you quickly encounter brands that pride themselves on richly textured denim. 

Much of that denim is unsanforized, meaning it hasn’t been pre-shrunk before being cut and sewn into jeans—and that can make getting the right size a real challenge.

The solution to this was introduced nearly a century ago: sanforization.

Sanforization is a mechanical process that pre-shrinks fabric, making sizing more predictable, but it comes with downsides: sanforizing smooths out some of the texture. This texture rises to the surface with fading, but, when it is new, some people find sanforized denim a little flat.

If you want some of the most richly textured denims on the planet without any of the sizing headaches associated with shrink-to-fit denim, you should be looking at one-washed, unsanforized selvedge.

The denim is left unsanforized, but it is washed once at the factory. This removes most of the shrinkage while preserving the texture and character of fresh-off-the-loom selvedge.

That first wash does more than just control shrinkage. Unsanforized denim is tightly rolled after weaving, and washing it opens up the fabric—raising fibres to the surface, tightening the weave, and settling the stitching.

The result is denim that draws the hand and the eye immediately. How they’ll fade—that part’s up to you. How they’ll look and fit after that first wash—that question has been answered for you.

The Best Brands for One-Washed Unsanforized Selvedge

The brands we’ll cover here all specialise in one-washed unsanforized pairs. We’ll let you know what to expect with each brand and how to approach sizing to get a perfect fit. 

Oni

The undisputed kings of textured, one-wash selvedge

The gatekeepers of the most closely guarded secrets in the selvedge game, Oni work with some of the industry’s most-experienced weavers and dyers. Their denims brim with texture that demands close (even microscopic) attention.

It’s no surprise that a brand that places texture in the foreground does everything they can to help customers appreciate the work and expertise that’s gone into creating this selvedge. Their one-washed selvedge is nothing short of magical. 

Each Oni denim reacts differently when washed, so their sizing varies significantly. Read the size charts carefully. You may need to size up or down to get a perfect fit.

Oni’s signature is loose weaves, which means their denims will stretch out more than more tightly woven denims. With loosely woven pairs, expect at least a full tag size of stretch. Start with a very snug fit.  

Oni is sold at: Redcast Heritage (ES), Blue in Green (US), and Hinoya (JP)

Samurai

The perfect brand for faders with high-contrast aspirations

More than any other brand in Japan, Samurai approach each new denim thinking about how it will fade. For those looking for dramatic fades with incredibly sharp contrasts, Samurai denims deliver the goods.

Samurai once offered unwashed and unsanforized versions of some of their iconic pairs, but they seem to have transitioned over the last few years to only offering one-washed versions of their pairs (usually, but not always, marked with “II” at the end of the model number).

Samurai’s one-washed pairs tend to be on the tight side for those at the upper end of a given size range. They’re often a little larger than the tag size at the bottom of the size range. Double and triple check the measurements before ordering.

Samurai’s denims are also quite stiff and unforgiving. They won’t stretch out much, so choose a size that will hug your waist comfortably from day one.

You can buy Samurai from these retailers: Franklin & Poe (US), Brooklyn Clothing (CA), Blue in Green (US), and Redcast Heritage (ES).

The Strike Gold

Rough and crisp selvedge that fades like nothing else

Crisp and richly textured, Strike Gold’s denims are prized for their exceptional fade potential. Rough, hairy, and loosely woven, the denims are produced slowly and with tremendous care—something that becomes more apparent as the denim ages.

With details like cotton threads and rivets that are copper on the outside and iron on the inside, these pairs show their age like few others. They will likely require more repair work than pairs sewn with poly-cotton threads, but that’s part of the charm.

Most Strike Gold pairs run on the large side. For a slim fit, you’ll likely want to size down for a snug fit bordering on tight. Thanks to their loose weave, you can expect them to stretch out to a very comfortable fit. 

The Strike Gold offer a few of their pairs in both washed and unwashed versions. The unwashed versions will shrink to fit. When both options are available, they are clearly marked as either “one wash” or “non-wash” next to the tag size. There are different size charts for each version. 

The Strike Gold is sold at Redcast Heritage (ES) and Those That Know (UK)

Sugar Cane

A conservative repro brand for the classic selvedge experience

With the same parent company as perennial Denimhunters favourites like Buzz Rickson’s and Whitesville, Sugar Cane produce deeply respectful versions of American casual icons. A great choice for those who want the best of both the new and the old worlds.

Their denims look and feel traditional. They don’t rely on heavy texture or visual impact—instead, they deliver a clean, understated take on vintage repro denim that rewards long-term wear.

Sugar Cane’s pairs are generally close to true-to-size, but definitely not close enough to rely on tag size alone. Check the measurements carefully—you may need to size up or down for a perfect fit. 

Sugar Cane has both sanforized and unsanforized denims in their range. If you’re ordering elsewhere than through the link below, this is definitely a brand that you’ll want to double-check specifications before you order to make sure you’re getting an unsanforized pair.

Sugar Cane is available at: Redcast Heritage (ES), Franklin & Poe (US), Blue in Green (US), Hinoya (JP), and Iron Shop Provisions (US).

Omoto Denim

A fast riser in the selvedge scene for very good reasons

The newest brand on this list was founded by a former member of the Momotaro team who broke off to create his own line of vintage-minded jeans. The brand has made a strong and immediate impression, stacking up retailers around the world in short order.

At the moment, they’re working with two selvedge denims, a lightweight 13.5 oz. selvedge and a 15.5 oz. middleweight. The wash brings a ton of texture to the surface with both denims, and it’s easy to see why the brand has been winning new fans everywhere they touch down.

Omoto pairs were likely true-to-size before washing. The factory wash has shrunk them by as much as two full tag sizes. Check the measurements carefully. You may need to size way down to get a perfect fit with this brand. 

Omoto Denim is sold at Redcast Heritage (US), Cultizm (DE), Franklin & Poe (US), Brooklyn Clothing Co. (CA), Hinoya (JP)

Warehouse

Impeccable in every possible way

Any conversation about unsanforized selvedge has to include Warehouse. Widely regarded in Japan as the first name in reproductions of American icons from the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s, unsanforized denim is right in their wheelhouse.

Warehouse denims are all highly conservative, but this is a big part of their appeal for those looking for a truly classic denim experience. They fade brilliantly, especially when worn a ton and washed regularly.

Warehouse pairs run small, and the discrepancy between the measurements and the tag size increases as the size climbs. Especially if you’re in one of the larger sizes, you might need to size down two sizes to get a perfect fit.

Warehouse is sold at Lost & Found (CA), Cultizm (DE), Hinoya (JP), and Clutch Café (UK).

TCB Jeans

No-nonsense selvedge, perfect for newcomers

TCB pairs fly off the shelves faster than retailers can stock them, in large part due to the brand’s ability to provide metric tons of value. With more bang for your buck than just about any other brand, they’re a great choice for anybody who wants to get a lot without digging deep to get it.

With all of their pairs washed thoroughly in the factory, the denim is remarkably plush and soft. Few pairs are this comfortable out of the box, and even fewer are this easy to wear day in and day out. No matter what the weight or cut, TCB pairs are the cat’s meow.

Another pair that is likely true-to-size before the factory wash. The wash shrinks each pair by around two tag sizes, so this is definitely a pair you’ll want to size up with. You can expect the denim to stretch by at least an inch in the waist, so aim for a very snug fit when trying them on.

TCB is available at: Redcast Heritage (ES), Cultizm (DE), and Franklin & Poe (US)

Full Count

Easy-wearing selvedge from a legendary Japanese brand

The first brand to experiment with Zimbabwean cotton, Full Count were also one of the first brands to start pushing ounces upwards. Rather than painstakingly reproducing classics, they’ve always gone out of their way to push the industry into new and interesting territory.

Their 13.7 oz. and 15.5 oz. selvedge denims remain some of the best-possible introductions to the world of easy-wearing, well-made selvedge. Can produce contrasts if pushed, but it’s best to lean into their strengths and push for beautiful vintage fades with plenty of wear and washing.

Most Full Count pairs will fit true-to-size, but you can expect them to stretch out by around a full tag size with plenty of wear. Start with a very snug fit around the waist. They’ll stretch out to fit very comfortably. 

Buy Full Count at Redcast Heritage (ES), Blue in Green (US), Cultizm (DE), Clutch Café (UK)

Graph Zero

Pushing boundaries with every pair

One of the most creative selvedge brands in the space, Graph Zero have gained a stellar reputation in Japan and around the world for their willingness to experiment with new approaches to selvedge.

Each pair is a showcase of Japan’s unrivalled textile expertise. Dyed and woven by some of the most passionate artisans on the planet, these denims have a wow factor that few brands can match.

Graph Zero pairs usually run a little on the small side, but, with the loose weave, you can expect them to stretch by around a full tag size. You might be able to order your typical size, but you’ll want to double check the measurements (especially if you wear a large size). 

Graph Zero is sold at Redcast Heritage (ES) and Cultizm (DE).

Tanuki

Best coloured wefts in the scene

One of the most slept-on brands in the scene, Tanuki can rival brands like Oni and PBJ for beautifully textured denims. They’ve also got some of the most flattering cuts out there. A great choice for those looking to make a powerful style statement with their pair.

Tanuki have always been a brand that do something very special on the inside of their jeans. Their coloured wefts make each pair as beautiful on the reverse side as they are on the outside.

Tanuki pairs are usually pretty close to their tag size, but larger fellas may want to size down. With their loose weave, you can expect around an inch of stretch in the waist, so aim for a snug fit when trying on.

Tanuki is available at Redcast Heritage (ES) and Blue Beach Denim (TW)

Momotaro

Easy-going and unmistakable 

With a strong reputation that stretches around the globe, Momotaro is, for many denimheads, the door to the world of well-made Japanese selvedge. An excellent starting point for your next fade journey.

With a wide-ranging choice of denims and cuts, Momotaro leave only some of their pairs unsanforized. The link below will take you to the unsanforized pairs in the Momotaro lineup.

Most Momotaro pairs are pretty close to their tagged size (usually within an inch or so). With a tighter weave you can expect a little less stretch—usually less than an inch—as the denim relaxes. 

Momotaro is stocked at: Redcast Heritage (ES), Cultizm (DE), Franklin & Poe (US), Division Road (US), Hinoya (JP), Blue Beach Denim (TW), DeeCee Style (CH)

The Flat Head

Back from the brink and better than ever

Since re-emerging a couple of years ago as a more streamlined heritage brand, The Flat Head have been reminding denimheads exactly what put them on the map in the early aughts. Still an excellent choice for those who want high contrast fades without the high ounces.

If you’ve heard the name but haven’t yet sampled the denims, this is a great time to introduce yourself to the brand. Their flagship Pioneer Denim is a legend in the scene for very good reasons.

Flat Head’s one-washed pairs are on the small side (especially in the bigger sizes). It’s likely you’ll want to size up, but you’ll want to double-check the measurements to confirm this. Expect a little less than an inch of stretch. 

The Flat Head offer a few of their pairs in both washed and unwashed versions. The unwashed versions will shrink to fit. For the link we’ve provided below, when both options are available, they are clearly marked as either “one wash” or “non-wash” next to the tag size. There are different size charts for each version. 

The Flat Head is available at: Redcast Heritage (ES), Franklin & Poe (US), and Iron Shop Provisions (US)

Resolute

Utterly essential for vintage faders

Founded by legendary Japanese denim designer Yoshiyuki Hayashi in 2010, Resolute quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. If, like Hayashi-san, you think jeans reached the peak with the 501 produced in the 1960s, this brand is not to be missed.

To bring out the best in these exceptional pairs, treat them to regular washing and even more regular wearing. They’ll reward you with vintage, washed-out blues and train tracks like you wouldn’t believe.

Resolutes run quite small, so you might need to size up by two full tag sizes. They’ll likely stretch less than an inch as they relax, so take this into account when looking at the measurement charts.  

Pure Blue Japan

Dripping with texture and indigo 

One of the first brands to really push the envelope with highly textured denims, PBJ quickly earned a cult-like following among fade enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a pair that ages like a fine wine, you can’t do much better than PBJ.

It’s no surprise that a brand that prides itself on their beautifully textured denims, PBJ gives each pair a vigorous wash to bring that texture to the surface. The only thing more beautiful than a fresh pair of PBJs is a faded pair.

Most PBJ pairs are smaller than their tag size might suggest. You’ll likely need to size up for a perfect fit, though a few of their pairs will fit true-to-size. Check the measurements carefully. 

You can get Pure Blue Japan at Redcast Heritage (ES), Franklin & Poe (US), Brooklyn Clothing Co. (CA), Blue in Green (US), DeeCee Style (CH), and Clutch Café (UK)

orSlow

A perfect bridge into the world of well-made pairs

With a fan base that extends well beyond the selvedge scene, orSlow have helped introduce a ton of fashion-conscious consumers to the wide world of well-made Japanese selvedge and heritage menswear.

They’ve done this with deeply respectful and quietly conservative jeans that speak volumes without raising the volume. Lean into their wheelhouse by wearing them daily and washing them frequently. Can produce stunning vintage fades when they’re pushed hard.

orSlow offer their pairs in six sizes, running from 0 (equivalent to a 29W) to a 5 (equivalent to a 36). They’ll stretch out by around a full tag size in the waist. Read the size charts carefully and pick one that will fit very snugly around your waist when you first try them on.

orSlow is sold at Cultizm (DE) and Blue in Green (US)

Still Not Finding the Perfect Brand for You? 

If you want a broader look at the best denim brands in the scene, you’ll find a more complete list of Japanese, European, American, and Southeast Asian brands in our Selvedge Masterlist or Thomas’ guide to The Best Raw Denim Brands in the World.

Should you want to dive even deeper into the Japanese denim scene, Thomas’ Definitive Guide to Japanese Denim Brands is a good place to start.

The post Ready to Wear: One-Washed Unsanforized Jeans appeared first on Denimhunters.

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Short answer: you’re not being forced to ditch them – but fashion has definitely moved on. But are we really ready to go “clean”?

We have been to many denim previews these past months. And we have also checked out – and posted about – fashion shows and fashion events.

And let’s face it, most of the looks this fall and also this coming fall and winter season tend to look cleaner, slimmer, “more behaved”. But are we really ready to go there?

Well, personally, I go by – I wear what I feel good in and what I love, and if you don’t like it, then don’t look at me! So no, I am not really a fashion follower when it comes to my denim.

To make it easier for you to decide which way you want to go this coming summer and fall, we broke down some of the fashion “rules” for you.

And always remember, you don’t need to follow fashion, but rather create your own fashion – which we think is much more fun, anyway!

Heavily ripped jeans → basically on pause

• “Overly ripped… completely outdated in 2026”
• Big shredding and destruction now feel too chaotic
• The shift is toward clean, finished denim

Translation:
You can still wear your beloved distressed bad boys – but they no longer look current

Extremely oversized and baggy jeans → losing momentum

• Dramatically oversized cuts are beginning to feel outdated
• Super baggy silhouettes are seen as overwhelming and less versatile

But there is an important nuance:

• Extreme baggy is fading
• Controlled volume is in

What’s replacing them

The tendency is towards balance and polish:

• Straight-leg / stovepipe jeans
• Tailored wide-leg (not huge)
• Bootcut & mid-rise ’90s fits
• Clean dark as well as clean light washes

Bottom line

• Ripped jeans: outdated if heavily distressed
• Oversized jeans: still around, but less extreme
• New direction: polished, balanced, intentional denim

Some suggestions so that you don’t have to toss your favorites: Just update how you wear them. Like, instead of wearing your ripped, baggy jeans with a hoodie, try a structured blazer with a clean tee and a belt.

You can find some “moderately” ripped and “not so” baggy jeans below to help you refresh your denim closet!

Good American Good Ease Jeans ($128) – baggy, but still fitted

AE Strigid Low-Rise Baggy Straight Jeans ($59.69) – a not too baggy fit in a darker blue vintage wash with the fashionably less ripping

ASKK NY Straight Leg Jeans ($206.25) – a trendy cropped straight leg with barely there ripping

AG Billie High Rise Relaxed Straight Jeans ($265) – neither too fitted nor to baggy, a classic fit

R13 Cuffws X-Boyfriend Jeans ($795) – boyfriend jeans are a must-have

The post So… Are Ripped & Oversized Jeans Really Out? first appeared on Denimology.

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And – of course – we’re talking about DENIM shorts here:-)

Oh, and denim shorts aren’t just “coming” = they’re already redefining themselves for Summer 2026, and honestly, they’re very different from the old cutoffs.

Denim shorts summer 2026, what’s actually happening:

Mid-Length Shorts Are the New Standard

• Not micro, not knee-length
• Hits mid-thigh (5″–7″ inseam)
• Clean, tailored look

Bermuda Denim Is Still Strong

• Longer, looser fits (just above or at the knee)
• “Dadcore” / ’90s energy
• More polished than casual

Clean Versus Distressed

• Minimal rips
• Finished hems
• Dark indigo and medium blue washes

Y2K Is Still There (But Controlled)

• Low-rise options
• Slightly cheekier cuts
• Vintage washes

The vibe is not chaotic, but rather more edited and intentional.

What you’ll actually see this summer:

Mid-length vintage denim shorts, loose Bermudas worn with blazers, and lots of white denim shorts paired with tanks and sandals.

As opposed to:

Super ripped cutoffs, ultra-tight short shorts, and overly “festival” denim.

You can find some of our team’s favorite options in the gallery below. Just click on the link below each image to shop.

Driftwood Palmer Barrel Shorts ($158)

MOTHER Zip Twist Fray Shorts ($278) – also available in white denim

Good American Girlfriend Shorts ($118) – available in four different colors

BIRTH OF ROYAL CHILD Crystal Embellished Shorts ($292)

LOEWE Paula’s Ibiza Roses Floral-Print Denim Shorts ($474)

DIESEL Shorts in Worn-Effect Denim ($250)

GANNI Lilac Denim Shorts ($59)

Citizens of Humanity Ayla High Waist Raw Hem Cutoff Denim Bermuda Shorts ($248)

The post Shorts Season Coming Up – Yes, Please! first appeared on Denimology.

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For Fall 2026, Popova didn’t abandon denim. What she did was push it into a more conceptual, sensual direction. The collection, which she named ‘Intimate Hours’, explored bedroom psychology, intimacy, and the body, and denim became part of that narrative rather than the whole story.

Denim – btw, Popova’s signature – was reworked into a variety of silhouettes and was pushed into more tailored territory.

One look featured a halter-style denim top tied into a large bow across the chest, cut away at the midriff, paired with low-slung jeans secured by crossed leather belts that wrapped diagonally around the hips.

Leaf motifs were embedded into the denim surface, hinting at the designer’s ongoing experimentation with treated fabrics.

In another look, a corset-like denim bodice with off-the-shoulder sleeves and visible red topstitching was worn with dramatically flared jeans that pooled at the floor. The silhouette combined architectural details with a grungy sensuality, reflecting Popova’s architectural background and her ability to manipulate rigid fabrics into fluid forms.

For the Fall/Winter 2026 collection, Popova’s woman is neither fully dressed nor fully undone. Instead, she occupies the liminal state between self-awareness and defiant display.

You can purchase Masha Popova clothing at Desigual and at Nordstrom.

The post Masha Popova Fall/Winter 2026 Denim Looks first appeared on Denimology.

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The Gap × Victoria Beckham collaboration is one of the biggest high–low fashion moments of 2026. It’s a multi-season partnership kicking off with a 38-piece Spring capsule, which dropped today, April 24, 2026.

The capsule blends Gap’s all-American basics with Beckham’s tailored, minimalist luxury aesthetic.

Gap and Victoria Beckham partnership debutes with a Spring collection that sees Gap classics reimagined through Victoria’s unique design lens.

Built on the foundations of a modern wardrobe, this capsule refines staple pieces with balanced proportions, sharp structure and thoughtful details . Designed to inspire confidence while bringing a sense of sophisticated ease to Gap’s iconic essentials. 

“To me, Gap is an all-American icon. A brand that has always created timeless pieces for everybody’s wardrobe, with a sharp attention to detail,” said Victoria Beckham.

“Bringing my design perspective to those everyday essentials and working with a team that shares that same commitment to craftsmanship and execution has made this collaboration incredibly special.” 

The 38-piece collection is anchored in Gap and Victoria Beckham’s shared focus on refined wardrobe building blocks . Denim, khaki, tees, button-up, and fleeces grounded in simplicity, versatility, and precision. The assortment moves from utilitarian-inspired pieces in khaki and green to an iconic heavyweight fleece logo set.

Denim leads, featuring the Arc Jean, alongside classic straight and capri silhouettes designed to pair with matching denim jackets and shirting. 

Additional pieces include a crisp white button-up, structured outerwear, including a trench and bomber, and classic crewneck organic cotton tees. Elevated fabrications and refined construction run throughout, with Victoria Beckham’s VB signature in red stitching appearing as a subtle design detail. The collection is available in adult sizing XXS–XX on the Gap website and select Gap stores globally.

The post Gap x Victoria Beckham Collaboration first appeared on Denimology.

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