Blog

We hand-pick all products. When you buy something, we may earn a commission.

Iron Heart’s New Lightweight N1 Gives the Iconic Deck Jacket a Three-Season Upgrade

The deck jacket is having its moment. Within our little world of raw denim and heritage menswear, it’s been a staple for years—but lately, the attention is spreading.

Search traffic for our Best N1 Deck Jackets guide (which we’ve just updated) started climbing earlier than usualy this year—already in September. The N1 isn’t just for hardcore denimheads anymore; it’s crossing over.

I’ve been part of that wave myself. I got my first Iron Heart N1 six winters ago, and the second one last year—both the classic alpaca-lined versions. Before that, I’d been eyeing the style for years (and even, briefly, had one from Pike Brothers).

Iron Heart nails the mix of build, shape, and attitude. It’s one of those jackets that just makes sense the second you put it on. The only catch is that it’s warm, really warm.

The Problem With the Classic N1

Working at Brund, Copenhagen’s Iron Heart dealer, I’ve seen firsthand how fast these jackets move. They’re not cheap—around $800 for the classic version—but they sell out as soon as they arrive.

It’s not just the quality; it’s that the N1 has become the statement piece of the heritage scene. You see it everywhere now, even fashion brands outside the niche are catching on. Within a few years, everyone will be doing their take on it.

Here in Denmark, the N1 season runs from October through to early March—if you’re lucky. Any warmer than that, and it becomes an oven. I’ve found myself waiting months for the right weather to pull it out again.

For anyone living in a milder climate—California, southern Europe, Japan even—it’s practically a winter-only piece. Or something you can’t wear.

The Solution Is So Simple

Iron Heart’s new lightweight N1 feels like a bit of a revelation. It looks the same, but it sheds the bulk and heat that make the original a deep-winter jacket.

Gone is the alpaca lining, and what you have is a water-resistant 6.2 oz. Japanese Ventile cotton, the kind of technical fabric that keeps wind and light rain at bay while letting the jacket breathe. The outer shell is still Iron Heart’s signature 12 oz. whipcord—dense, durable, and sulphur-dyed so it fades slowly with use.

The result is a deck jacket you can wear three seasons a year—it flexes with the climate instead of fighting it. And because it’s Iron Heart, it’s still built unlike anything else: corduroy collar, double needle seams, and a two-way YKK zipper that feels like it could hold a door shut in a storm.

If you want to get in before the rest of the world rediscovers the N1, this warm-weather Iron Heart version might just be the smartest buy.

It’s instantly recognisable, but you’ll probably wear it (even) more than the cold-weather version. At launch, it’s available in khaki and black, and there’s a navy coming too.

If you’re looking for the best of N1 jackets, start with this guide.

The post Finally, an N1 Jacket You Can Wear All Year Round appeared first on Denimhunters.

DENIM and PATCHES sourced this post originally published on this site

This is a sponsored blog post, one of our paid services. We maintain full editorial independence. Read more here.

Finally Taking a Closer Look at Iron & Resin—and Giving You a Chance to Win Some

Iron & Resin and Denimhunters have a few things in common. Both were established in 2011 by a Thom (though I prefer Thomas), and both are built on passion without compromise.

Thom Hill spent decades in surf retail before founding Iron & Resin, a brand that embodies the Californian lifestyle of surf and living on the road. It’s a world I took a close look at when I wrote my master’s thesis about brand authenticity, using Wrenchmonkees as a case study. 

But while I write about other motorcycle-inspired brands (especially one with a similar name)—Iron & Resin has always sat slightly on the perimeter. It’s more true motorcycle gear, less fades. But many of Iron & Resin’s products are worth your attention, and the brand’s story is worth telling.

Win an $800+ Worth of Iron & Resin Gear

If your cold-weather wardrobe could use a boost, this one’s for you. Organised by Heddels, I’ve teamed up with Iron & Resin to give away a full outfit worth more than $800.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

The prize pack includes four pieces that capture what the brand does best:

• Remington Jacket – a 12 oz. duck canvas field coat built for decades of use
• Wincha Shawl Collar Sweater – a heavyweight knit with serious character
• Lotus Shirt – a rugged flannel with workwear roots and coastal ease
• Lancaster Pant – double-knee corduroys ready for the road ahead

To enter, all you need to do is drop your email on the giveaway page (on Heddels) before Monday, 3 November 2025. The winner will be drawn the next day and notified by email.

By entering, you’ll be signed up for the newsletters of all giveaway partners: Iron & Resin, Heddels, Stridewise, Carl Murawski, Cool Material, Live a Little, and (of course) Denimhunters. You can unsubscribe anytime after the giveaway.

Products That Define Iron & Resin

Across the range, you’ll find the same mix of grit and ease that runs through the brand’s California roots. The gear is made for people who spend as much time outside as in—riding, camping, tinkering, travelling. Let’s take a closer look at the core categories.

Outerwear: Waxed and Ready

In California, a jacket isn’t about surviving the cold—it’s about keeping the wind off your back when you’re riding the coast or watching the sun drop behind the hills. It has to breathe, bend, and age well. That balance between toughness and freedom sits at the core of the brand’s design language.

Built from 12 oz. cotton duck canvas, the Remington Jacket starts out stiff but softens the more you wear it. A flannel lining adds warmth and a flash of colour, while the corduroy collar nods to classic hunting jackets. Reinforced pockets and shank-button hardware make it properly functional, the kind of layer that looks better the harder it’s worked.

Across the range, Iron & Resin’s outerwear leans into that same idea—hard-wearing canvas, waxed cotton, lined denim, and sturdy cuts that look right at home whether you’re patching up a bike or loading one for a weekend trip.

Knitwear: Warmth with Character

Even in Southern California, you need layers that hold up when the sun drops. Iron & Resin’s knitwear and sweatshirts are made for those hours when the temperature dips but the day isn’t done—after a ride, around a campfire, or walking the beach once the crowds have gone home.

The Wincha Shawl Collar Sweater captures that perfectly. With its thick wool blend, oversized buttons, and relaxed fit, it feels equal parts heritage and weekend escape. The pattern—drawn from traditional Wincha headbands—adds texture and personality, while the shawl collar gives it a timeless, almost cinematic quality.

Beyond the Wincha, Iron & Resin’s warmth-focused layers span heavy wool jumpers, brushed cotton fleeces, and old-school hoodies that wear in like favourite sweatshirts. Each piece keeps that balance of utility and ease that defines the brand—built to keep you warm without feeling precious about it.

Shirts: Everyday Workhorses

Good shirts sit at the core of Iron & Resin’s range. They’re functional, hard-wearing, and just refined enough to carry you from the workshop to a beer after. The designs pull from workwear and vintage outdoor gear, but they’re softened by a coastal sensibility that keeps them wearable year-round.

The Lotus Shirt is made from heavyweight cotton and finished with twin chest pockets and sturdy metal buttons, it’s tough enough to handle real use without feeling stiff. It’s the kind of piece you throw on over a tee, wear for weeks, and only notice how good it’s become once it’s properly broken in.

Across the line, Iron & Resin’s shirts move between rugged flannels, brushed twills, and lightweight overshirts—all built with that same focus on texture and utility. They’re designed to be lived in, layered up, and taken anywhere—whether that’s a day in the garage or a long drive up the coast.

Bottoms: Built for the Ride

Iron & Resin’s approach to trousers reflects where they come from: Focus is on movement and comfort, whether you’re sitting in the saddle or kicking back at the end of the day. You see it in their use of stretch fabrics and reinforced knees.

The Lancaster Pant is cut from 14-wale corduroy with 2% elastane; it’s designed for flexibility without losing shape. The double-layered knee panels and sturdy rivets make it tougher than it looks, and the fit lands somewhere between classic workwear and modern utility. It’s functional, but still relaxed—gear you can move in.

Iron & Resin also makes jeans, though they’re not quite what we usually feature on Denimhunters. They’re purpose-driven rather than fade-driven; built for motorcycling, using blends like Dyneema for abrasion resistance or lighter denims with added stretch.

Good to Know Before You Order

Shipping and Returns: Iron & Resin ships from Ventura, California. Delivery costs vary depending on location, and returns are accepted within a reasonable window for exchange or store credit. It’s a straightforward process—simple and transparent, just like the rest of what they do.

Sizing and Fit: Product pages are clear and image-led, with notes that lean more practical than poetic. Fits vary slightly across categories—some of their trousers and outerwear are cut with a touch of stretch for mobility.

‘Repair or Replace’ Guarantee: If a product fails because of a defect in materials or craftsmanship, Iron & Resin will fix it or replace it. The work is handled in their Ventura workshop. For anyone used to the world of well-made denim and heritage clothing, this kind of aftercare feels familiar. But for Iron & Resin’s wider audience, I guess it’s something rare—and a welcome sign that they want their clothes to be part of your life for years, not just another season.

Not All About Fades, But Worth the Detour

Iron & Resin may sit a little outside the usual Denimhunters sphere; their clothes speak to a lifestyle that’s less about fades and more about freedom—built for the ride, the coast, and everything between. But I’ve enjoyed taking a closer look, and if you’re curious too, this is a good place to start.

The post GIVEAWAY: Win an $800+ Starter Pack from Iron & Resin appeared first on Denimhunters.

DENIM and PATCHES sourced this post originally published on this site

This is a sponsored blog post, one of our paid services. We maintain full editorial independence. Read more here.

Here Are 8 Ways to Wear This Super Adaptable Denim Jacket from Tellason All Year Round

The year is 1962; Ferrari is introducing the 250 GTO, and the Type III denim jacket makes its debut. One of them now lives in museums and billionaires’ garages—the other still looks right at home in the streets.

The Type III is the distillation of decades of workwear know-how into a jacket that feels both familiar and modern at once. It struck a balance that made it the blueprint for every denim jacket that followed.

Part of the jacket’s lasting success is how effortlessly it fits into almost any outfit; layered in winter, thrown over a T-shirt in summer, or worn like a “blazer” when you need to look a little more put-together.

To prove it, I’ve put together eight outfits with Tellason’s Type III as the anchor. 

Why a Type III … and Why Tellason’s

When it was introduced in the early 1960s, it was a deliberate evolution. The old Type I and Type II were boxy, short, and built for work. The new one was longer and trimmer, shaped for a generation that was trading the ranch for the road.

That silhouette is what makes it so easy to wear. It’s got enough length to work even with today’s mid-rise jeans—that’s where the older types really struggle. The slimmer torso means you can wear it under heavier outerwear without feeling like you’re bursting at the seams.

Compared to its predecessor, the Type III lost the pleats and gained those V-shaped darts on the front, along with the pointed chest flaps. It looks cleaner, less vintage, more everyday. That’s why it’s the one I’m recommending to anyone buying their first piece of denim outerwear. It’s instantly classic but not trapped in nostalgia.

Tellason’s version stays true to that idea. It’s made in San Francisco—the city that gave birth to the original—cut from raw, Japanese selvedge denim.

I’ve reviewed their lined 16.5 oz. version, but for this guide, I’m using the 14.75 oz. denim; solid enough to feel substantial, soft enough to break in fast. (But you can also get it in the 12.5 oz. selvedge and the 16.5 oz. heavy denim.)

It’s got hand-warmer pockets, which purists love to hate but people actually use. The fit is not slim, not boxy—just right. It’s roomy enough for a flannel underneath but trim enough to pass for a smart jacket when needed.

What follows isn’t a set of dress codes—it’s eight ways to make that jacket yours.

Double Denim: Uniform of the Faithful

Start with a broken-in pair of raw selvedge jeans—heavy fades, honeycombs, and whiskers that tell your story—and top them with the crisp structure of a new denim jacket.

Add a white or grey melange T-shirt and a pair of sturdy brown boots. Rough-out leather works great here; it mirrors kind of the texture of the denim.

If you’re feeling it, throw in a bandana. You can tie it around your neck for a touch of cowboy, or leg it hang from your back pocket.

The result is effortless and honest—workwear roots made wearable, built on the contrast between new denim and the stories it collects over time.

Poolside: The Denim Jacket on Holiday

Okay, maybe not literally poolside, but think relaxed summer evenings with barbecues and cold drinks. The trick is lightening the outfit. So swap your jeans for olive fatigues, tuck in an oxford shirt, and kick off the heavy boots for suede chukkas.

The jacket adds structure to what’s otherwise an easy-going look. It’s the thing that keeps you from drifting into holiday sloppiness. Roll your sleeves, unbutton the cuffs, maybe grab a drink with an umbrella in it. You’ve earned it.

Mediterranean: Denim Goes Continental

I was considering calling this the Riviera look. Or the Italian. But you don’t need to be Italian or at the Riviera to pull this off. But you might need to step out of your denim comfort zone.

So you pair the Type III with white jeans. They’re bold, but not loud. To balance out that contrast and give the look some depth, you add a washed-down denim shirt or a chambray. Finish with dark-brown loafers and a braided belt.

This is the kind of outfit you’d wear to a seaside dinner somewhere warm, the jacket there for when the night finally cools off. It’s denim gone continental—still rugged, but with espresso instead of truck-stop coffee.

If you’re looking for an oxford shirt, Tellason makes a killer one. Read my review of it here.

Fades and Flannel: Denimhead’s Workwear

This one’s uniform of the dedicated denimheads. A heavy flannel shirt—like an ombre plaid or a buffalo check—with a faded pair of selvedge jeans, worn with high-top canvas sneakers. It’s a look that’s wins every single time.

The Tellason Type III handles this combo better than most because it’s a little longer than a vintage ones. It covers the flannel tails without looking cropped, keeping everything tidy even when your shirt’s untucked.

Monochrome: Sharp, Simple, Slightly Moody

Strip everything back. Black jeans, grey sweatshirt, white trainers, dark sunglasses. It’s minimalist, modern, and razor sharp. You’re playing with tone rather than colour here—the deep indigo of the jacket almost reads as black, which makes the whole outfit feel deliberate.

If the weather turns, layer an oilskin coat over the denim jacket. It adds another matte texture and turns this into a rain-ready uniform. The key is restraint: keep the palette tight, the fits clean, and the details functional. Less workwear cosplay, more downtown cool.

Office Casual: Desk Double Denim

Here’s where things get interesting. Think of the denim jacket as your blazer. Start with black jeans or another dark base, a crisp white oxford shirt tucked in, and a knitted tie for texture. Then layer a vest under the jacket—a nod to tailoring without going full suit.

Finish with premium leather trainers. They’re polished but relaxed, bridging the gap between workwear and workplace. This outfit walks that fine line between creative and professional, proving that denim doesn’t have to stay in the workshop.

Autumn Ready: Falling Leaf Camouflage

By the time the leaves start to fall, layers are your best friend. It’s cold in the mornings and evenings, sometimes surprisingly warm in the afternoons.

For this look, you start with a waffle-knit thermal or a light sweatshirt. Then you throw on your Type III before you have the game-changer; the puffer vest. On your legs, a pair of broken-in jeans, on your feet a pair of well-made boots. I’d also a beanie for colour—a little pop against all that brown and blue.

Winter Warmt: When the Jacket Becomes a Shirt

When temperatures drop, the Type III becomes a mid-layer—and it looks incredible that way. Wear it under a deck jacket or a similar winter coat, with a chambray shirt underneath, and a pair of well-faded jeans. Add insulated boots and leather gloves to keep the cold out.

The textures stack up beautifully: jungle cloth, selvedge, chambray, and leather. It’s the kind of layered combination that feels built, not styled. Once everything’s broken in, it moves as one piece.

It’s Not About the Jacket (But It Kind of Is)

If you’re looking for one denim jacket to wear for the next decade, this is it. Because you don’t need a wardrobe full of denim jackets. You really just need one that can do everything. Tellason’s Type III is proof of that.

It’s classic without being old-fashioned, simple without being boring, and versatile enough to follow you from the first wear to the last fade. Whether you’re layering it under waxed cotton, wearing it with white jeans, or throwing it over a T-shirt and boots, it always looks like you.

That’s the beauty of a well-made piece: it doesn’t just fit your body, it fits your life.

Want to make sure you never miss a deal from Tellason? Sign up for the brand’s Item of the Week and get 20% off a selected piece every week.

The post How to Style the Type III Denim Jacket for Basically Everything appeared first on Denimhunters.

DENIM and PATCHES sourced this post originally published on this site

We hand-pick all products. When you buy something, we may earn a commission.

Buying Guide: How to Pick Your Benzak Jeans

Founded in 2013 by Lennaert Nijgh, Benzak grew from one denimhead’s thesis-turned-plan into one of Europe’s most respected denim brands, making timeless jeans and classic garments.

Lennaert’s denim story started in high school, when he discovered raw denim. AMFI gave him the business foundation; the forums gave him the denim education. And a chance meeting with Japan Blue Group in Kojima gave him the production partner he needed.

Today, Benzak stands for a kind of modern classicism in denim; European precision shaped by Japanese craft. Everything is built to wear in, not wear out. The focus is timeless fits, practical details, and denims developed to fade beautifully.

Where To Start with Benzak Jeans

Benzak runs two complementary lines: European Made and Made in Japan. The choice usually comes down to budget. 

The ‘made in Europe’ jeans retail at €215, while the Japanese line sits at €350—including VAT in the EU. Both carry the same DNA of quality selvedge denim, clean construction, and Benzak’s signature details.

Benzak’s Denims: Japanese and Italian Selvedge

The brand offers an impressively wide variety of selvedge denims across the two lines. To keep things simple, I’ve handpicked my favourites that give you a good idea of where to start.

Special #1 Low Tension Selvedge (Japan, 14 oz.)

This is Benzak’s first proprietary denim, woven by Collect in Kojima since 2016. Midweight and all-year friendly, the low-tension weave gives it a looser structure with subtle slub and character.

Special #2 Selvedge (Italy, 15 oz.)

A Candiani-exclusive for Benzak, developed with a thicker weft than warp for a softer hand from day one. The selvedge ID (blue and orange) pays tribute to the Italian and Dutch national colours.

Kojima Selvedge (Japan, 15.5 oz.)

This Collect-woven red cast denim combines slubby texture with a breathable low-tension weave. First introduced during Benzak’s fading contest in 2017, it later became a core fabric—Japanese craft applied across both lines.

Brown Cotton Selvedge (Italy, 13 oz.)

A Candiani classic with a twist—the brown-dyed weft gives this denim a slightly darker tone and sharper contrast fades. As the fabric wears down, the brown weft peeks through, creating a ‘dirt effect’ and a vintage, lived-in look.

Black Slub Selvedge (Italy, 13 oz.)

Woven by Candiani with slubby black warp yarns for texture and depth. The sulphur-dyed warp and indanthrene-dyed weft give it rich, lasting colour that fades slowly into charcoal highs and greys over time.

Benzak’s Fits: Modern Takes on Classic Cuts

Benzak builds modernised heritage silhouettes: sensible rises, thigh room where you need it, and clean hems. The European and Japanese lines mirror each other, so you can choose the same silhouette in either Candiani or Kojima denim.

Lennaert is constantly refining the range—introducing new fits, while occasionally retiring old ones. At the time of publication, the fits below are in continuous production.

Regular Fits: B-02 and BDD-707

Inspired by 1940s straight cuts, these are high-rise jeans with a classic leg line. The shaped top block makes them comfortable while keeping the look authentic. Size true for a timeless fit, or go up for a looser, vintage drape.

Slim Fits: B-01, BDD-006, and B-06

This group really strikes that balance between modern and classic I talk so much about. The rise sits comfortably without being low, and the taper is subtle enough to stay wearable for most body types. If you like a sharper silhouette without sacrificing comfort, this is the sweet spot.

Tapered Fits: B-03 and BDD-711

More room up top with a tidy taper below the knee. These fits work well if you want ease of movement in the thighs with a narrower opening. Worn true, they feel contemporary; worn a size up, they relax into a slightly looser shape.

Relaxed Fits: B-04 and B-07

Cut with generous room in the top block and a natural drape through the leg. The rise tilts slightly for comfort on the hips, while the overall silhouette nods to vintage workwear. Ideal for those who prefer space and structure in equal measure.

If you’re unsure where to start, B-01, B-02, and B-07 are Benzak’s most popular fits—all of them modern silhouettes that balance comfort, proportion, and clean lines.

How Benzak Makes Its Jeans

The Japan line is Kojima to the core, made from start to finish in the Japanese denim capital. The selvedge denims are rope-dyed and shuttle loomed. Details include tucked loops, neat pocket bags, felled inseams, and chain-stitched hems.

The European line keeps the DNA intact at a more budget-friendly price point. The denims are from Candiani in Italy, while the jeans are cut and sewn in Portugal. The dialled-back details keep costs in check, but Benzak signatures remain: clean construction, consistent quality control, and the hidden sixth pocket.

Under both lines are Lennaert’s two rules—no concessions on product quality or design, and make what he wants to wear himself. Longevity beats seasonality.

What To Know When Buying

Sizing: Benzak sizes its jeans according to the Western sizing standard. That means the actual waist measures about 2 inches bigger than the tagged size. If you normally wear a size 32 from European or American brands, you’ll likely fit a size 32 in Benzaks here as well.

Break-in and fades: Special #1 is the balanced all-rounder. Kojima Selvedge leans bright and textured. Heavy Slub brings bold highs and lows. The Special #2 gives you comfort from day one and still plenty of fade character.

Care: Benzak’s approach is refreshingly balanced: postpone washing 6–9 months if you want sharp contrasts, or wash more often for an even tone. Either way, stains and smells mean it’s time to wash. Always turn inside out, use cool water and mild detergent, and hang to dry—washing won’t ruin them, it can actually help them last longer. 

Normally, this is where I’d tell you to check out my denim care guides, but Lennaert’s every bit as meticulous about this stuff—maybe even more. If you want to read more, check out Benzak’s Denim Care Instructions and Wash Guide.

Shipping and duties: Benzak offers free shipping on orders from €150 for the Benelux and Germany, and on orders from €250 for the rest of the world. Inside the EU, prices include VAT, while you see the price without VAT for non-EU countries. Just know that you’ll be responsible for any local duties or customs fees on arrival.

Hemming and repairs: Benzak ships all jeans in one length, so most people will cuff them or get them hemmed. You can go anywhere, but Benzak also partners with Future Future in the Netherlands and Indigo Proof in the US for chain-stitch hemming with original threads. Both also handle official repairs to keep your jeans going for years. (These are paid services, not included in the price.) For all the details, visit Benzak’s hemming and repair page.

Ready to Fade a Pair of Benzaks?

Benzak shows what’s possible when a brand grows on its own terms—steady, independent, and true to its vision. 

What started as a personal project has become a benchmark in our industry. When I talk to mills, agents, or makers, the name ‘Benzak’ usually comes up. A true source of inspiration as I build my own brand.

If you care about fit, fabric, and fades in equal measure, Benzak is a name you should know—and wear. (And now you know what it means.)

The post Benzak Means “Denim Done Right” in Dutch (I Think)—Here’s Why appeared first on Denimhunters.

DENIM and PATCHES sourced this post originally published on this site