Founded in LA by Johan Lam and Andrew Chen over a decade ago, 3sixteen's philosophy is evident in pieces they've developed since 2008: shirts, jackets, basics and accessories all take cues in form and function from their jeans. Fabrics and trims are always chosen for their capacity to develop character with time. 3sixteen aim is that, with diligent wear, the customers are rewarded with something well-aged, never "old."
3sixteen, in celebration of its 20th anniversary, is set to unveil its second denim project of the year, which may well be one of the most ambitious offerings in the brand's history. The journey began in 2021 when the brand discovered a remarkable 15.4oz denim fabric with a distinctively uneven texture and crosshatch patterning in the weave. Intrigued by the fabric's unique qualities, 3sixteen decided to embark on the project, despite the higher production costs.
This special denim is woven at the same small mill in Hiroshima that previously produced the Burkina Faso denim, adding to its unique appeal. It all starts with organic cotton sourced from Turkey, spun using a special process to create an unevenly twisted nep yarn. While the denim weighs in at 15.4oz, which is notably heavier than 3sixteen's flagship 100x/120x/220x denim, the true magic lies in its texture and heft. In its raw state, this natural indigo denim possesses a distinctive crunchiness that promises a journey of wear and break-in, resulting in high-contrast fades over time.
This denim is somewhat comparable in weight and rigidity to the streaky 15th-anniversary denim, but it features an entirely different hand and hue. The result is a fabric bursting with character and unique texture, characterized by the unevenly shaped yarns that create more saturated indigo areas in contrast to sections where the white weft peeks through. The denim is finished with a classic pale red selvedge ID ticker.
Due to the exceptional weave process, quality of the cotton, and the use of natural indigo, this denim is the most expensive that 3sixteen has ever sourced, making it the most premium denim garments ever released by the brand. However, the 20th anniversary presents an ideal opportunity to showcase the brand's manufacturing partners' full capabilities. Unlike most denim dyed with synthetic or chemical indigo, this denim employs a natural indigo dyeing process from India, featuring twice the number of dips to achieve a deep and distinct indigo blue while retaining the yarn's white core. This unique denim is sure to age beautifully and become a cherished garment for years to come.
The best-selling Classic Tapered cut, with its high rise, straight back yoke, and tapered leg, ensures a comfortable fit. The 102xn Natural Indigo denim is raw and sanforized, minimizing shrinkage, and should measure about 1" above the tagged size in the waist. When new, the jeans should fit snugly in the waist but will comfortably stretch out within the first few wears. Additional details include gunmetal YKK punch-through rivets and shanks, along with a special 20-year anniversary vegetable-tanned leather patch. These jeans are proudly made in the USA, reflecting 3sixteen's commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
