Store Visit: Raleigh Denim – Nolita

Written by: Geo Hagan Photography by: Ben Ferrari

Last Friday, we had the pleasure of visiting the Raleigh Denim store in Nolita (211 Elizabeth Street), and honestly, we couldn’t have picked a better way to spend our Friday afternoon. There are quite a few brands out there vying for the top spot in the realm of 100% American-made selvage denim. After trying on and testing out several of Raleigh’s staple cuts and jeans fits, we are confident that Raleigh ranks all the way in the very top. The one aspect we loved the most about Raleigh’s products was the high comfort level of the jeans, even though they are mostly handcrafted from original raw denim.

“Every single pair contains an authentic signature and is stamped with its own unique number…”

They also do a really great job of breaking down the different fits and cuts to make it easier for customers to pick a style that really works for them. Here’s a break down of some of those classifications and the different fabrications they are available in:

– Martin Thin Taper: This is the thinnest cut with the smallest leg opening. Has a taper and a medium rise. It’s available in Original Raw, Broken Twill Raw, 14 oz Raw, Drill Raw, Reservoir Wash, Broken Twill Wash, and a new Resin Rinse.
– Jones Thin: This is their popular and universal cuts – it is a slimmed-down version of a traditional straight leg. It’s available in Original Raw, Organic Raw, 211 Raw, Atlantic Wash, Cash Wash, Chambray, and several dyed twill trousers.
– Nash Straight: This is a traditional straight leg, one of the first cuts we made and have based others upon. We make it in Original Raw and Indigo Raw denim,
– Alexander Work: a take on the Nash, has more room in the thigh + the seat with a slight taper at the knee to keep things clean. It’s made in Original Raw, 14 oz Raw, 211 Raw, English Bay Wash, Madrone Wash, Vintage Tint Rinse, and Original Vintage Wash.

All Raleigh Denim jeans are made in small batches using old school sewing machines in Raleigh, North Carolina. Every single pair contains an authentic signature and is stamped with its own unique number within that batch.

We have to mention too that the customer service is excellent. Becky, the store manager in the Nolita store knows the product inside and out, and you can get your jeans hemmed on premises to be ready to pick up the next day. For all denim enthusiasts in the city, this is one NYC spot you definitely need to visit.