About

Our Mission

SELVEDGE STORY is an independent, bilingual (Japanese / English) media dedicated to vintage and reproduction denim culture. Information about heritage denim — its history, iconic models, mills, and craftsmanship — is scattered across forums, auction listings, and out-of-print magazines. Our mission is to systematize that fragmented knowledge into a structured, reliable, and lasting archive that serves both domestic enthusiasts in Japan and overseas fans of Japanese-made denim.

What We Cover

• Icons — deep dives into legendary models such as the Levi's 501XX, Lee 101, and Wrangler 11MWZ, as well as Japanese reproduction pieces.
• Legends — the people and cultural moments that shaped denim's place in history.
• History — the evolution of denim from 19th-century workwear to the modern reproduction movement.
• Guide — practical, hands-on guidance for raw denim care, fading, hemming, and authentication.
• Glossary — a growing reference of essential denim terminology.

Editorial Policy & How We Produce Content

We believe transparency about our production process is part of being a trustworthy source.

• Logic and evidence first. Our articles are grounded in historical facts and detail analysis, drawing on publicly available sources, brand documentation, and established reference material.
• Canonical facts, centrally managed. Brand-specific facts — fabrics, rivets, patches, launch years — are maintained in a single internal source of truth to prevent cross-brand errors.
• Japanese-first, then translated. Articles are written in Japanese first and then translated into English, preserving nuance for our core audience.
• Corrections. If you spot an error, we want to fix it. Please reach us through our contact page.

Accuracy & Sources

We strive for accuracy, but historical denim research involves conflicting accounts and evolving scholarship. Where sources disagree, we aim to note the uncertainty rather than overstate certainty. Product details and availability may change over time — please verify current information on each brand's official channels. See our disclaimer for details.

Who Runs SELVEDGE STORY

SELVEDGE STORY is independently run and edited under the SELVEDGE STORY name. The site is reader-supported through affiliate partnerships and display advertising, which never influence our editorial choices (see our affiliate & advertising disclosure).

Get in Touch

Questions, corrections, or collaboration ideas are always welcome. Visit our contact page to reach us.