Essential | Dickies Selvage Denim

Dickies Selvage Workwear Denim

Dickies workwear dates back  to 1922 when C.N. Williamson and E.E. “Colonel” Dickie began their career in the vehicle and harness business in Bryan, Texas. The business model eventually ended up changing in 1918 when the name changed to U.S. Overall Company and in 1922.  C. Don Williamson joined with his father and cousin and renamed it the Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Co.  Today the company name shortened to Dickies, has grown to be the number one manufacturer of work apparel worldwide.

The design of these newly released jeans takes influence from the companies rich workwear past. The old union label has been used and the fabric is made of the finest selvage denim.

An Essentialists Wants | Reissued Lee, Timberland, Panerai

Lee 101B dry jean- The Original Cowboy Jean

- Based on Lee's all-time classic 1944 model

- LH Green Cast Gold Selvedge Denim 13.25 oz

- 100% Cotton

- U-shaped crotch, coin pocket and cinch back

- Vintage cut

- Made in Poland

Panerai Radiomir Egiziano

- Reissued diving watch commissioned by the Egyptian navy modeled after the 1956 model                                                                                                                                                           -  60mm in diameter 

Timberland Abington Hiking Boot

- Limited edition hiking boot from Timberlands Abington Collection - a tribute to the company's start as the         Abington Shoe Company in the 1950s. - Premium full-grain leather uppers, sourced from Chicago's Horween Leather Company- Quilted leather lining at the tongue- Hinged D-ring lacing - Authentic oil-resistant Vibram sole.

Levi's 501 Selvedge Shrink to Fit Denim (Limited Edition)

So I picked up a pair of the Levi's 501 Shrink to Fit selvedge denim jeans this past weekend.  The style is very classic and feels and looks nothing like that of the "premium denim" brands (Seven for all Mankind, True Religion, Citizens, etc.) we all know.  The 501's are rather unique as they are completely untreated, as in never pre-washed (therefore will shrink), never treated with chemicals (chemicals give it that pre-distressed look), and extremely stiff.  

Because these have never been treated, each jean truly become "your own."  And, by "your own," I mean each pair conforms to your figure, and your every intricacy.  This means fading, fit, and feel (the three important F's of wearing jeans) is affected by the body of the person who wears the jeans and the activities of their daily life.  Because each of us has a very specific wear pattern, each jean becomes as personal as a fingerprint.  

These jeans are absolutely timeless, and I'm hoping to pass these off to my children one day.  If you have a pair of these 501's, they pair well with a pair of L.L. Bean blucher mocs and an oxford shirt (great weekend look).

I will post updates as to how these jeans wear in.

Here are the Jean specs:

• Levi's Original (Non LVC)
• Limited Edition Release
• Classic Relaxed 501 Fit
• Red Line Selvedge Denim
• Leather Waist Patch
• Signature Arcuates
• Shrink to Fit

*Update: to really shrink these, I read a number of blogs that suggested sitting in a tub of hot water would shrink and mold them to my body.  So I took the advice and it worked out perfectly.  The 501's fit perfectly.  The tag state that the inseam shrinks 3", it's more like 1.5".  As for the waist, it shrunk about an 1".  I'll update after I get a some wear in them.  Till then, try on some of your own.  


November 6, 2011
*Update: I have been so obsessed with these that whenever I find a pair of Shrink to Fits I pick them up.  Since my last posting, I have acquired 3 additional pair that I will most likely sell.  They are all selvedge denim and are 32x30, or 33x30.  So, if your looking and this is your size, comment me and I'll give you the details.