From their home base in Sweden, SOSO have built a considerable name for themselves as the brand of choice for those looking for affordable, made-to-measure selvedge denim pieces. With each step in their evolution as a brand, they’ve shown that they understand exactly what this denim-loving community wants and needs.

Naked & Famous perpetually challenge the limits of what is possible with raw denim. From glow-in-the-dark and scratch-n-sniff denim to cashmere selvedge and the world’s heaviest selvedge denim, they continually ask those what if questions that make their brand such a distinctive presence in the market.

On the outskirts of Manila, you’ll find one of the world’s best selections of heritage goods and elevated workwear. Every shelf in the Signet Store shows that the place is being run and stocked by men with a discerning eye for style (both rugged and traditional) and a powerful nose for the world’s best brands.

Starting as a promising sapling in 2017, Withered Fig have spent the last 8 years sinking their roots deep into the American scene from their home base in Northern Virginia. They now boast one of America’s premier line-ups of heritage goods from some of our favourite Japanese, American, and European makers.

With their growing cadre of stylish and rugged leather jackets, and the groundswell of enthusiastic adoption from nearly every corner of the rugged scene, Master Supply have very quickly become a household name among rugged enthusiasts. The perfect jacket brand for outlaws, rebels, and range-riders.

Selvedge just isn’t complete without the perfect pair of boots, and, for serious denimheads, a pair of boots from Wesco complete the outfit—and nothing else will do. Like denim, their carefully selected leathers just get better with use and abuse. Take our word for it, boots this good are worth waiting for.

Nudie needs no introduction. For many of us, Nudie served as our introduction to the world of well-made selvedge denim, and they continue to provide a wide bridge that newcomers can walk into the scene. With their renewed focus on more sustainable consumer behaviours, they’re perfectly aligned with this community’s values.

It wasn’t too long ago that &Sons kicked things off with a Kickstarter campaign. Word quickly spread, and the UK-based brand has been gathering momentum ever since. With high-profile customers like Jason Momoa, they have all the swagger of a legacy brand, and a range of stellar pieces to back this up.

Arguably the un-fussiest selvedge you can find, TCB jeans don’t demand a lot from us. They cost far less than they should, and they don’t need a lot of special care. Just use and abuse them, then throw them in the wash. They thrive under pressure, making TCB pieces an ideal starting point for unfussy faders or newcomers.

American-made workwear crafted so immaculately that it’s good enough even for James Bond. Adored by stylish rebels the world over, Rogue Territory fuse together Japanese selvedge and American manufacturing, blending fashion and function at such a high level that they’re really in a category all their own.

With a brand list that reads like a who’s-who of well-made Japanese, American, and European workwear labels, Cultizm have become a go-to source for those who like to explore their options and discover new brands. An excellent place to find hard-to-find labels like Flat Head, Warehouse, Denime, and Resolute (just to name a few).

In Canada, good workwear stockists can be thousands of miles apart. Set your compass with Toronto’s Lost & Found as magnetic north. They’ll guide you true. Their carefully curated selection of well-made goods and nearly impossible to find labels make them a North Star in the fashion wilderness.

These hyper-stylish but rugged boots have been stomping their way through the Southeast Asian scene, making Ruggs Man a label garnering some serious attention from the region’s legions of selvedge enthusiasts, boot lovers, and fade fanatics. We’re proud to welcome them into this community for their first year as prize sponsors.

Never a brand to rest on its laurels or keep things simple, Tanuki constantly push the art form forward. They release stunning collections year after year, leaving a trail of beautiful faded examples behind them. With a strong contingent of faithful faders, Tanuki pieces put in a strong showing every year in this competition. 

The backbone of the North American scene on both coasts and south of the border, Self Edge offers an unbeatable selection, exclusive collaborations, and extremely knowledgeable staff. If you want the best that the worlds of denim and well-made goods have to offer, look no further.

Spain’s premier destination for high-quality and vintage-inspired menswear, Redcast Heritage have quickly made a name for themselves as purveyors of some of Japan’s most exclusive and hard-to-find denim labels. Their roster of brands grows more impressive with every passing year.

Blue in Green have been well ahead of the curve since their foundation, and they hit new heights when they expanded to the mile-high city. The new Denver location will see a Blue in Green shop that is closer to the store’s roots, with an intense focus on Japanese selvedge and heritage style.

Clay Wendel, a Californian tattoo artist, saw a natural crossover between tattoo needles and chainstitch needles. He’s been producing stunning patches and back pieces for the past few years, and, in this short period, he’s managed to gain a reputation as America’s premier chainstitch artist. Breathtaking work.

Chuck Balog of Dissonance Smithing creates beautiful leather and metal accessories in his small workshop in Atlanta, Georgia. His pieces are simple, rugged, and precise, and everything he makes slots in perfectly into the lifestyle and style he (and we) practice so passionately.

A decade ago, while sharing drinks in a local pub, two English men, Brant and Ed, stumbled upon an idea. They wanted to make great clothes in the UK. They started with a great pair of jeans, and, since then, they’ve expanded to include a wide range of rugged and stylish gear—all extremely proudly made in England.

Returning as one our competition partners, Samurai have once again demonstrated that they are as passionate about fades as we are. They were the first brand to start a fading competition, way back in 2006, so they’ve got unmatched fade bona fides. Once again, they’re offering something special for their favourite pair of Samurais in the competition.

Competition partner Brave Star planted their feet on American soil in 2005, becoming the first made-in-America premium selvedge brand. A true classic in the American scene, they boast some of the most loyal and enthusiastic customers in the scene thanks to their ability to effortlessly balance value and quality, durability and stylishness.

Competition partner Piger Works have supported this competition and its community at every turn. They’re the first brand we’ve collaborated with to produce a pair of competition-primed jeans, and they surpassed our expectations, working with us to produce a breathtaking made-to-fade pair we’ll wear proudly in Y5. We hope you’ll join us.

Opening his doors in 2017, Willie Carmona has quickly made a name for himself in the Southeast Asian heritage scene. Thanks to extremely strong performances in the Stitchdown Thunderdome, his handmade boots are now finding their way onto the feet of leather enthusiasts in America and Europe. A fast-rising brand!

Obbigood Label focus on crafting hand-made leather pieces that are both unique and useful, but they do so much more than this. Their durable bags and other accessories can be found in dozens of quality-good stockists around the world, and they are appreciated by those who know quality work when they see it.

The makers of our favourite butter-soft, made-in-Japan, loopwheeled tees have leapt from strength to strength since debuting only a few years ago. Their tees are simple (no branding or logos) as they are well-made, and they boast an absolutely massive size range (far wider—and longer—than anything else to come out of Japan.

Home to crowd-favourites like Iron Heart, Mister Freedom, Indigofera, and Freenote, Santa Barbara’s Tendrel emphasises gear that’s over-engineered for rough usage and a long life. They’re well-stocked in particularly hard-to-find pairs—an ideal place to check if you haven’t been able to find what you’re looking for.

In Canada, good workwear stockists can be thousands of miles apart. Set your compass with Toronto’s Lost & Found as magnetic north. They’ll guide you true. Their carefully curated selection of well-made goods and nearly impossible to find labels make them a North Star in the fashion wilderness.

A true pillar of the European scene, Berlin’s Burg & Schild stock some of the world’s hardest-to-get brands from Europe, Japan, and America. For heritage menswear enthusiasts, walking through their doors is like walking into a candy shop. Just try to leave empty handed. It’s impossible.

With a focus on Japanese selvedge and well-made boots and knitwear from the Pacific Northwest, Brooklyn Clothing has helped place Calgary on the map as a destination for rugged menswear enthusiasts. A truly remarkable selection of rugged labels and impeccably made menswear.

Rivet & Hide have been standing tall in the European scene since 2012. Two year after founding their business online, they planted their feet in central London with their first brick and mortar store, which quickly became a beacon for those seeking cut-above selvedge and leather brands.

One of the brands that helped put Indonesian denim on the map with the help of breathtaking faded examples, NBDN have been a dependable and, thanks to their unmistakable sashiko patches, unmissable presence in the SE Asian fade scene for years. They stand firm—a lasting testament to the passion of makers and faders in SEA.

Pinion have absolutely exploded onto the scene over the past few years, helped along by their almost cult-like status among some of Thailand’s fading elite. Their heavy selvedge pieces fade like the dickens and regularly challenge for podium positions in the competition. They’re the not-so-secret weapon of some of the world’s best faders.

Cheese Denim Works exploded out of the gates in Year Three. The first time we saw the Malaysian brand, we knew it was something special. They finished the year with a podium finish and, since then, we’ve seen the label gather more followers and fans. A great choice for those who want serious bang for buck.

Founded in 2003, Deluxeware are one of only a handful of Japanese selvedge brands that have an on-site factory where they can control absolutely every aspect of production. They’re home-town heroes in Japan, and word is starting to spread to serious retailers in the West.

With a cult-like devotion from new-vintage enthusiasts all over the globe, Mister Freedom exist in the rarefied air of the selvedge scene. Immediately recognizable, impeccably finished, and comfortable as the day is long, Mister Freedom pairs are as essential as they come.

More than any other ready-to-wear German brand, Blaumann Jeanshosen express that distinctive attitude of the selvedge scene, speaking a design language that resonates deeply with this community’s blue-blooded, high-octane enthusiasts. An unmissable label that never misses.

The positive reviews for this custom shirt maker keep piling up. Their fitting algorithm will help you make sure that your first Proper Cloth shirt (and every one after that) will be the best-fitting shirt you’ve ever had. Unbelievable range of fabrics and a tailored fit mean an unbeatable shirting experience.

Even a quick look at the Denim Heads website will make it immediately clear how incredible this prize is. The only problem will be picking one piece from among the dozen or so you’ll want. Bar none, this is the best heritage shop in Eastern Europe. A must-visit if you’re ever in Prague.

One of Japan’s most innovative denim houses, Graph Zero aren’t content to simply replicate the icons of yesteryear. They put their own unique spin on the five-pocket jean and other workwear classics, creating garments and fabrics that point forward rather than backward in time.

Founded by one of our absolute favourite selvedge enthusiasts, Robin Meijerink of Robin Denim, Realign brings together Robin’s decades of denim experience and the nearly unmatched resources of Japan Blue. It’s a match made in heaven, and the offspring of the union are as essential as they come.

With collaborations under their belt with Samurai and Japan Blue Jeans, Benzak Denim Developers are making sure that the mark they leave on the European selvedge scene is an indelible one. A great choice for those who want that rare mixture of artisan selvedge and European styling.

With their trademark blend of heritage style and cutting-edge fabrics, Hiroshi Kato manage to combine the fading properties of selvedge with just a touch of stretch in both the warp and the weft. In the process, they’ve given us what just might be the world’s best high-performance, form-fitting denim.

Makers of some of the most serious heavyweight pairs in Southeast Asia, Sage have been a fan favourite since the very beginning of this competition. Whether you hail from the East or the West, Sage pairs are primed for some serious and seriously striking fades. Get ’em on your legs.

Another brand that we’ve seen frequently in the competition, usually worn exceptionally hard by competitors in our SEA conference. Mihane have distinguished themselves in a crowded field in the Indonesian scene with their seriously slubby and heavyweight denims.

Malaysian-born brand Marimandi may present themselves as kind of a fight club of denim brands (“You don’t talk about Marimandi”), but the secret is out. They might embrace their underdog role,  but people are talking about the kinds of faded examples their fans are producing.

This small-batch and custom denim label from Malaysia has been stacking up endorsements from some of the most passionate faders in the Southeast Asian scene. Their faded examples are the proof in the pudding. This brand and its hard-wearing customers mean business.

A social and cultural hub for the fading community in Malaysia, Denim Monger & Fine Goods stocks a wide range of Japanese and Southeast Asian labels, providing a local access point for local faders who want the best of both worlds. We’re very proud to have them with us for Year Five.

What’s in a name? In this case, it’s a lot. oneculture keeps things lower case, emphasising humility—despite the fact that the brand’s founder has been crafting some of America’s finest jeans in his Bay Area studio for more than a decade. As the name suggests, he sees himself as one small part of a larger culture that touches all of us.

With all of their denim products proudly made in San Francisco, Tellason continues to produce American workwear in the old-fashioned way—slowly, passionately, and close to home. An excellent mixture of Japanese selvedge and American craftsmanship. A great pick for serious contenders who need durable pairs.

This one-man brand from Illinois is doing all the little things right. He’s using some of the best available denims from Japan, and he’s assembling each pair in his own backyard. The results are really remarkable—especially for a new brand. If you’re looking for a pair that will get noticed right out of the gate, check out Baird’s pairs.

Feeding Malaysia’s growing need for top-shelf selvedge, Rough Denim is the in-house brand at one of the country’s top selvedge retailers, Real Denim. With eye-popping wefts and seriously heavyweight denims, the brand has caught the eye of the country’s fade enthusiasts. Definitely a brand to watch.

Vietnam’s Kind Supply are helping show that Vietnamese manufacturing has considerable muscle to flex. We first noticed them when we saw one of their alpaca-lined N-1 deck jackets. In terms of bang for buck, their outerwear’s tough to top. Definitely a brand to watch in the years ahead as more rugged enthusiasts get wind of what Kind Supply are doing.

An exciting brand to emerge out of the hotbed of denim love and maker culture that has sprung up in urban centres across Malaysia, Old Bones have stormed out of the gate with pairs that pay tribute (with a wink and a nod) to the true-blue American classics. There’s a ton of meat on these bones!

As a brand, you couldn’t ask for a better entrance to this community than to make your debut on the legs of a previous champion. WarpWeft did this last year, and neither they nor our Year One champion disappointed. A brilliant result, and an incredible showcase of the brand’s potential.

Indonesia’s Carnivores Soul cater to motorcycle riders who want lasting clothes. Their back pockets are immediately recognizable as being designed for life in the saddle, and the same can be said for their graphic tees and, indeed, their entire philosophy. Primed for the hard-wearing high-octane life.

A remarkable leatherworker from deep in the Malaysian heritage scene, Kulikcraft makes what are undeniably Malaysia’s finest rugged accessories, blending premium leathers and heritage fabrics like wabash and denim. We’re very proud to have them with us for Year Five as a prize sponsor.

Driven by passion and purpose, the good people at Loomstore are making a name for themselves in the midst of a selvedge boom in Malaysia. Founded by enthusiasts and built to exacting specifications, each pair is tailor-made for the hard-wearing faders who call Malaysia home.

This one-man operation produces a wide range of beautiful leather products, but Pigeon Tree has become a household name among denim enthusiasts for his quick-release leather belts. For the discerning selvedge enthusiast, no outfit is complete without at least one of them (and few people stop at one).

Specializing in studded accessories and new-vintage sneakers , Hollywood Trading Company mixes equal parts  rock and roll and contemporary street aesthetics. With Zip Stevenson (of Stevenson Overalls fame) at the helm, the brand’s making big waves in the American heritage scene, and they’re just getting started.

Picky leather lovers know that Germany’s Timeless Leather Craftsmanship produce some of Europe’s finest leather goods. If you’re looking for the perfect stylish complement for your well-made selvedge (either for your waist or your back pocket), you can’t go wrong if you go with something Timeless.

Each Hen’s Teeth piece is designed to be the foundation for a very small personal wardrobe—a kit of timeless and well-made classics that can fit inside a single bag. With a bag full of Hen’s Teeth, you’re ready to hit the road, and you’re ready for whatever the road might bring your way.

Known until quite recently as Nordic EDC, Palsjö is the new first name for well-made leather accessories in Europe. Swedish-based craftsman Mano works with a wide range of beautiful veg-tanned leathers and sturdy hardware, with each piece meant to be carried with you for a lifetime.

Our Year Four bronze medalist has been an incredible asset for this community since she joined us. She is not only an incredible fader (and human being), she’s also a talented craftsman and musician. Each year, she makes something special for the community, and this year is no exception.