Sage Ironberg 23oz Selvage Denim

Indonesia has a rich history with indigo dyes (this is an important center for batik, after all), so it’s no surprise that the country is making waves in the denim world. Among the major players is Sage. The company was founded in 2012 with the idea that travel and outdoor exploration are the two best routes to a life well-lived. And the jeans are designed with this in mind—as hard-wearing garments to accompany you on the bumpy, unpredictable road ahead.

Made on a shuttle loom, these selvage jeans are crafted from 23-ounce unsanforized pure deep indigo denim. Milled in Indonesia exclusively for Sage, this is the company’s stiffest and roughest fabric yet, and it’s known for its beautiful fade. The denim is rope-dyed, which means it fades faster than it does with other methods of dyeing. And like vintage jeans, these jeans are made with a single-felled inseam that helps prevent fraying and lends a streamlined look. The button fly comprises three signature Sage buttons, and the copper rivets are also embossed with the Sage name. Another unique design element of these jeans: a hook for keys on the front right belt loop.

Unsanforized denim is made from cloth that hasn’t been through sanforization: the process of stretching, fixing, and shrinking fabric at the mill. As a result, this denim will shrink considerably after the first wash, with both the waist and inseam coming in about 1 to 1.5 inches. To achieve the perfect fit, Sage recommends soaking your jeans in warm water if you still have lots of space, or in cold water if they feel a bit snug before the soak. Then, remove them and hang them up to dry. The fabric will shrink after the initial soak and may feel quite snug at the waist and hips. After a few days, it’ll stretch back to the labeled size and fit comfortably.