Proper selvedge jeans

yeah. You should see my Clipper lighter haul

Bit of advice needed please denim connoisseurs.

I have a pair of unwashed raw 13oz Albams which I've had for 6 months. However usage has stretched them ever so slightly and I had planned that the first wash would get them fitting perfectly. So...

1. what is the best technique for shrinkage with mininmal dye loss?
   
2. should I have pre-soak the raw denim to avoid this problem?
   
3. any tips on how best to do this?
   
4. am I taking this too seriously. Don't answer that.
   

So...you do want them to shrink a bit right? Did you soak them originally?

Yes to shrinking and no to soaking.

Are Albams sanforised?

If so they won't really shrink much unless you hot wash 'em. If not put them on and sit in a luke warm bath then let them dry naturally.

If you didn't soak them then you still have the 'raw' shrinkage to get rid of then. I haven't got any Albams so I'm not sure how much shrinkage to expect from their raw denim tbh but somewhere around 2-3% is normal.

I would hand-wash them. Our washing machine has a "hand wash" cycle that is what I use for my denim.

^^ He said 'raw' which implies unsanforized to me.

Incidentally, Iron Heart note on care for raw denims:

Raw Denim

Always soak before wearing, not only does this shrink the raw denim to tag size, it also beds in the constructional stitching, lessening the possibility of a stitching problem (e.g. crotch blowout). Ideally soak for an hour or so in a bathtub or large sink of hot water and drip dry. If you cannot drip dry, soak up the excess water with an old towel and lie flat on a clothes rack to dry.

Ok, thanks all, sounds like a soak is in order.

Bit of advice needed please denim connoisseurs.

I have a pair of unwashed raw 13oz Albams which I've had for 6 months. However usage has stretched them ever so slightly and I had planned that the first wash would get them fitting perfectly. So...

1. what is the best technique for shrinkage with mininmal dye loss?
   
2. should I have pre-soak the raw denim to avoid this problem?
   
3. any tips on how best to do this?
   
4. am I taking this too seriously. Don't answer that.
   
   

Haven't we done this about 16 times already on here??

Anybody know any good shops for denim/menswear in Edinburgh?

Goodstead's worth a look

I'll ask my housemate he's store manager at Albam - When did you buy them?

Oi Polloi collaboration with Edwin using deadstock Cone Mills denim now up:

http://www.oipolloi.com/edwin-oi-polloi-10th-anniversary-ed-49-dry-organic-145oz-green-selvage-denim

Haven't we done this about 16 times already on here??

No need for you to reply then, eh?

I'll ask my housemate he's store manager at Albam - When did you buy them?

Thanks man, got them about 6 months ago from the Soho branch.

Okay, so they are slightly different to the current jeans - I'll ask him what he'd reccommend and hit up here tomorrow/saturday

Anybody know any good shops for denim/menswear in Edinburgh?

I'd say no.

Might get a pair in Xile I suppose, if you fancy fighting off the hibs casuals in for some naff weekend offender gear. Urban outfitters should have APC and Edwin but that's about it I think, unless one of the skate shops has expanded their line a bit.

Goodstead's worth a look

Have completely missed goodstead, looks like a nice selection.

Goodstead was the only worthwhile place really.

Walker and Slater had some really cool stuff too - quite surprised, thought it was going to be total toff's wear.

Oi Polloi collaboration with Edwin using deadstock Cone Mills denim now up:

http://www.oipolloi.com/edwin-oi-polloi-10th-anniversary-ed-49-dry-organic-145oz-green-selvage-denim

And they're gone, obviously. Apart from the fact that they're some tasty cone mills, these are really not that special, I don't think. Rather have some Ed-55/47's any day of the week.

Talking of Edwin, anyone had a look at the Margaret Howell x Edwin 'Basic' jeans? Nice light greyish blue selvedge. I really liked the fit, on me. Do Edwin still make good jeans?

I'm quite pleased with mine, picked some up at the Carhartt outlet store and they've worn in nicely. All are made in Tunesia these days IIRC.

I have a pair. They're not bad IMHO. I like the cut. Slightly higher rise than my Iron Hearts. Not bad denim.

To clarify, are you both referring to the MH x Edwins?

Probably not.