Why Some Jeans (like these) Fade Better Than Others

Hey blue bloods,

You’ve seen the fades—the kind that stop you mid-scroll. Deep contrasts. Sharp whiskers. Sculpted stacks. They might make you wonder: “How the hell do they do it?”

Sure, months of wear help—but the real magic is in the fabric itself. And nothing fades like raw denim. That’s what sparked the Weirloom WL-001 'Second Edition’ jeans.

Two weeks ago, the first Weirlooms shipped out—one-washed and ready to wear. But one pair stayed raw—held back at the request of Ruedi Karrer (@swissjeansfreak). Now, you can get a pair of raw Weirlooms too!

The WL-001 ‘Second Edition’ has the same fit and fabric as the 'First Edition'. The only difference is that it's raw and ready to be worn in from scratch, by you.

And yes, I know it’s July and you’re probably not reaching for beefy denim right now (neither am I). But this isn’t that. The 14.25 oz. Candiani selvedge hits a sweet spot—sturdy enough for fades, light enough to wear year-round.

Whether you go for one-washed or raw, Weirlooms are built to fade. That’s because it’s not just how you wear them—it’s how the denim itself is made that shapes the results.

What Really Makes Jeans Fade?

You might’ve heard that heavier denim fades better. And sure, weight plays a role—but it’s far from the whole story. There’s some truth to that—but it’s only part of the story. The way jeans fade has just as much to do with how the fabric is spun, dyed, and woven.

Yarn: Texture That Fades with Contrast

The WL-001 'Second Edition' is made with ring-spun, irregular yarns—giving the fabric that slubby, high-low surface that catches more abrasion. That means sharper contrast where it creases and fades. More texture = more character.

Dye: Fast Fades, Less Waste

Candiani’s Indigo Juice process is a modern take on indigo dyeing. It’s faster and more sustainable—but it still leaves that all-important white core inside the yarns. That’s what gives the WL-001 its ability to fade fast, even with regular washing.

Weave: Shuttle Looms and Selvedge Logic

The WL-001 uses a right-hand twill weave, woven on shuttle looms in Italy. That gives the fabric subtle irregularities that amplify fading—and, of course, the redline selvedge edge we all love. It’s not just for looks; it’s part of what makes the jeans age beautifully.

All of this is why the WL-001 ‘Second Edition’ is built the way it is.

14.25 oz. Candiani selvedge. Ring-spun. Slasher-dyed with Indigo Juice. Woven on shuttle looms. Built for fades—from the first wear.

Ready to See for Yourself?

If you’re planning to join the Indigo Invitational—or just want a pair that delivers strong fades without overthinking it—this is it.

The WL-001 'Second Edition' is available now for pre-order. Raw and ready to break in.

Like with the ‘First Edition’, this is a pre-order. And because you’re willing to wait for several weeks while we make these, the pre-order price is €180 (that’s €40 off the €220 stock price).

Your card will be charged when you place your order, so you’re actively helping fund production, but you can cancel at any time before I ship the jeans to you.

Shipping the last week of August—just in time for Year 5 of the Indigo Invitational.

First Edition Feedback Is Rolling In

The first batch of Weirloom jeans is officially out in the wild. Customers have started wearing them, sharing fit pics, and sending feedback. I’ve added a review feature to the webshop so you can hear directly from other wearers.

Ruedi Karrer—aka @swissjeansfreak—received his pair this week. His was the only raw pair from the first production, held back at his request.

Grant from The Arcuate just posted his first impressions, too. He called the fit “the most flattering I’ve worn,” (and they really do fit him well!) and described the denim as “full of ringy, slubby texture” with a surprisingly sturdy hand for a 14.25 oz. fabric.

Stay raw,
Thomas

P.S. By the time this goes out, I’ll be heading home from our family summerhouse on the Danish west coast—and tomorrow, we’re flying to Tenerife for two weeks of beaches, pools, hiking trails, and cruising with the top down in the convertible I’ve rented. Replies might be slow while I’m off-grid, but I’ll be back soon!