BAD DENIM
If you are in East London, you have to make sure you head to Bad Denim, on Lower Clapton Road, E5. The owner of this denim hub, Erin McQuinn previously worked in the denim industry for years before turning her hand and denim expertise to opening this unique denim haven. In her own words, "I wanted to open a denim den that exclusively focused on the fabric - offering only jeans, shirts and overalls....I wanted to use my denim-brand background to only stock the best cuts and fabric, every single pair here is special." Bad Denim stocks the big premium labels as well as vintage styles sourced by McQuinn herself. The shop has a personal, and customer-centred approach, simplifying the task of finding your new denim favourites. And with Mcquinn's experience and knowledge you couldn't find a better person to help find that perfect new fit you've been searching for. Why not pop by on Sunday and afterwards you can head just down the road to the ever growing Chastworth Road Market.
RIVET AND HIDE
Originally starting out as an online store in 2012, Rivet and Hide have been present on our streets with their first stand alone store on Windmill Street in Central London since 2014. Their focus is on the best denim mills of Japan, who offer fabrics of incredible beauty and depth of character. Their shop provides customers with clothing, footwear and accessories all under one roof. They pride themselves on providing products of premium quality and craftsmanship. They curate a range of authentic high grade shirting, jackets, boots, wallets to complement the denim. Inspiration is taken from vintage america and modern interpretations of classic style, each piece pays assiduous attention to construction details from the 40s and 50s. Garments built to last and age with distinction. With regular trips to meet and visit brand owners, and mills they can trace the stitch of everything they offer, while providing an ever growing wealth of expertise in a personalised, unhurried and frienly manner.
SON OF A STAG
Since opening their first store in heart of East London in 2003, Son of a Stag have been building a reputation as one of the UK’s top destinations for Japanese and American selvage denim and workwear inspired brands. They pride themselves on an expansive wealth of knowledge and supreme customer service, helping their clients with all their denim needs.
Along with an expansive list of brands including Big John Buzz, Samurai Jeans and Studio D'artisan to name a few, they also offer in store shortening and hemming free of charge for all purchases. But fear not as this can be availed of for a small fee on jeans bought elsewhere too. All stitching is done on a Union Special 43200G chain stitch machine, which is very rare and the original machine used for Levi's. And with that they also provide an expert knowledge on how best to wash and wear in your new jeans.
If you are looking for somewhere to quench your thirst for selvedge denim and provide you with all the knowledge to go along with it, we couldn't recommend a store more highly. So definitely make sure to drop by 9 Dray Walk just off Brick Lane and say hi!