Selvedge Denim, Explained: The Self-Edge, the Sanforized Fit, and the Story in Every Fade

The self-edge is a mark of how denim was woven. Sanforized means it fits true and stays there. Josh Sirlin on selvedge, the beauty of fit, and the story a great pair of jeans tells over the years.

Craft & Materials, Culture, denim, Denim, Fabric, fabric guideJosh SirlinJuly 16, 2026selvedge denim, self edge denim, what is selvedge denim, sanforized denim, denim fit, denim care, black bear brandComment

The Story of Vintage Rose: How We Made a Color

Not pink, not beige, a dusty worn-in rose that looks like it already has a history. Josh Sirlin on how we mixed the Black Bear Brand original, Vintage Rose.

corduroy, fabric guide, Fabric Guide, Women's, Craft & MaterialsJosh SirlinJuly 16, 2026vintage rose, black bear brand color, women’s corduroy, boy friend cords, black bear brand woman, color storyComment

Botanical Indigo: The Oldest Blue, and the Jeans I Built Around It

Almost all denim is dyed with synthetic indigo. Josh Sirlin on the plant-derived blue that came first — and the 13oz Okayama jeans built around it.

Culture, Craft & Materials, Denim, fabric guide, Japan & CultureJosh SirlinJuly 13, 2026botanical indigo, natural indigo, organic cotton denim, okayama selvedge, shuttle loom, sustainable denim, black bear brandComment

Men's Shirting: A Field Guide to the Weaves

Oxford, poplin, twill, herringbone, chambray. The words get thrown around like they mean quality — they don't, they mean structure. Here's what each one actually does.

Craft & Materials, fabric guide, shirts, StyleJosh SirlinJuly 12, 2026men's shirting, shirt fabric guide, oxford cloth, poplin, twill, herringbone, chambray, black bear brandComment

The Henley: The Shirt Between a Tee and Everything Else

A collarless placket, three or four buttons, and somehow the most useful shirt a man owns. The henley's rowing-club origins and what makes a great one.

Craft & Materials, fabric guide, shirtsJosh SirlinJuly 11, 2026henley shirt, thermal henley, waffle knit, men's henley, garment dyed, made in seattle, black bear brandComment

Corduroy: The Cloth of Kings, Workers, and Everyone Since

Poor man's velvet, cloth of kings, uniform of rebels and professors alike. Josh Sirlin on why corduroy is the most underrated cloth in a man's closet.

Craft & Materials, corduroy, fabric guide, Fabric Guide, Style & HeritageJosh SirlinJuly 10, 2026men's corduroy, corduroy pants, corduroy history, wale corduroy, cords, corduroy jacket, black bear brandComment

Double Front: The Work Detail That Doubles a Pant's Life

An extra layer of cloth across the thighs and knees. It's the least glamorous detail in workwear and one of the smartest — here's why.

Craft & Materials, denim, FabricJosh SirlinJuly 10, 2026double front pants, double knee jeans, workwear detail, double front cords, durable jeans, black bear brandComment

The Denim Jacket: A Century of the Most American Layer

From the boxy first "blouse" to the V-stitched trucker everyone pictures, the denim jacket is a century of American design. Its evolution — and what makes a great one.

denim, Craft & Materials, fabric guide, Fabric Guide, Heritage, Jackets, Style & HeritageJosh SirlinJuly 6, 2026denim jacket history, jean jacket, trucker jacket, type i ii iii denim jacket, selvedge denim jacket, denim jacket guide, black bear brandComment

Japan and Fashion: How a Nation Fell for Americana — and Made It Better

Some of the most American clothing in the world is now made in Japan — and made better. The Ametora story, the mills of Okayama, and Black Bear Brand's decade-long love affair with the country that saved American style.

Culture, Craft & Materials, Craft, Denim, Japan, Japan & Culture, Style & HeritageJosh SirlinJuly 2, 2026Japan, japan american fashion, ametora, japanese denim history, okayama denim, japanese selvedge, how japan saved american style, japanese craftsmanship, black bear brand japanComment

The Embroidered Flower Shirt: From the Aloha Shirt to Made in Japan

From 1930s Hawaii to Japanese needlework, the embroidered flower shirt is summer’s most iconic piece. Ours is wild, fully embroidered, and made in Japan.

Craft, Craft & Materials, JapanJosh SirlinJune 29, 2026embroidered flower shirt, floral shirt, made in Japan shirt, aloha shirt history, summer shirt, mens embroidered shirt, Japanese embroidery, Black Bear BrandComment

The Only Cloth Protected by an Act of Parliament

Handwoven in island homes, dyed in the wool, and guarded by law. I weave with it, and here's why I love it.

Craft & MaterialsJosh SirlinJune 28, 2026Harris Tweed, Outer Hebrides, Orb mark, tweed, virgin wool, Scottish craft, Black Bear BrandComment