Self reliance is one of the deepest sources of confidence a man can have. Josh Sirlin on the short list of skills that pays off for the rest of your days.

Craft & Materials, Culture, Heritage, materials, StyleJosh SirlinJuly 27, 2026life skills for men, leather care, denim care, self reliance, practical skills, black bear brandComment

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 Soul of Indigo: Why the World's Deepest Blue Comes From Japan

Every pair of blue jeans owes its color to one of the oldest, most magical dyes in history. Understanding indigo is the key to understanding why great denim fades the way it does — and why we chase the best of it in Japan.