IH-888S-21 - 21oz Selvedge Denim Medium/High Rise Tapered Cut Jeans - Indigo

[Soleamp]

@neph93 I was just checking out the XHS, that may be the direction I head in.  What is the difference in feel like between the 21 and 25oz?  I have been wearing the 21s through a hot summer, so maybe the XHS could be my winter pair.

[neph93]

That is my go-to denim from now until May, but I live in northern Norway…

As far as variations on indigo denim go they are as different as they can be. The 25oz is very dark indigo, noticeably heavier, stiffer and tougher to the touch. This makes them less comfortable than the 21oz initially. They do need breaking in, but when it is done they become very comfortable indeed.

They have a more uneven, slightly slubby hand that gives attractive vertical fading with wear. They fade with very high contrast.

They are not fully sanforised like the 21oz so will shrink a little. You can get this done with a hot soak before wearing if you prefer. Some do, some don’t.

I think if I could only have one denim for the rest of my days it would be the XHS.

[Soleamp]

@neph93:

That is my go-to denim from now until May, but I live in northern Norway…

As far as variations on indigo denim go they are as different as they can be. The 25oz is very dark indigo, noticeably heavier, stiffer and tougher to the touch. This makes them less comfortable than the 21oz initially. They do need breaking in, but when it is done they become very comfortable indeed.

They have a more uneven, slightly slubby hand that gives attractive vertical fading with wear. They fade with very high contrast.

They are not fully sanforised like the 21oz so will shrink a little. You can get this done with a hot soak before wearing if you prefer. Some do, some don’t.

I think if I could only have one denim for the rest of my days it would be the XHS.

Great explanation and info!  I think that the XHS will probably be my next pair. Thanks again for the direction.

[neph93]

My pleasure @Soleamp anything else you're wondering about, just ask.

[Appfaff]

@Soleamp:

The 888 and IH in general are so good, I am thinking I may be disappointed in something else.

It depends on what you love about your 888s …

Are there slubbier denims? Yes
Are there more aggressive tapered pairs? Yes
Are there heavier/lighter pairs of “similar fit?” Yes

However, I had learned to just not waste my time with other brands for jeans (no offense to some people that make some really nice things..) As I am always disappointed with something they shortcut more than I am intrigued by something they claim to be unique.

Short story Long: try one of the other denims (like neph said) honestly, they kinda all feel like different cuts in a way!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Soleamp]

@Appfaff:

@Soleamp:

The 888 and IH in general are so good, I am thinking I may be disappointed in something else.

It depends on what you love about your 888s …

Are there slubbier denims? Yes
Are there more aggressive tapered pairs? Yes
Are there heavier/lighter pairs of “similar fit?” Yes

However, I had learned to just not waste my time with other brands for jeans (no offense to some people that make some really nice things..) As I am always disappointed with something they shortcut more than I am intrigued by something they claim to be unique.

Short story Long: try one of the other denims (like neph said) honestly, they kinda all feel like different cuts in a way!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the reply, that’s kind of what of was thinking before I posted. After the very helpful info from neph, I think I’m going to try a pair of XHS. Thanks again for the advice, it is much appreciated!

[chrikelnel]

Can I expect an inch of stretch in the waist and no shrinkage for certain washing on cold? These would be my first pair of Iron Heart’s and if I go for a 33 I think they’d fit better overall but I’d need at least an inch in the waist for them to be comfortable. I’ve heard that the 21 stretches a fair amount in the waist but I’m always cautious because of past experience with denim salespeople fitting me in too tight jeans that never ended up stretching despite many promises. Thanks all!

[neph93]

@chrikelnel:

Can I expect an inch of stretch in the waist and no shrinkage for certain washing on cold?

You will get at least one inch of stretch from
a W33 in 21oz denim. You can then wash them  in 90C water and they still won’t shrink past starting measurements.

[Jett129]

It looks like all the Tag 33s are sold out. Maybe the smallest Tag size 34 could work for you.

[Hefner]

I have some 888S-OD in 34 that fit very well. I’d like to get the 888S.  But the regular 888S in 34 that I have tried were too big in the thighs. Would you all recommend that I track down an 888S in 34 that have smaller thighs?  Or an 888S in 33 that has a larger waist?  (The 888S-OD in 33 that I’ve tried was way too small in waist, but maybe that was due to over-dying.) I’d love some advice.  Thanks!

[neph93]

@Hefner:

I have some 888S-OD in 34 that fit very well. I’d like to get the 888S.  But the regular 888S in 34 that I have tried were too big in the thighs. Would you all recommend that I track down an 888S in 34 that have smaller thighs?  Or an 888S in 33 that has a larger waist?  (The 888S-OD in 33 that I’ve tried was way too small in waist, but maybe that was due to over-dying.) I’d love some advice.  Thanks!

Hmmm… that is tricky one. I have the 888s-od and when I look at the 888s, I figure I need the same size. The OD starts smaller than the standard 21oz, but stretches easier and further. Impossible for me to say for sure but I feel like the W34 you tried were perhaps a larger than usual pair?

My advice would be to give your OD a wash and measure them the IH way, as described on this forum and the product pages. Then look at the 888S charts and go for the closest.

[zhivago]

@Hefner:

I have some 888S-OD in 34 that fit very well. I’d like to get the 888S.  But the regular 888S in 34 that I have tried were too big in the thighs. Would you all recommend that I track down an 888S in 34 that have smaller thighs?  Or an 888S in 33 that has a larger waist?  (The 888S-OD in 33 that I’ve tried was way too small in waist, but maybe that was due to over-dying.) I’d love some advice.  Thanks!

As someone blessed at birth with a bit, ahem, thicker thighs I can tell you waist stretch, easy. Thigh stretch takes a bit more dedication, but any area that needs to stretch will with the 21oz denim

[Hefner]

Thanks to you both!  I think I'm going to give the 33 a shot.  I will either drink less beer and slim down or more beer and put more pressure on the waistband to expand!

Cheers!

[neph93]

@Hefner:

Thanks to you both!  I think I'm going to give the 33 a shot.  I will either drink less beer and slim down or more beer and put more pressure on the waistband to expand!

Cheers!

If you don’t mind a tighter waistband then I think that is a good idea. The 21oz is a forgiving denim and the 888 a forgiving cut.

[zhivago]

^^^^ seconded that emotion

[chrikelnel]

@neph93:

@chrikelnel:

Can I expect an inch of stretch in the waist and no shrinkage for certain washing on cold?

You will get at least one inch of stretch from
a W33 in 21oz denim. You can then wash them  in 90C water and they still won’t shrink past starting measurements.

Thanks! Ended up going with a 33 from R&H because they're out of stock here. This will be my first pair of Iron Hearts and I can't wait.

[neph93]

@chrikelnel:

Thanks! Ended up going with a 33 from R&H because they're out of stock here. This will be my first pair of Iron Hearts and I can't wait.

Congratulations! Let us know how you get on.

[profdbrk]

Even though @neph93 so accurately describes the different characteristics of the denims and dyes, it has taken me awhile personally to figure what he has been saying–-and what the IH crew makes so clear---and how to read the numbers.

Who knew that jeans could be such an interesting and delightful ordeal?

But once you get the fit and the sizing worked out---add some wear (particularly softening)--- it's like having that baseball glove from back then.  It's not a glove, it's just your hand.  For me this process has been a bit costly---because I am apparently a slow learner and because I lost a ton of weight and needed a few new pair to make the adjustment.

I bought 888S-21s as tight in the waist as I could happily button because it really is going to stretch, just like they tell us.  And the 25oz less so in all respects.  On my old body the 888 is the most flattering fit, at least my wife thinks so.  But I like more old school everything and so personally prefer the straighter 634.  I've been lucky enough to try all the IH fits over time (except the Boss, I think I'm too short) and while that's an expensive experiment, it might be the only way to really know what works best for you.  I think it's been worth every dime to find out.

[Chop]

These photos are from March but I thought I'd jump in to eventually track my progress and express how much I enjoy and appreciate the 888s. These are my second pair of IH, the first being the 634s. The 888s have been a great exploration into a completely different kind of fit. Loving these.

[neph93]

@Chop that is a brilliant demonstration of the versatility of the 888 cut. It can be worn so many different ways, and styled and sized to suit many different tastes and body types. These look really good.