IH-777S-UHR - 21/23oz Ultra Heavy Raw Selvedge Denim Slim Tapered Cut Jeans
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@Oaktavia All valid points. I feel like @super-thermite explained his reasonings for avoiding the pre-soak pretty well above, which overlaps with my own reasons but I'll explain here as well. For the most part, I avoided the soak for two primary reasons: 1) They fit perfectly raw and 2) They look better raw, imo.
Now to elaborate, 1) I initially tried on 4 pairs of the UHR: 777's in 29 and 30 and 666's in 29 and 30. The 30's were wayyy too big—diaper butt, baggy looking, loose waist, etc. Even with the shrinkage to be expected, I could tell that the fit wouldn't have been ideal for me, especially once stretched out. I'm a relatively skinny guy so a more fitted look looks good on me. The 29's on the other hand fit PERFECT. All I could want for and more in a denim fit. Had I done the soak and all, they would have probably shrunk a bit too much.
And now for the look... 2) I love the look of raw denim. The sheen just makes me happy. And after the soak, based on the pictures I've seen, they lose their sheen and raw look completely (seems like they get much bluer). Which is completely fine, but not my personal cup of tea. They still fade beautifully, although as we know that takes time. Since I'm someone who typically waits long periods of time before the first soak/wash, I want the denim to look like how I want right out the gate, not be stuck with something I'm not particularly fond of.
And sure, like @Heavy_blue said I could have just gone with a 21oz or something sanforized, but I really REALLY wanted the UHR's. I had been patiently waiting for them ever since the re-stock had been announced and love the look of a well-worn pair over any other pair of IH's (for now at least, already eying a pair of 25oz for my next daily's ha).
These decisions also aren't just based on intuition. I've been in the raw denim game since 2012. On my 2nd to last pair of raws I had sized similar to the UHR 30, and they stretched out too much for me so I had to get rid of them. I've also left other unsanforized jeans dry before the 1st soak/wash as well and never experienced any of the tears or fade shifts that could potentially happen. They held up completely fine, even with hard wear. I also know that this is something plenty of other reputable denim heads have done, currently do, and will continue to do as well.
Now taking my UHR 777s into consideration... I wore these mf's hard for 6 months straight and didn't experience any of the "destroyed" denim that some say I would. Sure, it was only 6 months and no telling what would happen had I gone further but they were like... completely and utterly fine.
Yes, I know that I'm not initially taking full advantage of the UHR by avoiding the pre-soak and am breaking the rules a bit. I know there could be potential negative side effects from doing so as everyone has made me well aware lol. But again, nothing I've experienced in my UHRs so far, or any other denim that I've treated the same.
Also, it's worth mentioning that I'm not leaving them dry for their entire life, just up until the 6mo- 1yr range as I do with all my denim. They'll then be washed regularly.
I'm CERTAINLY not telling anyone else to follow suit, just simply sharing what I'm doing and sharing the progress of doing so in a friendly forum with other denim heads. Which I have to admit, hasn't been the friendliest. Although your reply is well-reasoned and doesn't have any negativity attached to it, I can't say the same for others which kinda sucks a bit.
But yeah, there's my reasoning lol. I hope this post doesn't offend anyone, it's certainly not my intention. And sorry for the super long response, just wanted to make sure I explained myself completely.
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Nicely explained POV @kelton .
I’ve never tried UHR denim yet (and I’ve been wearing IH since 2016…), but your point about prolonging denim sheen as much as possible interests me. Problem for me is that the 633 cut is my favorite, and being a Self Edge exclusive one, I don’t get many UHR choices. -
@kelton nice post. I wear them raw as well. Wear them however you like and what feels good. That’s all that matters. I love the sheen as well. After all is said and done they are just a pair of jeans.
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@kelton i hope it works out the way you hope it will! In the end we’re all lovers for this particular brand. Like i said before we all have our journey. I think it’s cool how the whole UHR process is taking place. With the soaking/washing mainly cause that’s how they are designed by the myth Haraki. I freaking love my UHR. Still don’t get the point but it’s your jawns so beat ‘m up the way you wanna beat ‘m up! Enjoy en have a wicked day
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This may be a silly question but I dont recall what I've done on previous pairs I've owned....but after the initial hot soak do you let them drip dry completely before you do the next step of washing/agitating, or do you let them dry enough just to where they aren't dripping wet anymore and are still damp? Maybe it doesn't matter....
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@goosehd thanks for the input man.
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Looks perfect!
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I am looking at a pair of these and have a sizing question. I am still a bit confused after reading through this thread.
My best fit is the 777S. I have a pair of Slubbys that fit nearly perfectly. They are a tag 36 with a 36.1 waist and 10.8 rise. I like the lower rise and the waist is snug, just right.The UHR in a tag 35 have a 36.5 waist pre-shrunk. This would fit well before shrinking.
The Tag 36 have a 37.7 waist pre-shrunk and would be big before shrinking.
I would soak these before wearing and expect a 1" shrink in waist.Some recommendations suggest that the initial dry fit should be good and that the shrinking and re-stretching will provide the best long term fit.
So, what to do.The tag 36 waist at 37.7 is too big pre-shrink.
The tag 35 waist at 35.6 is nearly perfect at pre-shrink.Could I anticipate stretch back on the tag 35 to get to a 36" waist?
Would I be better off to try and hot shrink the Tag 36 to get to a 36" waist?Appreciate your suggestions.
Thanks, -
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I would just ask the shop if they have 36 pair with a waist close to 37.0 or just under. My 2 cents is better one inch too loose than one too tight. The waist will stretch back after shrink so i try to make sure the thigh measurements are good as well. Best to email the IH guys though.
