These Summer Weight Selvedge Jeans Are Steeped in American Denim Heritage

In October of 2024, Vidalia Mills closed up shop, crushed under a mountain of debt its 80-old Draper X3 shuttle looms could never dig it out of. Those looms were purchased from Cone White Oak, the most storied and productive denim mill in American history, when it folded in 2017.

Fortunately, Gustin is in possession of some Vidalia denim woven on the same looms that turned out miles of fabric for Levi’s, Wrangler and countless other American brands before production went abroad. Better still, Gustin is among the best American-made jeans and is sold well below market value.

Gustin

Thanks to the California brand’s progressive business model, which offers a discounted price to essentially crowd-fund production, the Gustin x Vidalia Superlight Selvedge Denim Jeans cost only $149.

That may still sound expensive compared to the Levi’s sold on Amazon, but that’s comparing apples to wagyu beef. Gustin is offering top-shelf American-made jeans, milled in America on American-produced looms, from cotton grown in Louisiana.

I own a pair of Gustin’s #75 Okayama Standard jeans, and the craftsmanship is on par with Japanese brands in the $300-$400 range. The Vidalia Superlight Selvedge Denim Jeans are produced with the same techniques and comparable hardware.

Gustin

Along with the inherent scarcity, Vidalia’s Superlight Selvedge Denim is special for its weight. At 10oz, it is far more breathable than the heavyweight denim (typically around 15-18oz) that dominates the market.

That weight means you get the 100% cotton, shuttle-loomed selvedge denim experience with an easier break-in and more comfort in warm weather. Of course, the tradeoff is long-term durability.

Its the little things that count

I love my Gustin jeans because the brand demonstrates extreme attention to detail. Every pair is cut and sewn in California with zero corners cut.

Gustin

Chain stitching is used throughout, with double-needle applied at key stress points. All metal rivets are custom-made, and a bar tack is placed in the seat where the four main panels meet.

Because the Vidalia Superlight Selvedge Jeans are still in the funding stage, you can pick from four different fits and 11 different sizes. However, the brand uses universal inseams, so if you’re under 6’4, you will need to have your jeans hemmed.

Gustin

American denim enthusiasts can rejoice that Cone White Oak’s old Draper X3 shuttle looks have found a new home in Georgia, where they will continue to turn out American denim, hopefully for another 80 years. Jeremy Freed did an excellent job documenting the entire journey for GQ

For those looking to dip their toes into the complex and storied world of American denim, I can’t think of a better or more affordable place to start than the Gustin x Vidalia Superlight Selvedge Denim Jeans.

Availability and pricing

The Gustin x Vidalia Superlight Selvedge Denim Jeans are still available for the preorder price of $149 from Gustin, with funding currently at 98-percent. Orders will begin shipping out in September.

It is important to note that Gustin uses “true sizing,” meaning the waist size is the actual circumference of your waist. You will almost certainly need to order a larger size than you’re used to. I typically wear a 34 and had to order a 36. Consult the brand’s size guide for more details.

Gustin

Gustin x Vidalia Superlight Selvedge Denim Jeans

• $149 at Gustin

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