One of my favorite hang-out denim places used to be the Raleigh Denim store in the heart of Soho in New York City. Sadly, that store closed a few years ago.
But the good news is, you can still buy Raleigh jeans on their website, they continue with their denims firm and strong.
Here’s their story:
Founded in 2008 by husband and wife, Victor Lytvinenko and Sarah Yarborough, in Raleigh, NC, Raleigh Denim brings artisanal craftsmanship to the forefront. Prioritizing local production, organic cotton, and vintage machinery at the expense of fast-paced trends.
The idea was to create the “ideal pair of jeans”:
“The kind you can wear everyday (we do). We took a bunch of jeans apart to learn how to put them together; we lugged machines out of old factories and storage units; we sat at kitchen tables and stood in garages hearing from men and women who worked at facilities that no longer exist, and then we figured out how to make those old machines run again.”
What makes Raleigh Denim special:
Handmade in North Carolina
- Every pair is crafted in their Raleigh-based workshop, where visitors can literally watch jeans being made.
- A small team of “jeansmiths” sews, rivets, and finishes each pair by hand using restored Union Special machines.
Selvedge Denim & Raw Materials
- Many styles are made from raw selvedge denim, including fabrics woven at historic U.S. mills (like Vidalia Mills) or premium Japanese mills.
- Focus on slow fade, long-term wear, and personalized patina—each pair tells a story as you break them in.
Artisan Meets Fashion
- Unlike mass-market jeans, Raleigh Denim blurs the line between art and apparel.
- Their flagship store, The Curatory, is part gallery, part retail space, part workshop – with unique pieces, ceramics, and even handmade chocolate.
Minimal Branding, Maximum Detail
- You won’t find flashy logos or loud stitching.
- Instead, attention is paid to the fit, stitching, pocket shape, and rivets, creating something subtle, timeless, and refined.
Limited Production
- Small-batch manufacturing ensures quality and individuality—each jean is signed by the maker.
- That hand-signed label on the waistband is a signature Raleigh touch.
American Craft Revival
- Founders Victor Lytvinenko and Sarah Yarborough created Raleigh Denim in 2008 to revive traditional U.S. denim-making.
- Their approach helped spark renewed interest in Made-in-USA selvedge during a time when most denim was moving overseas.
You can shop for Raleigh Denim on their website.
