Iron Heart Jeans Review: The Toughest Raw Denim?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 ก.ค. 2019
- FULL REVIEW + PICTURES: stridewise.com/iron-heart-den...
✪ Check out my 10 Best Boots On the Market! • THE 10 BEST BOOTS FOR ...
BOOTS FROM RIDER: riderboot.com/products/dundal...
11 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON BOOTS: stridewise.com/best-boot-deals
RYAN HODGE'S DENIM-PACKED INSTAGRAM: / all.indigo.everything
Iron Heart makes some of the world's toughest denim, so much so that their suit-of-armor feeling is beloved by motorcyclists all over the world. Founded by Shinichi Haraki in 2003 and headquartered outside of Tokyo, the brand avoids the slubby, knotty jeans you'll find in a lot of brands these days and stays traditional: thick, sturdy, smooth denim that wouldn't be out of place in the 1950s.
My jeans are the 633N, 17oz model - here's what I thought.
DENIM
This is organic cotton that's rope dyed in a natural indigo bath - no synthetic indigo, here. This is unusual, as synthetic indigo is cheaper and it works on the material more quickly, but Iron Heart makes theirs with the actual indigofera plant, another aspect that gives it a lot of clout with denim purists.
The denim is very smooth and classic, making them easier to dress up than a looser weave, and these 633N jeans are 17oz, but they feel like 21oz jeans. That's because Iron Heart produces denim with unusually tight weaves. They're rigid, but they're tough as nails.
LIKE SLUBBIER DENIM? SEE MY REVIEW OF STUDIO D'ARTISAN: • RAW DENIM REVIEW: Stud...
DETAILS
They're simple jeans, but the main details to note are the red selvedge ID, the very subtle dark arcs on the rear pockets, and the "W" on the back rear pocket. It stands for Works, Inc. the company that owns Iron Heart.
CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF THE STRETCHY SELVEDGE FROM ONI: • Denim Review: Oni's ST...
CARE
Iron Heart suggests washing this on warm with similar colors and tumble drying on low. I know that's heresy to most raw denim fans - personally, I wash them on their own in cold water and line dry them to avoid shrinkage.
PRICE
About $350. Expensive for jeans, not all that bad for natural indigo dyed Japanese denim.
TOO PRICY? CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF NAKED & FAMOUS: • DENIM REVIEW: Is Naked...
PROS
Clean look - not fuzzy, nappy, slubby, knotty
Thick, sturdy
Dyed with natural indigo
More focused on durability than some brands
Free lifetime repairs
CONS
Pricy
Stubborn to fade
Slow break in
Some find the "clean" denim lifeless, not much character - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
✪ Check out my 10 Best Boots On the Market! th-cam.com/video/9kuHyyefNGE/w-d-xo.html
If Iron Heart jeans are very fade resistant, that sound right up my alley. I much prefer a very clean, fresh look to dark indigo denim, and it always bugs me when jeans fade noticeably.
I know 634 is their flagship model and meant to be straight leg, but for me fit more like straight baggy pants. Even bought a pair of their 666, which is meant to be slim fit, it was more straight leg for me. If you are shaped like me, I highly recommend trying on their 888. The fit is amazing!
Awesome denim review, love to see you venture into shirts and tops someday soon, pretty please!
I've got some sneaker reviews coming up but am worried it won't jive with my audience haha, I like the idea of flannels and other rugged-y menswear
Def want a pair of IH one day, maybe in a couple years after I’m done fading my second pair of APC’s
Nick, you gonna be doing reviews on any of their shirts? They look pretty solid as well.
I love Iron Heart jeans. My preferred cut is 777 and I have a pair of the 17 oz. natural indigo ones and they are great.
Great review Nick
JD, thanks man! I have 5 new pairs to review over the next few months haha, I think I overbought
Great review
Great Video and review of a top-notch quality jeans !!
Lol, "Dahk ahks." Nice video, I have this same pair of jeans.
DAK AKS. Glad you liked the video, dude!
Thanks for reviewing, would be cool if you reviewed Uniqlo sevedge jeans; they are very cheap but maybe worth it
Deeper into the denim rabbit hole i see. 😉 Great video.
jouwen lee, I fell in the watch, boot, shoes, sun glasses rabbit hole. I refuse to fall into the denim trap😂
@@bravobear1844 Strong will is needed! I also love knife, watch, boots, pack (bag and accessories), and lately denim. 😂
haha sunglasses are an interesting idea!
Another great review. I'm working on a pair of the 21oz IHs at the moment and loving the process. As you say, they take a while, but the results can be pretty awesome once they start giving up the indigo and those turquoise fades start coming out. I was actually talking with Haraki-san from IH a few weeks ago about this and he's not into high-contrast fades whatsoever (which is ironic as you often see wickedly-faded Iron Hearts in fade contests and such). They actually treat their 21oz jeans with a kind of fade-resistant *something* so I guess I've got my work cut out for me. Anyways, great stuff as usual! Looking forward to more.
Yeah I hear conflicting things about how Iron Hearts fade, some get high contrast but some don't. Was hard to talk about in the video. Good luck on the. 21oz - especially in summer!
They still fade. The fade resistant treatment almost makes them fade with better contrast. The best fades happen slow, I've been wearing my 21 oz 633's for a year and they literally have pure white creases and fades and the non faded parts still look dark and brand new. If that isn't high contrast, I don't know what is.
Those look great on you Nick! Being sick is a hell of a way to lose weight!
Haha lucky me, Joe
I hear ya on the size. I'm a 34 or maybe 43. A few surgeries later may weight has changed also. Thanks for the info.
To be honest about the fit- I actually really like it. Straight fit is the most classic and I think it flatters the calf area especially for runners with big legs like me! It’s coming back too!
Yeah it completely depends on your body type. I have thick thighs so it's tricky for straight legs to work on me, I'm jealous of you Evan!
great no BS review
Thanks, Simon
Great jeans!! Some of my favorite. I own two pairs in 634s and one in 888s. 👍🏻
Cool! What are the main differences?
The founder of Iron Heart is a big motorcycle enthusiast and he engineered his jeans with riding in mind.
Yep!
@@Stridewise Just subscribe to your channel. In New Zealand it's impossible to find proper Japanese denim and USA made heritage work boots. It wasn't until I went overseas that I got my first pair of Red Wings. If I want denim I usually buy from Cultizm, Denimio, or Global Rakuten. Keep up the good work mate! By the way you following the Rugby World Cup?
That's a surprise to me. I wonder why Iron Heart doesn't offer kevlar or pockets for padding. I ended up getting Rokkertech jeans for riding because I didn't trust my 21-oz Iron Heart.
Nice that he had that in mind, but cotton is absolutely worthless in a slide, no matter how thick it is, as proven in tests.
Luckily plenty of actual motorcycle riding gear brands (Dianese, Alpinestars, Fox, etc) make jeans with aramid (Kevlar) fibers that look like regular denim but perform better than leather, both in how they hold up in a slide and how they breath on warm days.
That said, iron heart denin does look great for walking around in. ✌
@@gellotion these are heritage-style jeans. You cant compare it to dainese. These can be worn with classic bikes or any slower motorbikes though
Big, big fan of the “Dock Ox.”
DAHHK AHHHKS ;)
Love the idea of a slow fade, but also want the pair of jeans to be both selvedge and super light weight.
Naked and Famous has some lightweight denim, I think they call it featherweight. I only fit into their easy guy denim and I don't love the look tateandyoko.com/collections/naked-and-famous/products/naked-famous-denim-easy-guy-summer-breeze-selvedge?variant=15888898261066
Naked and Famous has some lightweight denim, I think they call it featherweight. I only fit into their easy guy denim and I don't love the look tateandyoko.com/collections/naked-and-famous/products/naked-famous-denim-easy-guy-summer-breeze-selvedge?variant=15888898261066
Selvedge and super light weight? Momotaro 10oz! :)
Oh man those look nice, great video. Video suggestion John lofgren boots
Pricey, Devin! I do like those Donkey Punchers though...
@@Stridewise I know man wanting to get the burgundy myself but I haven't read or seen a review 😅
Mr.@@Stridewise can I know your Height and weight Body..?
and what Size IH 634 do you use..?
Awesome review. It's cool to see some denim as well as boots. Are you into denim jackets at all? It would be cool to see some reviews for jackets as well if that's something you'd wear
Watch as his channel slow drifts :P
Hey man I'll always do boots! But I do want to diversify a bit
That's a good question Benjamin! Maybe I'll look at them down the line.
@@Stridewise Hey, I am all for diversification. You should go do the more expensive T-shirts next :)
Can you also check uniqlo selvedge jeans
As you were talking about this jeans, I was getting excited and ready to buy one... until you mentioned the price. Holy crap!
They’ll easily last 10+ years and that’s with hard, everyday wear. And really worn in, faded pairs can be sent back for a $200 store credit.
Price per wear, my friend. Your Walmart jeans won’t last a fraction as long as these will. Worth every penny and then some.
I got 22oz RHT bravestars and they seem very similar to Iron Heart, but only $150
Dude....u did it!!!! Hell ya....Iron heart for life!!!!
Jéan Nelson haha glad to be in the club
@@Stridewise by the way there Jean Jackets are absolutely amazing!!
Getting a lot of requests to do jean jackets...
+Jéan Nelson, Iron Heart should definitely last for ever. My friend let his girlfriend stub her cigarette out on his 25'oz jeans when their were no ashtrays at a party and it did not even leave a mark on the denim.
He thinks that they would be ideal for welding, but due to their cost he has not tried them out yet. LOL
Thank you for your super helpful and informative videos! I too have the IH633N’s from Self Edge. I agree they feel great on. Seeing we have pretty similar body shapes, may I ask what jeans in your collection do you think are the MOST flattering for your body? I struggle finding cuts that make me not look super TUBBS! Any insight is much appreciated!!
PS: Would love to see a review on some Wesco Job Masters or Engineer Boots, or more Whites reviews! I love my 350 Cutters!
Thanks Erik! I think the best is Pure Blue Japan's NP-019. I've also go some Samurais but I'm away from New York and can't get the number for you just yet. Momotaro's G015-MZ also quite good!
Stridewise Much appreciated. I’ll give PB and MMTaros a try soon. Would greatly appreciate the Samurai number when you get a chance. Safe travels back!
Please try Bravestar jeans. Good selvedge denim at reasonable prices.
They're on the list, Chester! Thanks for the rec
Man, you should try another indonesian brand. I think warpweft company have 2 kind of fit. Slim straight and slim tapered. Maybe you should try the slim tapered one
Honestly, for me... anything above 16oz is a heavy weight denim. I think a good commercial everyday weight is 14oz, this is subjective of course. I have two pairs of 21oz jeans and they're beasts that definitely require work to break-in. They've all produced nice fades. For care, I soak in cold water (dark woolite) for 30 minutes, then hang dry. Wash if they're visibly dirty or smell.
Great vid. I've just recently started skimming the surface of the Denim world. Would love to hear your thoughts on Raleigh Denim Works! Keep up the stellar work mate!
It's so hard to order jeans online with my weird body proportions! But definitely a brand I'm looking at. I gotta try Samurai first I think
Me too. And I live in Raleigh...so I'll be paying them a visit soon. They got into this game probably over a decade ago; at least that's when I first heard of them. I saw the owner speak at a Sparkcon presentation (it's a yearly festival of ideas in Raleigh) sometime around 2009 and their model sounded fantastic. Sadly, the mill from which they sourced their denim , in Greensboro, NC, has closed. It was owned by Wilbur Ross---current US Sec'y of Commerce. Probably the best thing he's done was to save the mill for many years after purchasing it. Sadly, it closed in 2018.
Do any quality Japanese jeans come with a zip fly? I don't like a button fly at all.
Origin Maine makes denim now and it is tough as nails. Might be worth a look
Good suggestion, Ean!
How would you pronounce it if "Doc Ock" from Marvel had jeans with a "Dark Ark" on the pocket?
I wasn't aware they still made the 633's.
Like you, my ass & thighs make picking a fit difficult but I read the reviews and finally bought a pair of IH 555's in the 21oz. These jeans are no joke but after a few weeks of hard wear I love them.
They're more comfortable than my Nudies and N&F after the break in.
I want to try PBJ next but we'll see.
James Cooper was the fit around your butt and thighs roomy enough for you? The 633 was the direction I was thinking about going, but the 555’s where the other contender. I just was uncertain how snug they’d be in those areas.
I love everything about these (except the price 😂).
theyre very gerbil?
Good objective review bro (as objective as one can be during a subjective review 😉). My opinion, the Iron Heart 25oz fabric is much more interesting than the 21oz or less. ESPECIALLY after breaking in. I have broke in several 25oz, and none compare to the time and energy required for my Iron Hearts 666-XHS. It took approximately a year. Boy oh boy, once broken in with high contrast fades, they demand attention anywhere you go 👖🙌
Haha yeah I mean reviews are subjective, right? People get mad at me for giving my opinion sometimes but like, that's what reviews are. I'd like to try the ultra super duper heavyweight jeans some time. Got any pics of the fade after a year? How often did you wash them?
Stridewise I think a good review uses mixed methodology, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative information. I see some reviews that simply state if a person “likes” a product. But I want to be INFORMED about the product, much like you did. The history, the production, the details, and from there transitioning into the reviewers opinion of the product, backed by some type of experience with similar products.
I wore them for a year straight, exploring from Kentucky to Alaska, without a single wash. I do have pictures.
Wash them inside out to avoid those spin cycle run lines down the legs.
Yep!
Got some 16oz selvedge from Gustin; breaking the waist took about 2 weeks
Heard a lot of good things about Gustin, Septien! Ordering jeans without trying them on though is scary.
@@Stridewise just measure a pair of jeans in the too block and thighs that already fits!
I get a new 634 and there is no selvedge on the fly's and no liner in the back pockets. So far 😞
as You mentioned, I also have IH 634S.
Your accent isn't ridiculous, it's wonderful 😊👍
Thank you! 😃
No mention of wearing them in the bath/shower and hanging out in them till they dry naturally to break them in faster? 🤷♂️
i NEVER wash my jeans, be it £300 selvedge or £45 mall wear.
Air them out!! nuf sed.
Looking to buy my first pair of Raw denim,out of all the many brands,would you say Iron heart is the best quality,durability,longevity wise,i want to go with either a Japanese company or US company,i was looking at Leftfield NYC,ironheart or a brand called momotoro i believe its called.i just subed to your channel.
Iron Heart jeans are extremely great and hold there value nicely, however, diving head first into the raw denim market with Iron heart as your first pair might not be the best idea. Raw denim is extremely different from the normal 98% cotton 2% elastane that most jeans are made of nowadays- really no forgiveness/comfort in Raw Denim at first. Brands i would check out - 3x1, 3Sixteen, RRL, Nudies, Naked and Famous, Brave Star, Raleigh Denim Workshop and Levis Vintage Clothing. Most of the ones listed are American made. If you're looking for Japanese Jeans though- The Flat Head, Sugar Cane, Pure Blue Japan, Dry Bones, Real McCoy and Oni are very reputable IMO. I find that Japanese Jeans often have a shorter rise and tighter fit in the thigh area, i believe this is due to the Japanese demographic being shorter in stature compared to the American Demographic. I'm around 6'" 140 pounds and Japanese jeans are often tricky for me. Definitely start with a cheaper brand and see how they work for you before spending $300+ on brave hearts! Many brands that are around $120-200 are up to par with that of Iron Heart!
Darren Sobol awesome will do thanks so much for the reply, have you heard of left field nyc
Please do more English boots Nick, like Trickers, Crocket and Jones, Edward Green and John Lobb. The English make some of the best shoes/boots in the world. Anyway, great review as always :)
They're so god damn expensive! I do want to do more British boots. Maybe Loakes?
@@Stridewise I agree with you, however, the quality is outstanding. Loakes are considered on the 'lower end' of the boot spectrum, especially the non-1880 versions. Although, it would still be a nice review either way and are a good price point for those who are looking for decent quality without the big prices.
@@Stridewise I'd like to see a loake review. They are more in my price range!
Would you think these are good for guys with thick thighs and calves that want a tapered fit?
Not this fit, Iron Heart's 888 fit is the right fit for you!
@@Stridewise I’m trying to find a 25oz with a little taper. I do wear my jeans on the tighter side. Any other thoughts or recommendations? Thank you!
Besides Iron Heart? I can only think of Soso, they can make you some custom if you're down to wait, they're cheaper. Brave Star has 22oz.
Unbranded has some 22oz too, it's real slubby though
@@Stridewise I like iron hearts over all, I don’t think I’m into the slubby look tho haha have you heard of Imogene and Willy? If so do you have any opinions on them you could share?
ID on those boots?
Dundalk II from Rider! riderboot.com/products/dundalk-reverso-750
Nice jeans, but killer chambray shirt. What brand is it?
Adam that's from Brooks Brothers! It's a denim shirt
That's what i was thinking too. Shirt is awesome. J Crew has some nice ones too.
@@Stridewise Hey, thanks for the reply. I wouldn't have guessed that Brooks Brothers would sell a workshirt style like that, but I see that their Red Fleece line has a lot of similar stuff.
Can you pull of that thing in hot summer😀
Iron heart UK has a price tag that is twice as much as the Original Japanese Iron heart. Basically, they are a retailer that purchase their products from IH Japan in bulk and sells 2 times the price.
i seareched this cause iam sick of jeans that only last a year before having a tear in the crotch area.
Ey, go with these then!
Iron Heart vs Rouge territory ? Who wins ?
Haven't tried Rogue Territory but thanks for putting me onto them!
Honesty man! Great video but that fit is not for you.
You definitely need the 888 cut with those quads! 😂
Speaking from experience 😎
I know! I don't think they had the 888 when I did this video, but we have a huge iron heart review coming up from Troy who has like 4 pairs
@@Stridewise If I may suggest something to you. You should try out a pair of 888 or a pair of The Flat Head 3004.
Great fit for guys with big quads💪
I’m a year late, but had to comment. In my experience, my 21oz OD frayed very fast at the crease of the cuff and was already getting a hole in the crotch < 1 year. I’m a physical therapist and wear these 1-2x/week. It’s a physical job, but not to the extent of construction work. The fabric and fit is terrific, but the longevity is sorely lacking. I get the devotion to denim, darning and patching and what not, but to have 400$ jeans already developing holes and tears with moderate use is BS. I’ll continue to buy from another supplier with Chinese denim, that’s 1/3 the cost, and their products have lasted well into 2 years with no fraying/holes.
Ciano Farmer😉
I’ve had mine for 5 years, zero fade. Kinda disappointing. You’d have to live in them for a year, and I mean live in them literally, to get any whiskering.
They're so soft though. Just ordered the jacket. It arrives in a few days.
Ok, the 777 21oz are starting to fade. That’s what I needed, a little hope. And so of course I bought another pair, 555 21oz this time with a much shorter inseam for no-cuff duty, or small cuff for loafers. I’m really loving these, I just needed to wear them exclusively and be more patient.
@@liljuanito123 how’s the jacket?
@@drzaius844 the jacket is doing great. not a whole lot of fading as jackets take longer but it has softened up a bit more. Actually had it shortened in the sleeves and length.
For $350 if the crotch blows out on a year, not worth it. Only reason why I replace Jean's is when they blow out there.
👍👍👍👍👍👍
Dude I see what you mean about not being able to squat LOL but I'm much skinnier than you. hopefully my 25 oz that I order will allow me to have full range of motion LOL
Massive sticker shock at their prices, not for me
I know that these brands like ironheart, naked and famous, and tanuki have nice finishing and different fits but I will only buy Bravestar and Gustin denim.
The 633”N” is ONLY made in 17oz as an exclusive for Self Edge. I’m not sure how you got confused during your purchase and thought it was “20oz.” Also, Iron Heart is most well known for their 21oz sanforized denim - it’s their flagship material and one of the industries’ best - however it’s not a natural indigo dye. You mentioned the natural indigo as a bonus for this brand a great number of times and it’s somewhat irrelevant because Iron Heart typically does not use a natural indigo material. Iron Hearts are stubborn faders across their entire range so you still make a great point there. The last thing I’m confused on is your use of the word “rigid.” Iron Hearts are NOT rigid. They are tough. Very, very tough. But they are faaaaar from rigid.
9 months to a year of constant wear to break in lol, ye that’s a definite pass from me
Rolled up way too far. Makes the jeans look bad.
Hi Nick, what boots were you wearing in this video? They look fucking dynamite!
Oh those are Rider, they're great! Did a video on 'em here th-cam.com/video/uHLI9cebvLs/w-d-xo.html (and you get a discount code)
Japanese motorcyclists exist?
Yeah Japan has a real thing for 50s Americana!
That's like asking if European motorcyclists exist
Dude stop this bs and show us your boots all the collection 😡came on.
I should do a walkthrough some time!
I love how grown men buy a pair of pants, and they convince themselves that they’re in some kind of army.