"First, the customer service experience: Once I decided to buy, I added the 1968 to my cart in my usual vanity size like a true dumbass, then immediately proceeded to learn my mistake. But instead of changing the size first, I let my excitement completely take over me and just submitted the order. Realizing what I just did, I panickedly messaged Gustin via Insta, Messenger, mobile, and email, hoping they could mod my order to the correct size before it was too late (I had read they shipped pretty fast). Within minutes, Stephen was responding on all 4 channels, "Don't worry, Chris. I got you." Big sigh of relief. A couple of days later, my very first pair of selvedge jeans was at my doorstep. I wasted no time and took it to Blue Owl in Seattle for hemming on their Union Special 43200G, where they matched the red-and-orange chainstitch perfectly.
The real experience: I am into my 3rd week of the break-in now, and I can only say that everything that you have written about how raw denim works is working out well for me so far. I can definitely feel that the waist has stretched so my concern about shrinkage after the first wash is getting allayed. I do intend to follow the bathtub method when that time comes, which would be around my birthday (same as Elvis', fwiw). I have a few pairs of boots that finally met the jeans they deserve to be worn with, so they are on rotation now. I truly feel that the past couple of weeks have been my true attempt at dressing well again after having dressed like a hobo the past 3 years. I have also just backed the campaign for the Okayama Standard, so hopefully I'll be wearing my second selvedge pair and being thankful for it as I sit down for my 29th American Thanksgiving dinner in a few weeks."
-Chris P. | Verified Buyer