3×1

Founder, President & Designer of 3×1, Scott Morrison, loves finding these specific denims. “Selecting fabrics is one of my favorite things we do at 3×1,” says Morrison. “We’ve offered more than 640 different selvedge denims from Japan, Italy and Turkey, as well as over 40 denims from Cone Mills, a US mill, over the last 4 years. I choose every denim personally, and typically they fit into one of four categories: authentic, rare, unique, and novelty. We also have unique relationships with the mills. In some cases we simply buy product they are already producing, but in most cases we work with the mill to develop products from scratch. This includes everything from selecting yarns, construction, and weights to indigo shades and selvedge ID. As expected, each mill has a specialty, and we try to develop products in line with those strengths. For example, Isko (Turkey) is known for stretch denims while Kurabo (Japan) is known for its original selvedge dye range, like their green castes. We pass on the knowledge of these strengths to our customers, creating a truly unique experience.”

And the 3×1 experience demonstrates Morrison’s sentiment. In the center of the its headquarters is a glass walled factory where every pair of 3×1’s are made. The feeling is almost nostalgic, harkening back to a time when manufacturing was a part of the retail experience. As soon as one enters the store and witnesses the construction, browses all the options, and understands their quality, it’s nearly impossible to leave without trying on a pair, let alone making a custom pair from scratch (budget be damned).

The full bespoke option sits at the top of the pricing and service spectrum for 3×1. Though this tier of customization is mostly afforded those with an unlimited budget (see Lebron James and Kevin Durant), it is a process to be marveled. It begins with the head pattern maker at 3×1, who creates a custom pattern (sometimes fit by Morrison himself) made to the individual’s body measurements (and conveniently stored for future purchases). From there it is up to one’s personal desire for fit, color, monogramming, buttons, pocket lining, rivets, and stitching. An alternatively less expensive custom process allows the individual to choose from one of the company’s exemplary standard fits and customize pockets, belt loops, and stitching (all while guided by a personal designer).

Then comes 3×1’s “standard line” — a term that feels unsuitable for an off the shelf collection of this quality. This standard line is one of the best we’ve seen. Like all product made by 3×1, the three main standard fits are produced at 15 Mercer mostly on single needle machines. 3×1’s quality process for every pair constructed is meticulous with three quality checks in the process. “Having transparency into the process,” says Scott, “using the best materials, and providing a level of personalization never before seen in the world of denim is the ultimate sign of quality.” Every jean goes through a personal measurement both before and after the washing process by the head pattern maker at 3×1. They are then inspected personally by the head designer at 3×1 before being pressed. No attention to detail is spared in the construction process, and the final product honors its detailed execution.

“Details are the difference maker in most things,” says Scott. “It’s the attention to detail and the painstaking commitment that differentiates an average product from an exceptional one. A great example of this is something simple like the difference between 7 and 13 stitches per inch. With 13 spi, you’re almost doubling your sewing time (and your cost), and most operators won’t attempt it because it’s too slow, too challenging, and too risky if your machine skips a stitch. But as a designer, this detail shows quality, commitment, and the integrity of the brand who’s doing it. It’s everything.”

Every product has something that makes it stand out. Alternating buttons on the fly. Two tone stitch. Selvedge detailing on the coin pocket. But there’s no pretension here (no peacocked back pockets or aggressive whiskering). There is really nothing to criticize about 3×1’s jeans.

When it comes to fit, these jeans work for everyone. With three fits (M3 slim straight, M4 straight, and M5 low rise slim), there’s an option for everyone. We haven’t seen a denim line that looks this great on just about every body type. And they don’t take a year to break in, but mold after a handful of wears to each contour of your frame.

According to Morrison, “I encourage all customers to focus on fit, fabric, and finish. In that order. The majority of customers who come into the shop the first time are wearing jeans too large for them. By that I mean that they’ve at some point mistaken ‘comfort’ and ‘loose fitting’ attributes mean a good fit. They couldn’t be more wrong in most cases. Denim will grow, so buying a pair that fits on the snug side initially is important. It’s also important to pick a fit that flatters your style and body.”

So stop the search. 3×1 is where you need to start and finish. If you happen to be in New York, stop into 15 Mercer and take part in the story of 3×1. Choose your fit (or have one created for you) and start the process of making a pair of these jeans distinctly yours. Add a few details, be it an off-color stitch or unique button combination. Or, simply choose a fit and grab a classic dark wash off of the rack. Once you own a pair, good luck wearing anything else. Each morning, no matter what the day may hold, we have a hard time putting on jeans that don’t say 3×1.
 

Learn more at 3×1.us.