Brand Focus

Naked & Famous Selvedge Hickory: Railroad Heritage Woven into Denim

Katy Minter - 04 June 2026
Naked & Famous Selvedge Hickory: Railroad Heritage Woven into Denim

At Jeanstore, we're always drawn to fabrics that tell a story. While many denim enthusiasts focus on fading potential, texture or weight, some fabrics stand out because of the history woven directly into their design.

The Naked & Famous Selvedge Hickory is one such fabric, drawing inspiration from the striped workwear uniforms worn by American railroad workers and craftsmen throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Combining heritage aesthetics with Japanese textile craftsmanship, it offers a distinctive alternative to traditional indigo denim while remaining firmly rooted in workwear tradition.

 

hickory railroad


Japanese Selvedge Construction

Woven in Japan from 100% cotton, the Selvedge Hickory fabric is produced on traditional shuttle looms at a versatile 10oz weight. Unlike modern projectile looms that prioritise speed and efficiency, shuttle looms weave fabric slowly, creating a tightly finished self-edge known as selvedge. This traditional method is celebrated throughout the denim world for producing fabrics with greater character, consistency and authenticity.

The result is a clean white selvedge edge that complements the striking indigo stripe pattern and reinforces the garment's heritage credentials.

A Structured Fabric That Improves with Wear

At 10oz, the Selvedge Hickory sits comfortably in the lightweight-to-midweight category, making it an excellent option for year-round wear. When new, the fabric possesses a firm and structured hand, reflecting its traditional workwear roots. As the garment is worn, the cotton gradually softens and moulds to the wearer while retaining the crisp visual appearance of the hickory stripes.

This balance of structure and comfort makes it particularly appealing to those who appreciate heritage fabrics but prefer something lighter and more approachable than heavyweight denim.

Traditional Finishing Details

As with many Naked & Famous releases, the details have been carefully selected to complement the fabric's heritage-inspired character. Natural low-contrast stitching allows the hickory stripe fabric to remain the focal point, while tin hardware provides a durable and authentic finish. A 5oz natural vegetable-tanned leather patch adds further character and will develop its own patina over time.

Additional details include an exposed coin pocket, zip fly construction and the clean white selvedge edge that denim enthusiasts often look for when cuffing their jeans. The jeans are proudly made in Canada, reflecting Naked & Famous' commitment to combining globally sourced premium fabrics with high-quality manufacturing.

Looking Back at the Details

The Naked & Famous Selvedge Hickory combines Japanese selvedge craftsmanship with the iconic striped fabrics once worn by railroad workers and labourers. Woven from 100% cotton at a versatile 10oz weight, it offers a structured feel, comfortable year-round wear and a unique heritage-inspired appearance that stands apart from traditional denim. Finished with thoughtful details and cut in the versatile True Guy fit, it delivers classic workwear character with modern quality.

Additional details include an exposed coin pocket, zip fly construction and the clean white selvedge edge that denim enthusiasts often look for when cuffing their jeans. The jeans are proudly made in Canada, reflecting Naked & Famous' commitment to combining globally sourced premium fabrics with high-quality manufacturing.

The Selvedge Hickory fabric isn't limited to the True Guy jean. At Jeanstore, we also stock the Naked & Famous Selvedge Hickory Chore Coat, allowing enthusiasts to experience the fabric in a classic workwear silhouette that feels particularly fitting given its railroad-inspired origins.

Explore the collection here



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