The Slater Jeans; Stanley Biggs answer to unique and authentic denim workwear.
Our jeans are made from preshrunk 13oz 100% cotton, in an authentic indigo denim by the world renowned Italian denim business, Candiani Denim Company, founded in 1938.
The Slater Jeans are made in England and feature our own unique brushed metal finished rivets and buttons studs.
Inkeeping with the early 20th century workwear styles, the Slater jeans come with a prefolded 3.25" turn up, which means there is ample choice for the jeans to be refolded according to the wearer's preference and leg length.
The pocket lining is even a heavy undyed calico cotton. Stamped inside with the 'Biggs Workwear' logo and numbered inidividually based on the batch.
The Slater Jeans take their name from Samuel Slater. Born in 1768 in Belper, Derbyshire - where our little shop is located.
In America, Slater is known as 'The Father of the American Industrial Revolution.' In Britain, he also gained the unfortunate nickname of 'Slater The Traitor'.
He 'stole' the British textile technology and introduced it to the United States, making him not only a very successful man but also directly responsible for what would become the American Factory System.
This led to the mass manfucature of clothing but also paved the way to other factory built items such as cars and machinery.
Slater was perfectly located to observe and learn the secrets of the Arkwright family's textile manufacturing model in nearby Cromford, the home of the Industrial Revolution.
He saw the opportunity to sell his knowledge of 'the Arkwright Pattern' to the United States, opening his first of thirteen factories in Pawtucket, Rhodes Island in 1793.
Like Arkwright in England, Slater brought in whole families, developing entire villages and communities. He provided company-owned housing nearby, along with company stores and schools.
Interestingly, Slater's first wife, Hannah Wilkinson, was also an innovator. She invented two-ply thread, becoming, in 1793, the first American woman to be granted a patent.
The Slater Jeans
Three best practice to follow for your new pair of jeans.
Wash Cold. Wash Less. Dry on the line.
Try to keep your jeans out of the washing machine. It is better for the denim, the fit and the environment.
If you get a mark, try sponging it down instead. The jeans will get that 'worn in' look only if you wear them in.
When you do wash them, turn your jeans inside out, empty the pockets and put them on a cold wash (30 degrees). This will lessen fading and shrinking to a minimum. Be mindful what detergents you use also, some can be a little too harsh on the denim - remember, no chemicals have touched your jeans to date, so anything too harsh will shorten their lifespan.
Avoid the dryer at all costs! Hang them on the line (still inside out) for the best care.