Frankenstein Denim: Twists & Turns

The Frankenstein Denim gets its name from its experimental nature, much like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. In Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein’s creature was an attempt to defy norms and explore uncharted territory—a concept that resonates with this fabric.

At 14oz, this Japanese denim alternates between left-hand and right-hand twill every two inches, this construction creates a tension in the fabric—sections of left-hand twill and right-hand twill pull in opposite directions, resulting in twisting that develops over time, producing a fabric that wears and evolves in unexpected ways. Before modern finishing processes, twisting wasn’t seen as a flaw—it was just part of how denim behaved. In the early 20th century, the leg twist was a hallmark of raw denim worn by workers in mining, construction, and railroads.

The upside-down leather patch on the jeans reinforces this experimental identity, offering a subtle detail that signals its place in the Frankenstein series. The jeans also feature contrast stitching, a button fly, and silver metallic hardware—classic, clean, and solidly built.

The big slub yarn used in Frankenstein Denim plays a key role in its texture and fades. These yarns alternate between thick and thin sections, creating visual irregularities in the fabric. During rope-dyeing, the thinner sections absorb more indigo, while the thicker ones resist deeper penetration. As the denim fades, these differences emerge, producing high-contrast fades and a rich spectrum of indigo tones.

The Frankenstein Denim is more than a quirky name—it’s a study in what happens when you blend techniques and embrace imperfection. It challenges the idea that denim should conform to predictable standards.