There are 2 main differences with Raleigh Denim and most other brands I have purchased, the "smoothness" of the denim and the much talked about back pockets. The pockets do not bother me in the slightest, actually I prefer them. They are deeper and lower down on the jeans. I tend to layer my clothing so when wearing jackets and such, the pockets are not covered by the clothing. It also makes them unique, which I like.
As for the denim, here are my thought on the aforementioned brands. Most of my denim is not "skinny" jeans as I do not like that style.
Baldwin- Slubby and has a chemical smell. Only brand I have ever soaked and it looked like there was an octopus in the water. Very much seems like these were just dipped in food color. The fit on these (I have the Reeds) is fine but them denim and the inky smell and feel turns me off.
APC Rescue- Similar in look of denim to Raleigh but very different in texture. Picks very easily. Very small back pockets which I do not like.
IH- I have had 3 pair of IH jeans and have gotten rid of 2 of them, 461's, 634's and Triple Works Straight Leg. The main issue with IH jeans for me is the washing of the denim. Some people do not like the heavy denim but I think it has its place at times. However, it seems the denim that they use does not like water at all. I have done soaks and machine wash and each time then denim comes out very streaky and veiny. Imagine the legs of an older person with lots of blue veins. This is just the opposite. White veins on blue denim. IH brass says to just wear them and eventually it will go away but anyone having worn IH denim knows that this is not an easy or short process. And nobody likes to walk around in denim that just plain looks bad. On all 3 pairs, there is a noticeable leg twist on the jeans as well.
Momotaro- This is probably my 2nd favorite jean. Really the only issue I have with this jean is the pink color choice of the thread on the inside of the leg. It doesn't seem to make much sense to use pink for a man's jean. I can understand wanting to stand out but for me the GTW pockets do that without a problem. These are slubby as well but I have not soaked these yet so can not speak to the after on these. Only other issue is the size of the front pockets. I can barely fit my Iphone in the pocket without it sticking out of the top of the pocket. The way the pocket is sewn in as well, the phone basically has no choice but the rest about an inch away from my "junk" instead of the outside of the pocket like most denim. The pocket is angled inwards as opposed to a flat bottom pocket. Little weird, thats all.
PS- I live in Raleigh and have visited the workshop on multiple occasions. The fact that you can see folks in the back making the denim as you're shopping is pretty awesome to me.
