n00b questions
how do you tell if something is selvage? I know it's to do with the seams, but I can't ever really tell.
and while we're on the topic, how do you tell if denim's raw?
-Migo
how do you tell if something is selvage? I know it's to do with the seams, but I can't ever really tell.
and while we're on the topic, how do you tell if denim's raw?
-Migo
Notice the selvage is distinctly continuous from the weave of the denim, while the non-selvage edge is stitched over. This selvage in particular is much thicker than normal, but I figured the pic is a pretty good illustration of both types of edges. Also, some manufacturers do not sew their non-selvage edges so loosely as this example either. . .e.g., Diesel sews their non-selvage edges with colored stitching so closely that from a distance it can look like it might be a selvage edge. Raw jeans can usually be discerned by their very deep color, and usually they will be very stiff because they have never been washed.
NOT selvage (Diesel): 
^^Tightly sewn-over edges in bright thread; pretty, but no dice. Selvage (Nudie): 
NOT selvage (Earnest Sewn): 
^^notice the dark stitching sewing the edge contrasted by the orange stitching down the center of the edges, from afar it can be deceiving
Selvage (5EP): 
^^here's one brand that doesn't use the common white selvage, but notice the fabric edges are continuous from the denim NOT selvage (Volcom): 
^^kinda like Deisel Selvage (Paul Smith Red Ear): 
^^another brand that uses non-white selvage, in fact, as you can see, they use some motley colored material for the selvage edges. By now, the first poster will hopefully not have any lingering doubts.
Many could have been very rude to a question like that.
