DGL DIGITAL

Welcome to the DENHAM GARMENT LIBRARY digital archive. Take advantage of it now, while we're just getting started documenting and digitizing specimens and before we begin issuing library cards (there's a mountain of items for us to work through so expect this project to go forward in fits and starts).

DENHAM'S ONLNE ARCHIVE

ABOUT THE DGL

Before we created we collected.

But we collect not just to acquire; we collect to examine, analyze, and to learn. Decades in the making, the DENHAM GARMENT LIBRARY supplies the raw material for our research, design and development. We can’t benefit from tailoring traditions unless we understand them better, and new ideas crumble if they’re not built on a strong foundation. Each item in the library tells a story and each one represents a starting-point for our collections.

Jason Denham’s single-minded obsession with denim is the primary inspiration for the brand. His conviction that deep knowledge comes with extensive research is central to the whole studio’s design approach. The label’s own growing archive is home for an expansive collection of archetypal jean models as well as workwear, military clothing and travel gear from the last century all the way up until today. 

We know our predecessors, our contemporaries and our competitors. We take inspiration from anyone and anyplace producing relevant ideas but we’re never content simply to reproduce someone else's approach even if that person's name has been safely lost to history. The research feeds our passion and our passion is to progress our tradition ever forward.

WORSHIP TRADITION. DESTROY CONVENTION

ARCHIVE CATEGORY: DENIM

Black & Grey Railway Ticking Workpants Specimen A
On loan to the DGL from Simon "Barnzley" Armitage and the crew at A Child of the Jago









Black & Grey Railway Ticking Workpants Specimen B
On loan to the DGL from Simon "Barnzley" Armitage and the crew at A Child of the Jago






BORO INDIGO WORK-LEGGINGS "Vagrant" folk-garment Japan

Early twentieth century boro, or 'ragged' patched and mended work garb, used by farmers, lumberman and fisherman. Made of indigo dyed cotton.







BASIC SEAMAN'S PANT (in chambray)
Built in the classic style thought to be a precursor to denim workpants, preceding the "innovation" of added back pockets.







CAN'T BUST 'EM Heavy Black Twill Cinch-Back
Likely turn-of-the-century work pants for use by a miner or fireman. Courtesy Martijn









LEE WAIST OVERALLS






BIG E-TYPE LEVIS 5-Pocket









DEADSTOCK BIG-E TYPE LEVIS 5-pocket






DEADSTOCK RODEO CUT 14oz denim manufactured by Wrangler















Levi's Home Repair
Courtesy Barbera van Rest worn from age 14-18 with ongoing restoration performed (under objection) by her grandmother







EVIS (pre-lawsuit branding of Evisu) Courtesy Malvin Wix






EVISU 5-Pocket Courtesy Casper Reinders





OLD GLORY 5-Pocket Manufactured by Diesel

Junya Watanabe MAN by Comme des Garcon + Levi's