Two and a half years ago today we created our first men’s proto type. It was far from perfect or complete. Our custom made buttons were still in the development phase so we had to use a generic brass button, among a dozen other things. But despite it being rugged and raw, this pair took Shade55 from an idea to a reality. From that moment, we were able to visualize our dream and have never looked back.

We are excited to be showing our newest collection of 100% Premium American denim inspired classic American craftsmen at Project Las Vegas February 19 – 21. Our creative juices have been on overdrive and we are thrilled with the result. We plan to debut many 1st’s during the show. Updated fits and one-of-a- kind washes are just a small part of what’s new. Come check us out at booth #20057.
One of the creations we are most proud of is the newest addition to the Shade 55 family, style #1978-the Classic American Rise Straight Leg. Inspired by the classic American fit, Continue Reading...
Here’s a great photo that shows the steps and transformation that happens to each of our hand made leather back patches. We only hand select the strongest leather and then create our unique back patches with hand-made details. A machine is never used in the creation of the patches. Therefore, each is unique.
One of the most important parts of making a perfect pair of jeans is getting to know the denim being used. Water, heat and other elements can effect the denim and thus change the fit. Shade55 is committed to testing and retesting our denim to make sure it meets and exceeds our standards (which are pretty high since we have been making jeans for a long time).
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The first rolls of production fabric began to arrive today at our cutting facility in Los Angeles. This is a HUGE deal and it couldn’t have happened on a better day than today, 11/11/11!! Pictured with one of the sulfur black denim rolls is Horacio. He is a cutting master and has been cutting denim for over 35 years. He is an important part of the Shade55 family.
This roll is destined to become one of our most popular styles and wash; The Tapered Leg in Lewis and Clark wash.
Nowadays, it seems like everything is imported. From computers, to cars, to clothing. Everywhere you go, there is a label that usually reads, “Made in China” or another country. And if it does read, “Made in the USA,” how can you be sure it was it REALLY Made in the USA?
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