Indi

Waistband
The waistband is the part of your jeans that holds them up. Imagine how awkward life would be without a waistband!  Our INDI women’s jeans all have contoured (curved to your body) waistbands, while our men’s jeans do not. The contoured waistband gives a tighter fit.

Coin pocket
The coin pocket completes the traditional five-pocket jean design; it sits inside the right front pocket. These days they function as a pocket that nothing actually fits in, but somehow a classic pair of jeans doesn’t feel complete without one.

Rivets
Historically these little metal studs were used to reinforce the parts of the jean that received the most stress (remember the original wearers were miners and cowboys). While still placed in high stress areas (like the edges of pockets), today these also function as decoration and a way to differentiate between brands.

Front rise
The front rise is defined as the distance from the crotch to the top of the front waistband. INDI offers rises from super low to high. Lower rises help prevent gaping (the space that appears between your waist and the jean) while higher ones help conceal a curvy tummy.

Whiskering
Whiskering is a hand-detailed treatment in which faded lines are applied to the denim to mimic the subtle creases in the area surrounding the crotch, thighs, and knees in order create a slimming effect on the hips and thighs by drawing the eye downward. You can choose several options for whiskering when designing your INDI jeans, or opt for a completely clean, undistressed, jean.

Sanding
In order to create visual interest by changing the color and texture of jeans, sand paper is carefully applied to them by hand to create wear patterns. Yes, the jeans are literally sanded! INDI offers several sanding choices, from subtle dark indigo to bold vintage distressing.

Inseam
The long seam that runs down the inner leg from the crotch to the hem is called the inseam. This measurement varies depending on the height of the wearer. Since INDI makes jeans custom to you, we can offer any inseam you need, so no more high waters or excessive hemming!

Stay tuned next week as we give you run down on more parts that make up a pair of jeans.

posted by: Bonnie Coombs on June 15, 2011 at 2:47 pm
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Have dad looking stylish wearing our Dark Vintage with Whiskers wash paired with a simple striped t-shirt, for a chic and casual running errands vibe.

Dad’s ready for work (or casual Friday) in indi’s Rinse with Subtle Sanding wash and clean cut button up shirt.

With indi’s Rinse wash jeans and a fitted blazer, dad is ready for a night out (now hopefully the babysitter will be on time!)

All shirt images courtesy of Polyvore.

So for Father’s Day 2011, give dad the gift of custom jeans, shop indi gift cards here.

posted by: Bonnie Coombs on June 13, 2011 at 12:26 pm
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First up, the night look, pair your black denim with a sharp feminine top that breaks up the solid black color of your jeans. Choose a fun necklace that livens up your ensemble that will take you straight to the evening. I personally like pairing my black skinny jeans with edgy shoes that are high but still sensible so I can actually wear them. 

For a weekend day of lunch and errands, pair your black denim with a casual and preppy striped top. Gold is black’s natural pairing and for a weekend, add a pop of color by choosing gold sandals to wear with your straight-leg black denim. Just make sure the rest of your ensemble is low-maintenance. For this look especially, it’s important to be both comfortable and stylish.

For the office, the key to make black jeans acceptable for this setting is to pair your black denim with tailored pieces and dressier fabrics. Choose a chic work week basic like a black blazer to go over your top. Stick to wearing neutral colored heels, keeping everything structured and easy on the eye.

So whether you’re grabbing some drinks on a night out, enjoying an afternoon lunch with friends, or putting hours at work, you can dress up your black denim.. Put them on one leg at a time and you’re good to go—for any situation.

posted by: Eunice Tanos on March 29, 2011 at 9:37 am
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However, what struck me the most about the process were the differences between their method and ours at indi. Since our jeans are custom patterns created from the fit measurements entered by each individual customer our jeans are cut one at a time. By contrast, at the company profiled in the video a whopping 350 jeans are cut at once.  Another example of the custom process versus mass production is in the back pocket, whereas this company cuts 20 pockets at a time, with our various options on back pocket style and embroidery we obviously cut these individually.

That’s not to say at indi we don’t try to be efficient when possible.  Orders with the same wash, (for example vintage tint) we batch together when it comes time for laundry so this step can be completed as quickly as possible for our customers. Also, similar to the denim company in the video, many of our steps are automated. On the other hand, since our jeans are custom and therefore have different measurements and stitches required, each one is hand sewn.

This video is a fascinating look at how modern factories operate and also goes a long way to explaining how off the rack jeans are truly one size fits all body types. Here at indi we know that your body is unique and sometimes mass production, while efficient, doesn’t always cut it.

posted by: Bonnie Coombs on March 8, 2011 at 12:54 pm
filed under:Denim 101Misc Musings
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Some different sanded jeans from indi

It is estimated that 3.2 billion jeans are manufactured worldwide annually and of that amount, 1.2 billion jeans are sanded to replicate a worn in look. People love sanded jeans not only because of the visual appeal, but the sanding process also causes the fabric to soften, thus adding to the comfort of the jeans.

Sanding process can be done with a sand blaster or by hand with sandpaper or with power tools. The difference between the two processes depends on how much sanding denim manufacturers would like the jean to have. A sandblast is great for controlling big sections of the jeans they want sanded. A sandblaster could also be used to produce many different patterns. The sandblasting process starts by blasting a very abrasive substance through a nozzle at the denim at high speed and pressure. Hand sanding on the other hand, allows denim manufacturers to be very precise on what gets sanded. It is done with a fine grain sand paper, a sanding block or a palm sander similar to the ones used by carpenters.

Some of our new denim fabrics here at indi contain anywhere from subtle sand blasting over the entire jean or some heavy blasting in selected areas of the jean in order to give you that worn in custom look. Keep in mind that sanded jeans do emphasize curves, so if you don’t want to showcase you legs, we recommend you opt for light to no sanding. But whatever you decide, your sanded jeans will have a truly authentic and well-loved feel.

posted by: Eunice Tanos on January 27, 2011 at 10:59 am
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Transcript:

HOW TO: Design a jean for an HOURGLASS Shape.

Hi everyone! My name is Alena and, today, I’m going to show you how to design a jean for an hourglass shape.  An hourglass shape has symmetrical shoulders and hips, a full bust, defined waist, and shapely legs.  To start, go to indiCustom.com and select Design Your Own from the drop down menu under the women’s tab.

Now we’ll choose the fit of your jeans.  For an hourglass shape we recommend either our SoMa, our most popular fit, or our Presidio trouser jean.  Trouser jeans have a classic look that flatter hourglass figures by offering plenty of room in the thigh and elongating your figure.  Our SoMa fit is great for hourglass figures as well because it has a flattering fit through the hips and thighs and has a contoured waistband for comfort.  I’ll go ahead and choose the SoMa. 

Next, we’ll choose the fabric.  We recommend a stretch fabric to accentuate your legs it’ll be more comfortable and flattering on an hourglass shape especially around the hip area.  I’m going to choose our Pacifica light weight stretch denim which has 2% stretch. Our next choice is the denim wash.  By hovering over each swatch, you can see a more detailed view of the fabric you have chosen and the wash it comes in.  Also our visualization tool to the right will display the jeans in their selected fabric.  Click “zoom in” for a closer look. Darker washes are the most slimming and they will also serve to balance your hips with your smaller waist.  If you don’t want to go quite as extreme as our rinse wash, the dark choice is still deep enough blue to be flattering on hourglass shapes. 
Next choose the rise for your jeans.  We recommend a low to average rise as this will sit on your hips and help avoid gaping. As an hourglass figure I’m sure you’ve experienced gaping before.  It’s that undesirable gap between your lower back and the back waist of your jeans.  You can also wear a high rise as you have a smaller waist but make sure to accurately measure your natural waist to ensure no gaping.  Stay away from that super low rise, ladies, to prevent that muffin top. 

Now, chose either zipper or button fly closure.  This is a matter of taste not shape.  Time to choose your leg opening style. For an hourglass shape a bootcut is always safe.  However, if you want to try something more adventurous we would recommend the wide leg, which gives plenty of room in the thigh and will emphasize your small waist.  Stay away from extreme skinnies as these can make you appear top heavy.  Choose whichever hem style and coin pocket fit your personal style. 

When choosing the back pocket style, avoid the flap.  As an hourglass, you already have the curves you don’t need to fake them.  But choose any embroidery or embellishment you’d like. 

Finally choose your finishing treatment.  The best ones for hourglasses are the light sanding or none at all on dark denim.  For lighter wash denims more distressing can be used since the contrast will not be as evident. In any case you want to stay away from extreme whiskering, as this will cause your hips to appear wider than they actually are.  From here hit continue and enter your personal measurements to customize your perfect jean. For more style tips, go to indiCustom.com or email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

posted by: Jackie on January 24, 2011 at 4:19 pm
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Jeans are a current staple in most women’s wardrobes. But, most importantly, it’s about as easy to style jeans as it is a plain white t-shirt. First, choose what style jeans you like best, from there you have a blank canvas on which to create plenty of outfits. I created a few sets on Polyvore to demonstrate how to style jeans several different ways. I chose skinny jeans because I consider them my most basic style jeans, but any pair you prefer will do.

Pair whatever style jeans you choose with a blouse with fun detailing, like these horizontal stripes, and then add heels for height and a neutral jacket for a put together, grown up look. On you way to work you can wear the short sleeve blouse and (since I do a lot of walking) the skinny style jeans are perfect for a little cuff to make them more warm-weather friendly. By the time I head home, the temperature is rapidly cooling, so the jacket and the jeans uncuffed are perfect.

indiDenim: style jeans from day to night 2 by coombsbe featuring a shrug jacket

Another way to style jeans to take you from warm days to cool evenings is an oversized sweater over a loose printed tank top. This is one of my favorite ways to be weather appropriate because it is so comfortable. Again you can choose whatever style jeans you prefer, but because of the bulky proportion on top, a leaner look on bottom would be a nice contrast. During the day wear the tank top (long and loose so you don’t look like you’re in high school) with some nice statement jewelry and some polished flats, a nice dark wash-style jeans will also keep this look from being too young. When the weather cools down, pull on the over-sized sweater (I prefer a slightly shorter, cropped sweater to showcase the tank top) and a loose knit cap, and you’ll be ready to go.

indiDenim: style jeans day to night by coombsbe featuring sleeveless tops

Any way you choose to style jeans to be weather appropriate, keep in mind that layers are the easiest and most flattering way to be ready for any temperature. Try designing your perfect style jeans for this time of year at indiDenim.

posted by: Bonnie Coombs on November 4, 2010 at 1:50 pm
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Transcript:
Bonnie: Hello, today we’re going to be talking about the natural waist. This is a measurement you hear a lot when you’re shopping for bottoms like pants or skirts. The natural waist is the smallest part of your body and it can be found by looking in the mirror and leaning; where your body creases that is your natural waist.

To measure it all you need is a soft tape measure. You start with zero at the center of your body, and wrap around. Where the tape measure overlaps will be your natural waist. At indiDenim we make this measurement easier by just measuring from your bellybutton and around. And that will be the measurement that you put in on our jean builder online.

For more style tips go to indiDenim.com or email us at service @ indicustom.com.

posted by: Bonnie Coombs on October 26, 2010 at 10:10 am
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