You’ve seen the words: Cone Denim, weft stretch, darts … Maybe you nodded knowingly. Maybe you assumed a gusset was a small woodland creature. Either way, we’re here to translate the denim dialect.
What is weft stretch?
Denim is woven from two sets of threads: the warp, which runs vertically, and the weft which runs horizontally. “Weft Stretch” means stretch is built into those horizontal threads, allowing the fabric to move with you, like dancing the meringue.
In Jortbag terms, this means they feel like OG denim but are better because they stretch when climbing, riding, or picking up the sunglasses you just dropped.
Denim that stretches is indeed still denim because it is made primarily from cotton. It is the best of both worlds: Performance Denim.
What does denim weight mean?
Denim weight isn’t determined by putting your jorts on a scale. It refers to how much one square yard of the fabric weighs, measured in ounces. Most denim falls around 9-13 ounces per square yard.
When picking your next pair of Riptons, think about what you’re asking them to do. A lighter pair, around 9 ounces, feels thinner and more flexible. This might be your choice for an afternoon pedal. A heavier pair, closer to 13 ounces, provides more structure and durability, something you might wear when dragging a log through the woods to build a trail.
What is Cone Denim?
Cone Denim is a renowned American-founded denim company known for producing some of the highest-quality denim. It’s the real deal, and although the Cone Denim used in our products isn’t made in the United States, it comes from a respected mill with generations of denim expertise.
What are darts (in my pants)?
Not the kind you throw, darts are small, intentional folds sewn into fabric to create shape and improve fit. They follow the curves of your body instead of hanging like a denim grocery bag. Basically, darts are geometry working behind the scenes to make your butt look good.
What is a gusseted crotch?
A gusset is an extra panel of fabric sewn into the crotch of a garment to help with mobility, comfort, and durability. This piece makes your Riptons more comfortable when you’re ripping. By replacing the traditional center seam, a gusset accommodates bike saddles, sporty bouldering maneuvers, and unnecessarily high kicks.
It’s not glamorous work, but the gusset does it bravely.
Do you need to wash denim after every wear?
Nah! Unless your Riptons are noticeably fragrant or involved in an unfortunate burrito incident, they can probably be worn again.
Washing denim less often helps preserve the fabric, reduces unnecessary wear, and allows your denim develop character over time. When it's time to wash, follow Ripton's denim care and feeding instructions to help your gear stick around for the long haul.
With this newfound knowledge, you can now feel capable of choosing the perfect jorts or jants based on your exact specifications. Or, you can go entirely off vibes, embrace the chaos, and let the denim choose you.
