A CBS production with requisite weird voiceover, this is actually a rather informative documentary for those unfamiliar with denim’s roots or just the ultimate denim porn for those in the know. A short history of the world’s most popular fabric, we’re treated to Michael Allen Harris’ Blue Gold mine finds, Lynn ‘Levi’s’ Downey’s white glove gems and visit modern makers Roy Slaper (again) and Imogene + Willie. If the sight of a dusty, rusted buttoned, pleated denim jacket sends your pulse racing or if you’re just looking to learn a little something, press play.

Image: Michael Harris

If the signals are true, black and white denim will rule Summer 2012. While it may just bee slightly too early (by some standard) to fit into your white jeans, black denim works for every season and quite possibly the denim color that works with every style you throw at it. The Levi’s 511 series of skinny jeans (we prefer to call it a slim fit) have been making their name known with a fit and pricepoint that is far from breaking the bank.

Like all good black denim, proper wear of the Levi’s 511 jeans will let them break in to your body form quicker than most. The 511 jeans sit just below the waist line and include a touch of stretch in the cotton to to make them that much more comfortable.Wear them for a day or so, and you will discover that 511 will take your shape and compliment your look.

Find them Levi’s 511 and other Levi’s denim at sojeans.com.

We’re willing to bet that once you step inside a pair, they will become your go-to jeans this year; so much so that we’re teaming up with sojeans.com to give away a pair to a lucky winner.

To enter: Simply log onto the Selectism Facebook page and tell us why you need to get into a pair of Levi’s 511 denim. We’ll choose a winner in a about a week – just in time for the warm weather to break through. Be sure to LIKE Sojeans Facebook as well.

Soft and subtly pink, Levi’s Made & Crafted One Pocket Chambray Shirt is simple in the best way. A well-fitting shirt that’s just as ready for casual wear as it is for tucked-in-and-tie time. Hewing to the line’s creedo—“Modern items based on the principles of good design”—this is a shirt with minimal details that are well attended to. Caliroots has it.

More looks in our gallery…

What could be harder on a pair of pants than biking to work and back again every day? Commuting by horse? Maybe. Sitting on a pile of hot coals? Just about.

People have been riding their bicycles around cities for decades, if not centuries, but it’s only been in the past five years or so that we have seen a handful of pants designed to look good while resisting the beatings of pedaling on bike seats. Put simply: these pants have the iron crotch. Not a communicable condition, but one of great import to your nethers. Have a look after the jump. Not all of them are pretty, but they are all built for biking.

View 10 Cycling Pants With the Iron Crotch on the following page…

For many a year, clothes tailored to the specific desires of the commuting urban cyclist have come with hefty price tags. This isn’t really a complaint, as most of what we’ve picked up from season to season is made from fine-ass materials and cut to look real good. Now that Levi’s is in the game, however, we can fill out our drawer of bike-to-work-wear at a faster clip.

True, there was some initial eye-rolling in the “oh, now that everyone has a fixie they get involved” department, but it didn’t last long. Why? Because the shit looks good and seems built to withstand a little more abuse that your typical pair of 511s. “The collection expands on the original 511 Commuter and Commuter Trucker with new styles featuring performance details that offer cyclists greater mobility, protection, safety and convenience,” press release says. “These products are technologically advanced, without compromising style … It’s all about form, function, and cycling.”

They have even put together a “yup” little video showing the goods in action.

More looks in our gallery…

A peek at the Fred Perry Spring/Summer 2012 ‘Friends of Fred’ Collection, bringing together familiar names for a big group hug. Two models of striped Sunspel t-shirt, Levi Big E Bedford Cords, a navy Aquascutum Sheerwater Raincoat, crepe sole black and navy George  Cox Creeper and two excellent Ally Capellino bags. Available March 5 from Laurel Wreath stores and online.

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Crisp lines, bold but well-placed colors and at least one jazzy piece of knitwear dominate the Autumn/Winter 2012 Global Collection from Levi’s. It’s pretty much what we’ve come to expect from maybe the most iconic brand in forever, but the lack of giant surprises isn’t really a detriment.

The theme here orbits around the ritual of getting dressed (pretty abstract) and the menswear hews to the trendy tapered look, “for a great flattering fit that sits just below the waist, is slouchy on the top and has a slim tailored leg.” That kind of slouchy talk makes us shudder at the thought of pleats making a swashbuckling return. Also, the extreme capri-ness on one of the pant presentations is very in-your-face, but we are pretty sure it is just meant to show off the reflective stripes on the newer Commuter Series of urban cycling pants.

Bottom line: there’s something sturdy and sharp in just about every look here. You can check out some pants locked in ice in this video detailing the run-up to the launch at New York Fashion Week.

More looks in our gallery…

Levi’s Vintage Clothing produce this impressive Spring Summer 2012 lookbook as a limited edition collectors item. Expertly put together by New Future Graphics, the brand look back through their sizable archives for inspiration for both the collection and the design of the book.

If you still have an aversion to double denim then this may not be up your street but for anyone interested in the historical side of the fabric and levi’s own origins then click on. END has them.

Click for images

Many have been waiting on this one. The fourth installment of New York City’s “Pop Up Flea” returns tomorrow, December 2 through the weekend.  More than 30 brands and vintage dealers  are taking part in this year’s installment. It is a true one stop shopping experience for men’s gift buying.

Here’s the rundown on who will be showcasing their wears: L.L. Bean Signature, Red Wing Heritage, Levi’s Vintage Clothing, Todd Snyder, Billykirk, Alexander Olch, Dehen 1920, Gitman Brothers Vintage, Grown & Sewn, The Hill-Side, Hodinkee, Danner Boots, J.W. Hulme, Mr. JP Williams, Lemon Ball, Leatherhead, Mer Bags, Oak Street Bootmakers, Pierrpont Hicks, Quality Mending Company, Rancourt & Co., Tanner Goods, Tellason, Hickoree’s, Three Potato Four, Wooden Sleepers, Levi’s Made & Crafted, Sit and Read Furniture, Digby and Iona, Schott NYC, Smith + Butler, Terrapin Stationers, Strawser & Smith, and Isaora.

Visit this the Pop Up Flea at 159 Bleecker Street in New York City. Runs December 2-4.

A little shop walk through this Thursday. We take a look inside the Levi’s Tailor Shop in New York City. Watch as the “tailors” in shop work over some garments for their customers. Cut, sew, repair – and repeat.