A Straightforward Guide to How It’s Made and Why It Matters

Selvedge denim refers to the traditional way of how denim used to be made. It takes longer, costs more to weave, and results in a fabric that breaks in differently. This unique weaving method affects how the fabric looks, feels, and ages over time. It doesn’t automatically make a pair of jeans “better,” but when it’s paired with good cotton, thoughtful weaving, and solid construction, it creates a fabric that behaves differently than most modern denim.

This guide explains how selvedge denim is made, how it compares to regular denim, and why some of us still choose to work with it even when there are cheaper, faster ways to make jeans.

What Is Selvedge Denim? 

Selvedge denim is woven on a traditional shuttle loom that creates a clean, self-finished edge along both sides of the fabric. The word “selvedge” comes from “self-edge.”

That finished edge doesn’t fray because the weft yarn travels back and forth across the fabric in one continuous motion. When the denim is cut and sewn into jeans, that edge can be used along the outseam of the leg. If you cuff the jeans, you’ll usually see a narrow stripe running down the inside seam. That stripe is the selvedge.

Selvedge doesn’t describe how heavy the fabric is. It doesn’t tell you if the denim is raw or washed. It doesn’t guarantee quality. It tells you how the fabric was woven and that the edges of the cloth were finished by the loom itself, not trimmed and overlocked later in production.

How Selvedge Denim Is Made

Selvedge denim is woven on old-style shuttle looms. These machines are slow. They’re temperamental. They make narrow fabric. And they require people who actually know how to run and maintain them.

Modern denim is woven on shuttle-less projectile or air-jet looms. These machines are fast. They produce wide fabric. They’re efficient and built for scale. The trade-off is that the edges of the fabric come off raw and need to be cut and finished later.

Shuttle looms weave denim one pass at a time, sending the weft yarn back and forth across the fabric. That continuous motion locks the edge of the cloth, creating the self-edge that defines selvedge denim.

Because shuttle looms are slower and narrower:

• Mills produce fewer yards of fabric per day
• More fabric is required per pair of jeans
• Costs go up
• Mills have less incentive to run them unless they care about the craft

This is one of the reasons selvedge denim costs more. It’s not because of hype. It’s because the machines themselves are inefficient by modern standards, and the people who know how to run them are increasingly rare.

What’s the Difference Between Selvedge Denim and Regular Denim?

The difference isn’t about quality in a vacuum. It’s about the process.

Regular denim is woven on modern high-speed looms. The edges of the fabric are cut and overlocked during garment construction. Selvedge denim is woven on shuttle looms with a finished edge built into the fabric itself.

In practical terms, the differences most people notice are:

• Selvedge denim often has more surface texture and irregularity
• Selvedge denim tends to feel more rigid at first
• Selvedge denim is usually used in more considered, smaller-run garments
• Regular denim can be excellent or terrible depending on how it’s made

There is great non-selvedge denim in the world. There is also bad selvedge denim. The weaving method alone doesn’t guarantee quality. It’s one piece of a much larger chain of decisions that includes cotton sourcing, yarn spinning, dyeing, weaving, cutting, sewing, and finishing.

Is Selvedge Denim Better Quality?

Not automatically. Selvedge denim can be made with cheap cotton. It can be poorly woven. It can be sewn badly. When that happens, the finished jeans aren’t good just because they have a selvedge edge.

Where selvedge tends to stand apart is in intent. Brands that choose selvedge denim usually care about the process. They care about fabric character. They care about how the jeans will look after years of wear. That mindset often leads to better decisions elsewhere in the chain.

Does selvedge denim last longer?

Longevity comes from fabric weight, weave density, fiber quality, and construction. Selvedge denim doesn’t magically last longer, but many selvedge fabrics are woven heavier and more densely, which can contribute to durability when paired with good construction.

Is selvedge denim worth it?

It’s worth it if you care about how fabric is made and how it ages. It’s not worth it if you just want something soft, stretchy, and disposable. Selvedge rewards patience. If you’re not interested in that relationship with a garment, you’re better off buying something else.

Selvedge Denim vs Raw Denim: What’s the Difference?

This is one of the most common points of confusion.

Raw denim means the fabric hasn’t been washed or softened after weaving and dyeing. Selvedge denim refers to how the fabric edge was created on the loom.

You can have:

• Raw selvedge denim
• Washed selvedge denim
• Raw non-selvedge denim
• Washed non-selvedge denim

They’re separate attributes. Raw denim is about finish. Selvedge is about weaving method.

Raw selvedge denim is popular because it combines a traditional weaving process with a blank canvas that shows wear over time. But one doesn’t require the other.

Why Selvedge Denim Costs More

Selvedge denim costs more because:

• Shuttle looms are slow
• Fabric is narrower, so you need more of it
• Skilled labor is required to operate and maintain the looms
• Mills produce selvedge in smaller quantities
• Brands that use selvedge often produce in smaller runs
• Construction is usually more labor-intensive

There’s no shortcut around this. You can make cheap jeans. You can make carefully built jeans. You can’t do both at scale without sacrificing something.

How Selvedge Denim Ages and Fades Over Time

One of the real pleasures of selvedge denim is watching it change. Raw selvedge denim, in particular, starts stiff and dark. Over time, the indigo wears off at stress points — knees, pockets, seams, thighs. Creases form where your body moves.

The result isn’t just wear. It’s a record of use.

Two people can buy the same pair of raw selvedge jeans and wear them for two years. They won’t look the same at the end. That’s not marketing language. That’s how indigo dye and cotton fiber behave under friction and movement.

This is why some people get obsessive about selvedge denim. It’s not about owning something pristine. It’s about watching something change honestly.

How to Tell If Jeans Are Selvedge Denim

The simplest way: cuff the jeans. If you see a clean finished edge with a colored stripe along the outseam, that’s selvedge.

Other indicators:

• The product description explicitly states selvedge
• The fabric comes from mills known for selvedge production
• The outseam construction uses the selvedge edge instead of overlocking

If you don’t see that edge and the brand doesn’t mention selvedge, the denim is almost certainly not selvedge.

How to Care for Selvedge Denim (Washing, Break-In, Repairs)

Raw selvedge denim is going to feel stiff when it’s new. That’s part of the deal. The fabric hasn’t been softened or broken in yet. Put the jeans on, move around in them, let them take shape. They’ll relax on their own.

When they’re dirty, wash them. Dirt and grit grind into the fibers every time you move. Letting that build up does more damage than a careful wash ever will. There’s no prize for going a year without cleaning your jeans. Cold water, mild detergent, inside out. Hang them to dry if you can. That keeps shrinkage and wear to a minimum.

As for repairs — that’s just part of owning good denim. High-stress spots like the crotch, pockets, and knees are meant to wear first. Fixing them early keeps the rest of the jeans going longer. A good repair doesn’t ruin a pair of jeans. It usually makes them better.

Why We Still Make Selvedge Denim Jeans at Tellason

We use selvedge denim because we like how it behaves. We like the texture. We like the way it fades. We like the discipline it imposes on how we cut and sew. Working with narrower fabric forces you to be intentional. You waste less when you’re paying attention.

We could make jeans faster. We could make them cheaper. That’s not the point. The point is to make something we’d want to wear for years. Selvedge denim isn’t nostalgia for us. It’s just a tool that happens to line up with how we think good clothing should be made.

If that resonates with you, selvedge denim might make sense for you too. If it doesn’t, that’s fine. The world doesn’t need everyone wearing the same jeans.

When building a brand identity for your clothing business, every detail matters right down to the smallest elements. AustinTrim, a leading supplier of custom woven labels, understands the impact these little details can have on the overall perception of your brand. Whether you’re a small startup or an established name in the fashion industry, woven labels play a vital role in establishing your brand’s professionalism, quality, and uniqueness.

We’ll explore why custom woven labels are essential for every clothing brand, how they contribute to a brand's identity, and why they should be a priority in your garment production process.

What Are Custom Woven Labels and How Do They Work?

Custom woven labels are fabric tags woven into your garments to display brand information, logos, or care instructions. Unlike printed labels, which use ink on fabric, woven labels are created using threads that are stitched into the fabric, making them durable and long-lasting. This method of labeling ensures that your brand message stands the test of time.

These labels are typically sewn into the inner seams or necklines of clothing items. They not only identify the brand but also help in educating the consumer about the fabric composition, care instructions, or sizing information. Custom woven labels are an essential tool for any clothing brand looking to elevate their product quality and consumer experience.

Why Custom Woven Labels Are Crucial for Branding?

1. Boost Your Brand’s Professionalism

In the highly competitive clothing industry, every brand wants to stand out. A custom woven label is a sign of professionalism and attention to detail. These labels create a polished look that’s instantly recognized by consumers. A well-designed woven label with your logo or brand name makes your products look premium and trustworthy, helping to foster brand loyalty among customers.

When a customer picks up a garment with a clean, high-quality woven label, they are more likely to associate your brand with quality. AustinTrim’s woven labels, made from durable materials, ensure your brand’s reputation for quality remains intact even after multiple washes.

2. Durability and Longevity

Unlike paper labels that can fade or tear, custom woven labels are known for their durability. Woven labels are made from high-quality threads that can withstand wear and tear, making them ideal for clothing that will go through frequent washing and handling.

The longevity of woven labels ensures that your branding remains visible and intact for the entire lifespan of the garment. This is an important consideration for brands that want to ensure their logo stays legible and impactful, even after repeated use.

3. Consumer Perception and Trust

The quality of the label you choose can significantly affect consumer perception. A clothing brand that invests in high-quality custom woven labels signals to its customers that it cares about the details. Consumers are more likely to trust a brand that pays attention to quality, both in the product and the branding materials used.

In fact, labels are often one of the first things a customer will look at when they examine a garment. Whether it’s checking the size or understanding the fabric composition, woven labels provide all the essential details in a professional manner, contributing to a positive brand experience.

4. Flexibility and Customization Options

Custom woven labels offer a range of customization options, allowing brands to select the right design, size, and colors to match their brand identity. Whether you need small, discreet labels or larger, more prominent tags, woven labels can be tailored to fit your clothing line’s unique style.

At AustinTrim, we offer a variety of weaving techniques such as satin, damask, and taffeta, which can be chosen based on the type of fabric and the aesthetic you wish to achieve. This flexibility in design ensures that your woven labels reflect the essence of your brand, whether it’s luxury, casual, or eco-friendly.

The Advantages of Custom Woven Labels for Your Clothing Brand

5. Improve Brand Recognition

A custom woven label acts as a small billboard for your brand. Every time your product is worn or washed, your logo is visible, helping to boost brand awareness. AustinTrim understands the importance of consistency in branding, and woven labels are a fantastic way to reinforce your brand's identity with every garment.

6. Enhance Product Appeal and Value

Custom labels do more than just identify the brand. They add value to the overall product by enhancing the garment’s visual appeal. A well-placed woven label can elevate a simple t-shirt or jacket into a product that exudes premium quality and craftsmanship. Customers are more likely to perceive a clothing item with a high-quality woven label as a better investment.

7. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Options

For brands that prioritize sustainability, custom woven labels offer an eco-friendly alternative to plastic tags and printed labels. The materials used for woven labels, such as organic cotton or recycled polyester, can be more sustainable than synthetic options, helping brands reduce their environmental footprint.

If sustainability is a key value for your brand, you can choose woven labels that reflect that mission, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

Conclusion:

Custom woven labels are more than just a piece of fabric on your garments they are an essential branding tool that enhances product appeal, builds consumer trust, and improves your clothing brand’s overall image. From improving the professionalism of your clothing line to offering long-lasting durability, woven labels are a must-have for any serious fashion brand. Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, investing in high-quality custom woven labels from AustinTrim will take your branding to the next level.

By adding woven labels to your garments, you are not just marking your products; you are making a statement about the quality and care that goes into every piece you create.

Engaging with Tony and Pete was a no-brainer for us at Proximity Manufacturing Company. There's quite a backstory to our connection.

I met Matt Sharkey, a professional photographer among many other talents, several years back when White Oak closed. He traveled here in early February 2018 and stayed with me here in Greensboro, and we became acquainted with the new owner of the mill. We were permitted to explore everywhere, and so naturally, we spent days and days wandering and capturing every corner of the facility in photographs. To be blunt: it was eerie. Some of the areas in the mill had offices that looked as if the person just stood up mid-lunch and walked out. They may very well have. We documented everything, because everything, and I mean everything, was exactly where it stood on the last day of operations, with lead lines and yarn still on machinery and ranges, fabric coming off the take-up side of the looms, carts, trucks, and tools in the place they were the last moment things were moving in production. Matt and I vowed that this content would one day be a coffee table book, but I defer to him on this, because he is the one who has the film.

When we got our initial game plan to start weaving again, I asked Matt to introduce me directly to two of his close friends, which was funny because we already carried their brand at my retail store, Hudson's Hill, so it was nice to finally put a voice to a name and eventually faces to names via FaceTime with Tony and Pete. For the longest time, my store didn't carry their brand out of respect for another small retailer that operated in the next city west of here, which sadly shuttered its doors sometime a few years ago. When White Oak shuttered, Tellason was one of the biggest shuttle denim clients behind the likes of LS&Co. The foundation of our business model and our company value proposition is to support the small brands that built their business from cloth flowing out of the doors of White Oak, off the narrow shuttle looms, by working directly with these brands to rekindle an enterprise in the same building, that can also help sustain our non-profit (the weaving side is a for-profit division of the non-profit WOLF), via sharing dividends from earnings through collaborative projects with brands on products constructed from the denim we weave.

The first phone call spelled it all out. They were in. These two loved the idea that this kind of effort was being made to keep denim being woven in Greensboro on those old wooden floors at White Oak, and they were willing to do their part to help its success. The main challenge would be to understand the fabric, unsanforized and as loom state, as it gets. Up for the challenge, we embarked on the journey that led us to this journal entry.

We shipped them a small yardage of cloth to get the test-fit samples built. When the sample production was complete, we each put a pair through wash testing to determine a range of shrinkage. Tony soaked and hang-dried his pair, and I elected to mechanically wash and dry my sample (oh the heresy, I know!). What we were able to determine is that the denim does mimic a shrink-and-fit sizing model. Because the picks per inch (the number of shuttle throws in the filling) is significantly higher, the cloth is more densely woven than a heavier ounce weight denim, so the space between yarns is less and therefore the shrink is not entirely the same as Big E's from yonder year, but it is close and predictable. After one round of hot wash cycle and warm drying cycle, then hanging dry from there, the sample shrunk 3" in the waist and 3" in the inseam. Over two washes and dries the jeans shrunk 3.5" in the waist and 4" in the inseam, but Tony's pair with a week of wear, then a hot soak and a hang dry in damp Bay Area air only shrunk 2.5" in the waist and 2.5" in the inseam.

So, naturally, we made some adjustments, based on our observations of the samples. We removed the plain weave back pocket liner fabric and replaced it with a second layer of denim, due to a disproportionate shrinkage rate that caused lumping in the back pockets in washing and drying. This is also cool because this is how Blue Bell Wrangler and Lee jeans were constructed in the middle of the 20th century. We decided to change the pocket facing to cross-grain, to reflect Levi's jeans patterns, and we finalized the hardware, deciding on a washer and burr rivet and laurel wreath buttons, commonly used in wartime manufacturing and post-war civilian production of denim products by manufacturers with leftover hardware. These trim options can also be seen on the sister garment that is produced by Runabout Goods, the Brander Jacket. The garment was given a slightly longer front and back rise, resulting in a slightly longer button fly, and the inseam was elongated to compensate for the proportional shrinkage in the warp direction of the cloth. The rest of the garment is very similar to the Ankara fit, in terms of seam construction, front pocket depth, back pocket shape, stitch, liner, and back yoke over the panel, all staples of Tellason. I think these details and cloth, make a truly modern yet classic pair of jeans.

The second sample arrived with these modifications and was hot-soaked, and hang-dried to determine if there was any difference between Northern California and Central North Carolina. This resulted in shrinkage of 2" in the waist and 2" in the inseam.

The unsanforized, loom state cloth coming straight from the loom is very smooth and very soft. This is a combination of the low twist count yarns and the finer yarn count weave that is reflected in dense denim fabric. But, when it gets put through a wash or soak and dry process, it crisps up and becomes a nice 13+ oz. denim that has a beautiful, hairy unsinged face, and a nice steep right-hand twill line. We used 12 natural yarns in the ID lines, to commemorate the first yardage woven in White Oak back in April 1905.

Tellason is currently producing only 116 pairs in this historic inaugural run, all individually numbered to pay homage to the 116 years that the White Oak Cotton Mill has stood in Greensboro, and through those years became known around the world as the gold standard producer of denim. 

Note from Tellason: link to jeans on tellason.com here 

A tradition renewed: Nonprofit reopens White Oak denim plant

By Chris O'Brien Greensboro PUBLISHED 6:45 AM ET Sep. 29, 2021 PUBLISHED 6:45 AM EDT Sep. 29, 2021

GREENSBORO, N.C. — A stripped factory, two looming machines, a small dining table and RainX is all that remains of the Cone Denim White Oak plant in Greensboro.

Still, there’s one key difference: now, the looming machines work.

What You Need to Know:

• A nonprofit called WOLF reopened the White Oak denim plant in a small capacity
• It originally opened in 1905 and then closed in 2017 because of low demand
• Debbie Lindsey was a White Oak employee that was brought back to run the weaving machines

“What we’re doing is we are making cloth back inside the White Oak facility,” weaver Debbie Lindsey said. “We have two looms back here that were left over after the other ones were sold.”

White Oak has reopened, albeit in a much smaller capacity, after it shuttered back in 2017.

“That was a bad day. People had plans of things that they were going to do,” Lindsey said. “It turns your world upside down.”

The facility had been in operation since Cone opened it in 1905. But when it closed, Walmart took most of the building over as a distribution center. Now, thousands of gallons of RainX lay stacked, row after row.

“It’s unreal,” Lindsey said. “I just never thought that this place would close. Never.”

She had worked in the White Oak plant for more than 30 years, much like her mother.

“This place raised me because my mother worked here. I cannot remember how long she was here,” Lindsey said. “This place raised my son.”

There were once hundreds, if not thousands, of weaving machines in the warehouse. Now, most of them have been sold and only two remain. It seemed like there was no hope to bring the White Oak legacy back in the city of ‘Jeansboro.’

But a few of the laid-off workers came together and created a nonprofit called WOLF – White Oak Legacy Foundation – to try and keep the tradition alive. The nonprofit got the two remaining machines running again and called former White Oak employees to run them.

“Receiving the call that they were actually going to start two looms up, I sit on the couch and cried,” Lindsey said.“Receiving the call that they were actually going to start two looms up, I sit on the couch and cried,” Lindsey said.

There are fewer than 10 members who are a part of WOLF, but now, local blue jeans still exist. And talk to Lindsey once, and you’ll understand how much it means to be back doing what she loves.

“If there was anything better, I don’t know what it would be,” Lindsey said.

It took us a couple of years to get a solid contact at the mill that made our favorite twill, Cramerton Army Cloth.  Fortunately, we were able to use this amazing fabric for several years until the mill closed in 2016 (Strike 1).  This fabric was special not only because of its history but also because it was a highly constructed 2x1 weave and heavier than most twills used to make Chinos. Its 2-ply warp yarn gave it a smooth feel and excellent durability.  Using our connections at Cone Mills White Oak (Strike 2), we were able to recreate the Cramerton Army Cloth at their sister facility, Carlisle Finishing in South Carolina. 

In January we inquired with our representative at Cone Mills about ordering more Carlisle fabric.  We were informed the mill closed at the end of 2020 (Strike 3).  We're now working with a mill in Japan to come up with another kick-ass twill for our Chinos...stay tuned.  In the meantime, all of the current stock of our straight leg and tapered Chinos are the ends of the road of our production with Carlisle twill.  

Besides making and selling pants, one of the best parts of this business is the people you meet.  Jason is one of those people.  We're stoked to be a part of Reserve Supply Company -- especially after Jason and his family visited us in Sausalito several years ago.

RESERVE SUPPLY PROFILE VIDEO

Without people, you're nothing  -- Joe Strummer

In this series, we will ask 10 Questions of independent retailers around the world. In this difficult time we're all facing, we wanted to find out how these shops are doing, how they plan to operate in the short term, and how you can support them to make sure their doors open when the coast is clear.

1. Have you closed the doors to your store by government mandate? Yes, currently the store operates on appointments only, we may completely shut doors depending on further notice by the Australian government.
2. Did you have an e-commerce store before the emergence of the virus? Yes, this is the way, every premium business has an online store when they open.
3. If so, have you noticed an uptick in online sales as loyal customers want to support you? Yes, during this hard time, small biz like ours offer special to customers, after talking to my partner, we decide to offer 20% off sitewide, this is the final continued offer during the COVID-19 period. Ever since we start offering discounts, we see a huge uptick on our website, thanks to all my dear friends/customers who show their support.
4. If not, have you been able to sell products via email or by appointment in the store? We are doing them all, online, via email, social media, phone calls, and anything that can help the guys to get what they want.
5. Do you believe that consumers will change their minds regarding where they spend their money and what they buy if they see their neighborhoods changed due to store closures related to the quarantine? I would say not really in Australia. Based on my understanding, different brands offer different fits, sizes, and styles, this is not a fast-fashion item that people can just throw their money into it. It is like running a music band, people need to hear it then will know if they like their songs. Same in this world, people need to try on the clothes then they will know if the product fits them. So I would say people are still willing to visit the physical store to try on the clothes, besides it is not only about the clothes, but it is also about the service that we offered.
6. Is The Clash A) the greatest English band of all-time B) the best punk band ever C) The Only Band That Matters or D) all of the above? I have to go with D on this one :p
7. Are you using some of the time during the closure of your store to do some projects inside the store (remodeling, re-merchandising, etc)? We are in the same situation with Elroy clothing, our lease is finishing up by the end of April, and if the lockdown continues, then we need to temporarily close the store to save some cash (I don’t want to, I love the space, and my landlord is awesome) and looking for other places. We will also use the time to build up our online store so that our customers can shop online easier and more friendly.
8. Have any of your brick-and-mortar customers reached out to you specifically to see how you're doing and asked how they can support you? Yes, they are amazing, ever since this nonsense started, our dear customers/friends reach out to us via phone calls, text messages, and Instagram to check on us to make sure we are in good condition and offer help. I am deeply grateful and appreciate the offer, Thank you, guys.
9. Are you optimistic you will survive the quarantine and be able to reopen your store? Yes, for sure we will survive and we will be stronger than ever after this. Both in our lives, and our business.
10. If someone reading this would like to support you by purchasing from you, what is the best way for them to handle the inquiry? You can contact us via Instagram (@urban_lupe), email: service@urbanlupe.com.au or visit our website www.urbanlupe.com.au
    

In this series, we will ask 10 Questions of independent retailers around the world. In this difficult time we're all facing, we wanted to find out how these shops are doing, how they plan to operate in the short term, and how you can support them to make sure their doors open when the coast is clear.

1. Have you closed the doors to your store by government mandate? Yes. Technically we’ve been closed since 3/17 as our government had issued some pretty strong guidelines to help minimize the spread of the virus. We shifted to appointment only, but then this week officially closed as the order to stay at home went into effect.
2. Did you have an e-commerce store before the emergence of the virus? E-commerce was how we got into the retail game, brick-and-mortar came second, so we are grateful that we’ve had that set up, certainly now more than ever.
3. If so, have you noticed an uptick in online sales as loyal customers want to support you? It seems like there has been an uptick from local folks in particular which we are extremely grateful for.
4. If not, have you been able to sell products via email or by appointment in the store? Editor: answered in question 1.
5. Do you believe that consumers will change their minds regarding where they spend their money and what they buy if they see their neighborhoods changed due to store closures related to the quarantine? I imagine most folks are taking notice of something that we all have maybe taken for granted: small business is the backbone of this country. It's in the fibers of our society and woven into the landscape of the towns and cities in which we live. I think the scary realization is setting in that mass closures of small businesses would be devastating for everyone.
6. Is The Clash A) the greatest English band of all-time B) the best punk band ever C) The Only Band That Matters or D) all of the above? The Clash is a band. They were a very good band.
7. Are you using some of the time during the closure of your store to do some projects inside the store (remodeling, re-merchandising, etc)? We had a pretty bold spring plan going into this mess as we were planning an expansion of our store and had ordered more women's items to fill out this new space. This plan also involved us building more women's offerings within the Freeman brand. Unfortunately, we had to put this on hold when everything came to a screeching halt – it didn’t feel prudent to invest in expansion when our number one concern was paying our employees. We may still chip away at the expansion (since Scott is a carpenter) but have put it on hold right now. We shifted much of our focus from the store to how we could mobilize our idle sewing shop to help with the shortage of PPE for healthcare workers. We just linked up with a group north of us who are working directly with hospitals on medical-grade masks and are cueing up production now. We are super excited to have some way to contribute in these crazy times. It's surreal how a skill like sewing or garment production has gone so undervalued for so long in this country, and now we find ourselves in this unimaginable situation where professional sewers are needed more than ever to build protective gear. Certainly never saw that coming.
8. Have any of your brick-and-mortar customers reached out to you specifically to see how you're doing and asked how they can support you? Yes, our local community has been great. I feel lucky to have made a connection with so many over the last 5 years.
9. Are you optimistic you will survive the quarantine and be able to reopen your store? We started this company running everything by ourselves and if we had to, we could do it again. I honestly think it won’t come to that and we can’t imagine Freeman without our amazing staff. We don’t want to be all roses and sunshine though, I think getting through the quarantine might be the easy part, it could be the economy that awaits on the other side that could be trickier to navigate. We need to be smart and nimble as we probably won’t know what to expect for quite a few months.
10. If someone reading this would like to support you by making a purchase from you, what is the best way for them to handle the inquiry? Our online shop (freemanseattle.com) has everything that one would normally find in our brick-and-mortar and Info@freemanseattle.com is a great way to reach us with any questions. Thanks, Tony and Pete! Hang in there!

In this series, we will ask 10 Questions of independent retailers around the world. In this difficult time we're all facing, we wanted to find out how these shops are doing, how they plan to operate in the short term, and how you can support them to make sure their doors open when the coast is clear.

1. Have you closed the doors to your store by government mandate? Indeed, Our county has established a “Stay at Home” mandate.
2. Did you have an e-commerce store before the emergence of the virus? Yes- We have had e-commerce for the past few years.
3. If so, have you noticed an uptick in online sales as loyal customers want to support you? We have seen some more attention and shopping activity digitally but not directly via the site – mostly Instagram messaging.
4. If not, have you been able to sell products via email or by appointment in the store? We have been open for private and virtual appointments. We have recently introduced, TABOR Take Out which is our packaged delivery service or free online shipping for those out of our area code.
5. Do you believe that consumers will change their minds regarding where they spend their money and what they buy if they see their neighborhoods changed due to store closures related to the quarantine? I think folks will take it into account for sure and are willing to support it. We have been lucky to have a strong community here in NC.
6. Is The Clash A) the greatest English band of all-time B) the best punk band ever C) The Only Band That Matters or D) all of the above? Knowing you guys, I know the answer is D.
7. Are you using some of the time during the closure of your store to do some projects inside the store (remodeling, re-merchandising, etc)? We have seen some good responses to TABOR Take Out in box clients and delivery appointments so we have been staying busy. We have had more time for creating social and website energy than physical stores.
8. Have any of your brick-and-mortar customers reached out to you specifically to see how you're doing and asked how they can support you? We are lucky to have such a great community around us and we have been eager to check in on a lot of the TABOR family through this time. We have been so appreciative of those communicating and checking back in with us. Truly the best way to support us is to give us a shout for whatever you need. We are eager to serve and keep up with what we do every day.
9. Are you optimistic you will survive the quarantine and be able to reopen your store? We are so optimistic. Once the mandate is lifted and folks are at ease, we are here and ready with open arms. This has been a huge adjustment though- We love the creative problem-solving but struggle with tough sacrifices to what we have been able to establish in these 5 years of business. We aren’t going anywhere but we of course need support to make that happen.
10. If someone reading this would like to support you by purchasing from you, what is the best way for them to handle the inquiry? Our website – is taborclt.com – or work with us on Instagram for a more direct discussion on anything you may need. @taborclt