STUDIO D'ARTISAN "SD-1001E" GL3 15OZ REGULAR STRAIGHT JEANS ECRU

The Studio D’Artisan SD-1001E takes one of the brand’s most recognisable straight-leg patterns and gives it an entirely different character through its remarkable 15oz GL3 ecru selvedge denim.

Instead of relying on indigo dye, the yarns are left in their natural, warm ecru/kinari tone, allowing the construction and texture of the denim to take centre stage. The result is a fabric with a dry, earthy appearance and an exceptionally tactile surface—far removed from the smooth, uniform character of modern mass-produced denim.

Woven on a piece of Japanese denim history

The real story behind the SD-1001E is its GL3 denim.

Studio D’Artisan develops this fabric specifically around the characteristics of the vintage Toyoda GL3 shuttle loom, a machine dating back more than half a century. The loom is exceptionally slow by modern standards, producing only around five metres of fabric per hour, and maintaining these machines is itself a painstaking process because replacement parts are no longer readily available.

That inefficiency is precisely what makes the resulting denim so interesting.

Rather than producing a perfectly consistent surface, the GL3 creates natural variation throughout the cloth. Studio D’Artisan further tunes the yarn texture, yarn count and weave construction to emphasise those characteristics, producing pronounced slub, irregularity and depth that contemporary high-speed looms struggle to reproduce.

The fabric therefore feels alive: uneven, rugged and slightly unpredictable, with subtle changes in texture visible across the entire pair.

Natural ecru rather than indigo

The Ecru designation is more than simply a colour choice.

Because the yarns are not indigo-dyed, the denim retains the natural colour of the cotton yarn itself. This gives the SD-1001E a softer, warmer starting point than traditional blue selvedge and allows its evolution to take a different path as it is worn.

The neutral tone also makes the jeans unusually versatile. They work naturally with faded workwear, military pieces, knitwear, overshirts and simple everyday clothing, while the heavily textured denim gives even a minimal outfit plenty of visual interest.

The classic Studio D’Artisan straight fit

The SD-1001E uses Studio D’Artisan's classic regular straight silhouette, based on the brand's traditional SD-1000 series pattern.

It has a comfortable mid-to-slightly-higher rise, a generous top block and a full straight leg from the thigh through to the hem. It is relaxed without becoming oversized and structured without feeling restrictive.

The result is a timeless fit that works particularly well with boots, sneakers and heritage footwear.

Details made for long-term wear

The construction follows the traditional five-pocket jean format and includes a button fly, copper hardware, leather patch and selvedge detailing. The pocket construction and off-centre belt-loop placement add further touches of Studio D’Artisan's distinctive approach to classic denim design.

The denim is 100% cotton, 15oz and Made in Japan. This particular version is offered in a one-washed/rinsed state by retailers, making it considerably easier to wear from the beginning while retaining the substantial character of the GL3 fabric.

Why the SD-1001E stands out

The appeal of the SD-1001E isn't about making another pair of ecru jeans.

It is about combining old Japanese weaving technology, deliberately irregular yarn, a substantial 15oz weight and an undyed natural colour into a jean that changes the way you experience selvedge denim.

The surface is rugged.
The colour is understated.
The fit is classic.
And the fabric has the kind of irregular character that can only come from a slow, traditional weaving process.

For anyone looking beyond perfectly clean, modern denim, the SD-1001E GL3 offers something much more tactile and authentic: a pair of Japanese selvedge jeans where the imperfections are part of the design—and where the natural ecru fabric gives the familiar Studio D’Artisan silhouette an entirely new personality.

Product Details

• Model: SD-1001E

• Fabric: 15oz GL3 selvedge denim

• Colour: Ecru / Kinari

• Material: 100% Cotton

• Weave: Vintage Toyoda GL3 shuttle loom

• Fit: Regular Straight

• Silhouette: Classic SD-1000 / SD-101 style

• Rise: Medium to slightly higher rise

• Leg: Straight, full through the thigh and hem

• Construction: Five-pocket

• Fly: Button fly

• Patch: Leather

• Finish: One-washed / rinsed

• Origin: Made in Japan

The SD-1001E is for the denim enthusiast who wants texture over uniformity, character over perfection, and a natural alternative to conventional indigo selvedge.