Raw Denim with 38-Plus inch Waists

For larger folks looking for a pair of raw denim jeans, here's a list of quality denim makers with waist sizes of 38 inches or greater.

Gerald Ortiz

With the raw denim market continually on the rise, quality jeans are becoming increasingly available. That’s good news for everyone, including those of us who are on the larger end of the spectrum. That said, not every brand makes its jeans in a size range that encompasses waists 38″ and up. While that’s disappointing, we’ve got you covered with this list of quality raw denim jeans produced in sizes 38 and up. If there’s any we’ve missed that you think deserve a place, let us know in the comments.

Hiroshi KATO

LA-based Japanese label Hiroshi KATO makes all of their jeans in sizes 38 and often in 40, too. There are 5 fits to choose from, ranging from slim-tapered to wide-straight, and a whole host of selvedge denim options — all sewn up in the USA.

What’s more, KATO offers its range of 4-way stretch selvedge fabrics, specially formulated to incorporate stretch while retaining the look, feel, and fade potential of 100% cotton, vintage-inspired selvedge denim. This is a boon for those with larger waists who struggle to find jeans with a comfortable top block (thunder thigh gang rise up), as the denim moves with you.

Shop the full range at KATO with prices starting at $201.

Unbranded

A step up from Levi’s Shrink-to-Fit’s are Unbranded’s UB322 Straight Fit 11 oz. Stretch Selvedge jeans. They are a solid pair of jeans made a with lightweight rope-dyed Japanese denim. No logos or fancy gimmicks here. Just a solid pair of jeans for an affordable price and they go up to a size 38 with a true waist size of about 40 inches.

Available at CULTIZM from $106

Iron Heart

Iron Heart is one of the biggest names in the game for good reason. In addition to making some of the most expertly crafted raw selvedge denim goods in the land, it also ensures it caters to those with waist sizes up to 44″. And though Iron Heart’s biker mentality leads them to produce heavy and hardwearing goods, many of their heavyweight jeans actually feel much softer than you would expect.

If you’re one of those larger sizes, Iron Heart has got you covered with raw denim that goes up to a gargantuan 25 oz. per square yard, with 6 accessible cuts to choose from. Each pair is made in Japan using vintage machinery and world-class selvedge denim exclusive to Iron Heart.

Available at Iron Heart from $335

Tellason

Made in USA denim royalty, Tellason, makes its range of raw denim jeans up to size 40/42, depending on release. You can shop their range of raw selvedge options, which includes rare fabrics from the finest Japanese mills, or you can try out their pared-back Stock range, which utilizes quality non-selvedge denim to offer a more accessible price point. You can see our review of Tellason’s Stock jeans here.

Available at Tellason from $139 (stock) and from $2360 (selvedge)

3sixteen

Despite its more fashion-forward developments in recent years, 3sixteen always keeps it real with its denim range, which is produced in San Francisco up to size 42. Each pair comes loaded with custom hardware and abranded waist patch, with chain stitch detailing and other classic five-pocket details.

Available at Franklin and Poe from $250.

Railcar

Offering the biggest raw selvedge denim jeans on this list is Railcar, the Californian stalwart that’s been making top-shelf denim goods in the USA since 2010. Many jeans in the Railcar line go up to size 48, including their best-selling Rebels striaght leg cut.

Available at Railcar from $238

Levi’s 501 STF

The Levi’s501 Shrink-to-Fit jeans are one of the most affordable pairs of raw denim you’re likely to find and will never go out of style. They may not utilize rare, nuanced selvedge denim, but they’re about as solid as a pair of non-selvedge comes, and our fade archive holds the receipts.

Being the biggest denim brand in the world, Levi’s produces a plethora of jeans in a wide range of sizes. So if you’re looking for a classic pair of raw denim jeans, you’re sure to find some 501STF that’ll fit your waist and length (all the way up to a 46×40).

Currently on sale at Levi’s for $80

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