Railcar Goods Spikes X034 Selvedge Jeans First Impressions

5/21/2019

Jean Specs:

Slim Straight Fit
100% Cotton, 16.5 oz.
Railcar Super Slub Proprietary Denim
Redline Selvedge ID
Raw (Sanforized)
Branded Copper Hardware
Hidden Back Pocket Rivets
Bottom Hem Chainstitching
Double Waist Band (to help reduce stretch)
Flat-felled Inseam
Natural Veg. Tanned Leather Patch
Made in the USA

*Photo from Railcar Fine Goods

About the Company

Railcar Fine Goods was started by Steven Dang in 2010 and operates out of Monrovia, California. Every garment is made in house by a small team of crafters that use vintage equipment to replicate the quality of clothing made long ago. In addition to denim goods, the brand sells footwear by heritage brands such as Red Wing Shoes and Wolverine. Other items for sale on their website include denim care products, accessories, and they even have their very own Barbershop! If you need your denim tailored and your shoes resoled, Railcar offers these service as well!

Impressions

I had been checking out the Railcar Fine Goods jeans at Mildblend Supply Co. and came away impressed with the build quality and the fabric. When I was finally able to get a pair on my legs, they did not disappoint! The slub denim, even at 16.5 oz. (it seems to be available in 15 oz. weight as well at some retailers), was comfortable right away, before and after the initial soak. With raw denim being known to require a break in, this came as a pleasant surprise, especially at the higher end of the mid-weight category.

Perfect with Natural Veg. Tanned Leather Boots

The Spikes X034 Model is slim-tapered and is made with fabric from a mill in Turkey that was designed specifically for Railcar Fine Goods. What drew me to this pair was the 'slubbiness' and the fact that I find 15-17oz. to be the perfect weight for me three out of the four months of the year (excluding summer). My 3sixteen NT-15x jeans are the same weight and also made with plenty of slub. While that pair beats the X034 in term of looks in my opinion, I find the X034s to be more comfortable and feel lighter in weight.

From what I have read by others online, the X034 is a relatively slow fader. I have been wearing my pair four to five times a week for the last month and have noticed some indigo rub off on the belt loops and fly. If you like 'crocking' from you jeans to your shoes/boots (especially natural vegetable-tanned pairs), then I would say this model is for you as there is plenty of indigo dye on these to go around! I have seen suggestions to be wary around light colored furniture while wearing these but I have not had any issues with dye transfer on my tan couch and chair. It is important to note though that I did do an initial soak (Yes, I know these are sanforized) which can help keep indigo fabric transfer to a minimum.

X034s with my EDC

My Spikes X034 are a size 32" and has a standard inseam of 34" (32" on waist sizes 28" and 29") and mine are hemmed to 29.5" which seems to be just right (I am 5'9"). I am really impressed with the overall fit which not only looks great, but is as comfortable as sweatpants! With the top notch construction, I can see this pair of jeans ones that I will be wearing for along time!

Purchase the Spikes X034 16.5 oz. from Railcar Fine Goods
Purchase the Spikes X034 15 oz. from Context Clothing

Fit Pics: