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IN THE MARKET | DENIM A 'Boulder' Brand textileinsight.com Denim that Delivers for Climbers, Travelers & Every Day Pursuits. By Emily Walzer Boulder Denim co-founder Brad Spence, shown here scaling Skaha Bluffs, brings his climbing expertise to fabric development. radley Spence never really cared for denim, preferring cords or chinos. "I found jeans uncomfortable, or they stretched out," says Spence, who has since changed his tune having co-founded Boulder Denim with business partner Taz Barrett. These days the duo find themselves behind the wheel of a vintage 1975 Airstream touring North America in a mobile showroom/pop up shop selling and promoting Boulder Denim brand functionally versatile jeans. The journey began two years ago when Spence and Barrett decided they wanted to upgrade their usual climbing attire of gym shorts and non-durable yoga pants. Baggy, bright-colored climbing pants were not a stylish option. "We wanted a pant that you put on in the morning, cycle to work in, wear all day, climb in after work, and then wear to grab a beer in the evening," explains Spence, who is based in Vancouver, Canada. Textiles were the number one factor in the hunt for a better climbing pant. Research led them to a manufacturer located outside of Quebec City that had developed a sophisticated denim weave allowing for stretch, flex and excellent shape retention, and no bagging! According to Spence, "Most stretch denim tends to bag out as you wear them and lose that perfect fit that you tried on in the store." The denim used in Boulder Denim is a patented cross-woven fabric that has 92 percent stretch retainment — the highest in the industry — compared to an industry average of only 64 percent, states Spence. Boulder Denim is a 10-ounce dual-FX blend of 93 percent cotton/5 percent polyester, and contains only two percent Lycra. Boulder Denim also features Nanosphere, a Schoeller treatment that repels stains, liquids and dirt. "Nanosphere had never been done before on denim and Schoeller was keen on giving it a try," says Spence. Sustainability is also part of the Boulder Denim ethos. "Being made in North America is a plus, and the fact that Nanosphere keeps the denim clean and stink-free means you can wash the jeans less often," Spence explains, adding "You can wear them for a year without having to wash them — although we encourage a cold water wash and hang dry." The denim is also billed as cruelty-free per a sug- gestion from Spence's brother. "He's vegan – as are many in the climbing community – and he said to us 'why harm an animal to make jeans?'" The partners agreed and decided against using any leather patches on Boulder Denim jeans. An organic cotton option is a future consideration. Boulder Denim offers styles for men and women, and has found a niche not only with climbers and adven- ture travelers but also consumers looking for a jean that balances function and fashion for everyday wear. Design details include a hidden zip-pocket ideal for a passport or smartphone, and a unique fit. The jeans feature a special waistband construction so jeans comfortably stay put without gapping – with no belt required and no underwear showing. "There was one brand of denim that I liked, Genetic Denim," recalls Spence. "But when the company dropped men's styles, that was it for jeans for me. I never wore another brand until we created Boulder Denim." O 22 • Textile Insight ~ September / October 2017 Photo: Neil Skilton