Hickory Denim: The legendary "Railroad Stripe"
Hickory denim is far more than just a striped fabric. Known as the uniform of railroad workers in the early 20th century, this material stands for maximum durability and a clear, functional style. The fine vertical stripes – usually in indigo and white – are not just a design statement; they were originally developed to visually conceal dirt and oil stains.
Everything you need to know about Hickory
Unlike plain denim, hickory is woven in a special twill weave that creates its distinctive striped pattern.
- Feel: It is usually a little lighter and more breathable than heavy raw denim, but loses none of its durability.
- Appearance: The vertical stripes visually lengthen the garment and give any project an instant vintage or workwear character.
- Versatility: Whether classic dungarees, robust shirts or modern accessories – hickory denim is an all-rounder for individualists.
Unlike plain denim, hickory is woven in a special twill weave that creates its distinctive striped pattern.
- Feel: It is usually a little lighter and more breathable than heavy raw denim, but loses none of its durability.
- Appearance: The vertical stripes visually lengthen the garment and give any project an instant vintage or workwear character.
- Versatility: Whether classic dungarees, robust shirts or modern accessories – hickory denim is an all-rounder for individualists.
The name is derived from the Hickory tree (a genus of walnut plants). The wood of the hickory tree is legendary for its extreme hardness, resilience, and toughness – qualities that one wanted to transfer directly to this denim fabric. Since the fabric was specially developed for hard work on the railway and in factories, the name was intended to signal to the workers: This material is as "tough as nails" as the wood of a hickory tree. In addition, the fine, dense stripes visually resemble the rough, furrowed bark structure of some hickory species.
The name is derived from the Hickory tree (a genus of walnut plants). The wood of the hickory tree is legendary for its extreme hardness, resilience, and toughness – qualities that one wanted to transfer directly to this denim fabric. Since the fabric was specially developed for hard work on the railway and in factories, the name was intended to signal to the workers: This material is as "tough as nails" as the wood of a hickory tree. In addition, the fine, dense stripes visually resemble the rough, furrowed bark structure of some hickory species.
Hickory denim is usually approx. 145–155 cm wide. Here are some guidelines:
- Overalls: approx. 2.50 m – 3.00 m (due to the many pockets).
- Workwear shirt: approx. 1.80 m – 2.20 m.
- Classic vest: approx. 1.00 m.
Hickory denim is usually approx. 145–155 cm wide. Here are some guidelines:
- Overalls: approx. 2.50 m – 3.00 m (due to the many pockets).
- Workwear shirt: approx. 1.80 m – 2.20 m.
- Classic vest: approx. 1.00 m.
Yes, absolutely! Since the striped pattern is very dominant, you should make sure when cutting that the stripes run parallel at the seams (e.g., at pockets or the back center). Precise grainline is key to a professional result here.
Yes, absolutely! Since the striped pattern is very dominant, you should make sure when cutting that the stripes run parallel at the seams (e.g., at pockets or the back center). Precise grainline is key to a professional result here.
Like all indigo fabrics, hickory denim develops a beautiful patina. Through washing and wear, the blue stripes lighten slightly while the white stripes retain their outline – the result is a vibrant "high-contrast look."
Like all indigo fabrics, hickory denim develops a beautiful patina. Through washing and wear, the blue stripes lighten slightly while the white stripes retain their outline – the result is a vibrant "high-contrast look."
Yes. Our Hickory Denim is made of 100% cotton and shrinks by approx. 2-4% in length and 2% in width during the first wash. To avoid unpleasant surprises after sewing, pre-washing at 30-40°C is advisable.
Yes. Our Hickory Denim is made of 100% cotton and shrinks by approx. 2-4% in length and 2% in width during the first wash. To avoid unpleasant surprises after sewing, pre-washing at 30-40°C is advisable.
No, it's actually very easy to work with. Since it is often a little more pliable than extremely heavy selvedge denim, your sewing machine will usually get through the fabric layers well. A 90s jeans needle is usually sufficient.
No, it's actually very easy to work with. Since it is often a little more pliable than extremely heavy selvedge denim, your sewing machine will usually get through the fabric layers well. A 90s jeans needle is usually sufficient.
