Ever since Levi Strauss started selling blue jeans to workers in San Francisco back in the 1850s, denim has become our national fabric. Jeans are as American as apple pie, baseball and Uncle Sam -- except when they're not.

For instance, Japanese denim has a huge cult following here in the states and in Europe. Known for its exceptional look and feel, Japanese denim continues to use a number of traditional techniques that American designers have long since abandoned. Characterized by "selvage" edges, the fabric is woven rather than cut and overlocked. A single pair of jeans can be dyed up to 30 times to give the fabric an incredibly rich hue that ages gracefully over time. If you are interested in trying a pair of Japanese jeans, Evisu, Nudie Jeans (technically Swedish), and wjk are great places to start.