Unseemly rips (top) are artfully mended for a reworked look (below) that’s durable.
“There was the guy who split his crotch doing a high kick during a Packers game,” says Ryan Huber, co-owner of Context Clothing, the downtown menswear shop known for its selection of high-quality raw denim lines. “And there was the guy who wore his favorite pair every day for three years until the knees finally gave out.”
Huber has heard countless stories of jeans so worn and tattered they came perilously close to becoming cutoffs. But fortunately, with its side business First Settlement Denim Repair, even the most ragged denim, expertly mended, can enjoy a new lease on life.
Context began repairing denim over 10 years ago, shortly after opening its doors in 2005. Back then, Huber’s business partner, Sam Parker, had his mom repair some jeans for his daughter, who was 2 years old at the time. After a few repair jobs, they hung the little girl’s jeans up in the store thinking they’d make a cool display. “Customers seemed to gravitate to the rough, patchwork style,” says Huber, with some asking if Context could repair jeans for them. A new enterprise was born.
In the early days, the repair service was a family affair, with Parker’s mom, Patty, wielding the needle and thread. But as customer demand grew, the store began to turn work over to Tess Camacho, a professional sewer and Context’s current denim repair specialist.
Camacho, who has a fine arts background, works out of her east-side home studio, which is equipped with two industrial sewing machines. “I am very proud,” she says, “of the unique repair style I’ve developed.” The process, which involves placing a denim patch behind the hole, followed by significant darning with matching thread over the top, gives the jeans a reworked look that is also durable.
“I love the work because I get to blend artistry with something very utilitarian,” says Camacho.
In addition to replacing crotches and knees, Camacho reattaches back pockets, creates new belt loops and refreshes cuffs. “I guess you could say many of our clients are denim geeks. They worked hard for their creases and fading,” she says. “They really love how their jeans have evolved and aren’t ready to say goodbye.”
Repairs average around $55, depending on the extent of damage. Camacho supplies clients with quotes before work begins.
The store even plans to start selling a line of T-shirts with the First Settlement Denim Repair tagline, “You Blow It, We Sew It.”
First Settlement Denim Repair 113 King St., Madison 608-250-0113
