As far as special products go, it was a natural for me to collaborate with Tellason on a special pair of jeans for the ACL Shop. We share similar perspectives when it comes to denim and more importantly we both possess a commitment to American manufacturing, especially when it comes to jeans.
I first met Tony Patella and Pete Searson, the founders of the brand, two years ago through a mutual friend. Tony and Pete have worked in the business for some time, but were just getting started with Tellason when our paths crossed. I was impressed with what they were doing with Tellason. It was around that same time that I interviewed Tony to help introduce Tellason to the ACL faithful.
We started talking about doing a special run of jeans as a collaboration about a year ago. To me the direction was obvious, let’s create a modified fit that was special for the ACL Shop. I liked the originally Tellason fit (called the Strummer / John Graham Mellor) but wanted something that was a little less skinny, had a bit more anti-fit and was in general more relaxed. What we came up with has the proportional balance of the original Tellason fit with a little more comfort. The ACL Fit as it became known (I think Tony has been secretly calling it the “Husky” fit – which I’m sure is not a reference to me) has a slightly higher rise in the front, a higher rise in the back, a bit of a wider leg and runs straight from the knee to the leg opening. It is a true straight leg jean. All of the Tellason for ACL & Co. jeans are made from Cone White Oak selvedge denim and are of course made in the United States of America. Even the leather patch is made in the USA from the guys at Tanner Goods in Portland. In the true spirit of America we even made sure to run the jeans up to a size 40 – so man-sized MF’ers don’t feel left out.
The jeans pictured in this post arrived to me about the time of the Pop Up Flea and I have been wearing them ever since. This weekend I gave them their first rinse/wash and am very pleased with the fit, the wear and the overall quality. I would probably never attempt to develop a pair of jeans on my own because it is such a tricky process, but working with Tony and Pete from Tellason has been a really great experience. I’m really proud of our collaboration jeans and am happy to support all of the non-skinny jean wearing folks in the world. Regular sized fellas need jeans too. [Tellason for ACL & Co. $198]
Hell Yes.
Good work with that leather patch.
Have worn mine almost every day since I got them. Still have not washed but shoveling the snow helped clean them and tighten up the fit around the ankle. They look awesome with my redwings and all my other shoes.
Also I don’t feel like a hipster wearing skinny selvage jeans in these! Well done.
The crotch is too low. Sorry. Would never wear these.
I can’t wait for this low crotch trend to run itself out.
you are one of the fortunate few who can makes jeans you’d actually like to wear. It’s very hard for me being an awkward shaped woman. I tend to wear my jeans to holes.
…Other than that, they look like a great pair of jeans. Really nice looking denim.
(Don’t mean to just be a hater).
trends come and trends go but levis 501s without any bullshit frills are the only jeans worth wearing,
On a unrelated note. That carpet is gorgeous. Where did you find it, what country is it from, what age is it?
I just got my hands on a Tellason (sorry not the ACL version) and they are the best jeans.
Besides the great material, they are cut so well. Kudos to you for considering the man sized
MFs. I’m one of them who can’t wear much of the beautiful garments in the high end stores.
Look great, but you are leaving out some key denim-head details here. Weight? Sanforized? Inseam? Synthetic or natural indigo? (I’m assuming synthetic based on the great price)
“In the true spirit of America we even made sure to run the jeans up to a size 40 — so man-sized MF’ers don’t feel left out.”
It used to be big-boned, then portly, then husky… now it’s man-sized?
If you’re wearing a size 40, you’re fat.
• Weight = 12.5oz
• They are sanforized – all Cone White Oak fabrics are sanforized.
• Inseam 33.5″
• Synthetic indigo
33.5″ inseam is downright stingy. I may be biased since I’m tall and prefer a 38-40″ inseam, but when multiple Japanese brands can accommodate that, I have a hard time crediting a 33.5″ inseam as American “man-sized”.
I picked these up at the Pop-Up flea and have loved them every minute since, but sadly haven’t been able to put the wear in them that I’d like. These are really a great product from top to bottom, inside and out.
And that includes the 3 dudes who collaborated on them.
You sound GIANT-sized and Tony from Tellason said he didn’t want any giants walking around in his jeans. Just kidding he didn’t say that. But it really does sound like you are a giant. #cantpleaseallofthepeopleallofthetime
I also want to say that these are too expensive.
awesome jeans. great philosophy behind their creation. but $198.00 price tag doesn’t carry the American spirit.
If I would have just waited one comment!
I got the one of a kind 42″ waist at Pop-Up (made for Tony’s dad), they are the best jeans ever made.
Hey Bill, I think Howlin’ Wolf said it best:
“Some folk built like this, some folk built like that
But the way I’m built, you shouldn’t call me fat
Because I’m built for comfort, I ain’t built for speed
But I got everything all the good girls need”
Brandon — here’s your “American Spirit” http://www.walmart.com/ip/Faded-Glory-Men-s-Original-Fit-Jeans-2-Pairs/7941832
2 pairs for $18
Random as hell but I really like that rug in the photos. Great colors.
Hey @BillWord Size 40 does not mean your fat. Athletes have to wear size 40 to accommodate the size of their thighs into pants because they are so large. This was my issue while playing college football. I am now in between a 36-38 in pants, and I am “man sized” and not fat, you wont see me in a size medium t shirt anytime soon but my 300lb bench press and accompanied muscles will always compensate for “being husky or man sized” in my size XL.
Also a 33.5 inseam is a tad short,however as these wear along they do stretch out some become longer.
Final thought on this- 34in inseam is the common inseam on most jeans it seems like, and this is a bit short a 36in+ would be better. I can only get one Roll on my cuffs with a 34 inseam.
Since you already gave ’em a soak, I’m guessing you don’t go for the whole, “wear them for a year before washing” gig.
How often do you plan on bathing these beauties? You don’t buy into the fading, stacking, honeycombs craze?
Yeah, I have a long inseam. But again, since *Japanese* brands can please all of the people with up to 40″ inseams. . .
Even a tiny operation like Roy has 39.5″ inseams across the entire size range.
It just seems odd. Looking at your previous Tellason post, the jeans are modeled with a 2-3″ cuff at the bottom.
But whatever. May they find their buyers. I’m sure they are great quality if they fit.
I’ve found a high level of entertainment value in these comments.
It’s a shame it’s not mentioned Tellasons are made here in San Francisco. As far as I know, Tellason is the only entity actually making jeans in their historic home. It’s remarkable not only that these jeans are being made in America, where manufacturing employment has declined, but that they’re being made in a city many consider anathema to business and not the “real America”.
$200 for Jeans: Tellason for ACL — “Why pay less?”
Can I kick in ten bucks more and get them pressed at least?
The jeans all come raw, the jeans pictured are mine that have been worn and washed. Good lord people. #pleaseread
These look just about perfect.
I’ve got to agree with Matt…that rug is unreal! How ’bout some ACL carpet bags??? And I love what the Tellason guys are doing. Great product, Great Story. I saw them in the General Store (Outer Sunset, SF)…
Then I would just be called a carpet bagger.
Rug was a gift from my mother who got it from my grandparents. I think it is pretty old. I’ll find out specifics.
tellason makes a great pair of jeans with a fit that is perfect in ALL sizes, not just the 30-33’s. i’m on my second pair (due to weight loss) and will continue to wear their jeans as long as they continue to make ’em.
you’re complaining about $200 jeans? have you ever even looked at the ACL shop? is this your first time on this website? O_o
They look really nice. Love that they’re made here in SF, CA.
But damn those look baggy! Any fit pics?
Also, where can one see Tellason jeans in person? I tried looking the information up on their website but it’s not working well for me.
To the other Ryan-
I got my Tellasons at Unionmade at 18th and Sanchez, but they’re available all over the city. I would recommend going down at least one size. I normally wear a 32 and the 31s are a bit loose on me (yet to be washed). The standard John Graham Mellor fit is sort of like a Levis 514 (“slim straight”) but a bit higher rise, especially in the back.
Power to the Ryans!
Do you know how much sex I could have in Colon, Panama for $198?
Tintin — I was actually not aware of the cost of a male prostitute in Panama. Sounds as though you speak from experience.
Yes ! For sure !!
tintin,
What is the going rate for colon sex these days?
When i read this post i scanned down waiting in fear to see the price having seen other ACL exclusives but 198 for American made salvedge cone mill jeans is about going rate. Not too shaby.
Heh- Depends on who’s giving versus getting.
M Williams – Touched on earlier on your prostiture post. Don’t you read your own blog? Wait, you’re probably too busy working on another $300 button down oxford so you can buy other people’s Kodachrome slides.
Tintin — I’m interested in getting you to bless my products “Trad Approved,” what’s the going rate on that these days? I’ve got some loose change in my couch.
Being the sort of guy who normally buys my 501s for $35 or so at the Levi’s store, these are a bit steep for me, but that is about the most beautiful shade of blue denim I’ve ever seen. Maybe if I can sell some of my other stuff…
ZINGER!!!!!!!! sorry. i had to
M W – Wouldn’t you rather buy some of my slides? You don’t come to Trad Approved — Trad Approved comes to you. Unless I’m broke.
I like the idea that you are using American goods. That is exactly what we need as a nation, get back to becoming manufacturers and and invest in our own people. In making the decision to keep it American you put food on someones table and provided another person with the money to pay their mortgage all right here in the states. Bravo!
This is better priced than most NON American mad denim. Let alone NC Raw, USA made, and a cross promoted pair with ACL.
Perfect timing for me as I was just about to pick up a pair of Nudies. I’m not a denimhead, I just hate wearing lightweight jeans. I love my 501’s but hate that they aren’t USA made.
Also, Michael- since most people apparently can’t or don’t read, maybe a picture of a raw pair (like on the store page) would be helpful in the post itself. Either way, I ordered mine. Yay!
33.5 really? are croppers making a comeback? to Billword, at 6’6″ you were hoping for what a 33 waist? I at least like to cast a shadow.
These are sweet looking though. Color is right on. Nice work.
Having seen a pair of jeans made by hand I can appreciate the cost and compared to other brands making jeans in the U.S. the sub $200 price is very reasonable.
Here is how the Stronghold makes their $300 + jeans out of the same materials. I can’t imagine these ACL-Telleson’s go through much of a different process for a $100 less.
as a real american, i’m proud to say that i never pay more than $17.76 dollars for goddamn anything. and that includes swimming
@sinuhe – here is how Raleigh does it. Another great video.
http://bit.ly/eb7CD5
@sinuhe – woops! Sorry, I didn’t see you made that original video. Great work!
I appreciate the idea behind non slim-fit selvedge jeans (they’re harder to find, for sure and I hate wearing skinny jeans with my redwing steel toes) but I’m 6’4″ and I don’t think I could pay $200 and not be able to show off the craftsmanship of selvedge by rolling them up if the inseam is a mear 33.5″
Any plans on releasing a 36+” inseam in the future?
Tony from Tellason is 6’4″ and he fits these fine. No plans to release with a longer inseam.
You are a crafty one, Mr. Williams. Get me pining over those Raleigh jeans for a year while I try and figure out how I can scratch up $300 for them, and then drop these down for $198. I would have thought that price ridiculous last year. Now you have me desensitized, and they seem like a bargain.
I own both pairs of Tellasons jeans. I wear the ACLs 5 days a week and the Strummers twice a week. In my opinion, Mike and Tony perfected what was already perfect.
I’m 6’3″ and relatively thin. The Strummer/whatever his real name is jeans have proven to be pretty damn perfect for my build – long legs, not much ass. While I lament not being Able to cuff much, I’m used to that at this point.
In fact due to potential crotch blow in my first pair, which I got on sale from
By George here in Austin in a size 30 and have since put on some pounds, I just picked up a By George collab pair. The color and sheen are so far my favorite and while the denim is lighter than some and wears in quicker, for someone who can’t wait 2 years for a new pair this is a boon.
That being said, the cut is not for everybody and just like the ACL collab would probably drape on me, these would look foolish on some.
I don’t understand what is American about paying little money for a quality product- seriously, not being sarcastic, please do explain.
Can you say Ford Model T? Levis 501? Timex? Expensive doesn’t always equal good quality. Had two Rolex sea dwellers, crappy time keepers.
It’s a luxury market dressed in patriotism. Until the next socialist revolt, it’s best to accept it and then continuing shopping at Kohls.
The “next” socialist revolt? Did I miss something?
Sarcasm aside, I thought this was worth sharing:
I contacted Tellason today to see if they might repair my first pair. Tony got back to me right away, offering to repair them for free.
I’m further impressed with these guys.
Purchased a pair Tellason jeans in September 2010 and they are the best! Beyond comfortable and they actually conform to my body with wear. Yes $198 is expensive but I foresee these jeans lasting a long very long time making them worth it.
The jeans look awesome. If I wear size 36 trouser, would I be size 36 in these jeans? I know jeans can stretch, but from all the comments, it looks like these fit true to size. Can someone confirm?
200 bucks is not a small amount, but I am willing to spend extra for quality and USA made.
excellent addition!
JAH – Assuming the rise isn’t that much higher than the Mellors, the denim stretches pretty well, so depending on your legs, I’d do a 35 if not 34.
What is the shrinkage in the length like for these post wash? 2 inches or so?