To our new readers, welcome to SJ Denim. To long-time readers and industry friends, welcome to the next evolution of Rivet.
Ten years ago, Sourcing Journal (a.k.a. SJ) launched Rivet as a separate publication tailor-made for the denim sector. Fast forward to today, and so much has changed. Denim is no longer confined to the traditional denim-only brands; a more diverse range of companies are now integrating denim into their collections, raising new challenges and perspectives that some industry players may have overlooked. The stigma once associated with secondhand shopping has shifted toward fast fashion, opening exciting resale opportunities for brands. Add to that the pressing realities of climate change, trade wars and volatile economies, all of which are pushing denim manufacturers to stay informed and make smarter business decisions.
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With sourcing, boycotts, tariffs and corporate responsibility dominating the news, the time has come to strengthen Rivet’s connection to SJ and leverage its global reputation as a leader in supply chain news. Rest assured, our expert team remains unchanged, as does our unwavering commitment to representing the global denim industry. SJ Denim will delve even deeper into the business of denim, highlighting disruptors, innovators, and tapping into the expertise of denim legends who have shaped the industry.
Think of it like when Levi’s updated the red tab on its jeans from “Levi’s” with a big E to “Levi’s” with a small e in the 1970s. While the look changed, the quality and fit that consumers had come to expect remained the same. Similarly, SJ Denim will continue to deliver the same deep, engaging denim content that Rivet pioneered, but with a fresh perspective and expanded focus. The denim tab on SJ will continue to provide up-to-the-minute news affecting the industry.
This debut spring issue exemplifies our renewed mission. In “Game Changers” on pg. 34 we reflect on the 10 innovations that changed the denim industry forever. From advanced finishing technologies to recycling machinery, to water treatment facilities, it is clear how every part of the supply chain has played a role in making denim a more responsible industry.
Looking ahead, fabric mills discuss the potential positive impact of digitally printed jeans in “Digital Denim” on pg. 48. In “Elastic Ethics,” (pg. 52) fiber producers share how they’re leaning into renewable resources to produce stretch denim. In “Fade Away,” (pg. 54) chemical suppliers and manufacturers reveal the challenges in eliminating potassium permanganate from production, and the reasons why they remain hopeful for green chemistry.
Also in this issue:
- The latest denim trends from the Fall/Winter 2025-2026 runway.
- Lee celebrates 100 years of Jelt denim.
- Designer Masha Popova describes how her nomadic lifestyle filters into her denim designs.
- A look inside Blackhorse Lane Atelier’s new London boutique.
- How fashion remains a powerful tool for communication and change.
- Fashion essentials for the “Cowboy Carter” tour.
Click here to read the issue.
Click here for the PDF version.
