Denim provides the perfect canvas for creating fashion items that will stand the test of time. By combining tradition with innovation, it offers a unique intersection between craftsmanship and creativity. Cup of Joe has mastered the art of transforming denim into timeless wardrobe essentials. In an exclusive interview with FashionUnited, the brand’s design team gives an inside look at their process – from initial inspiration and advanced design tools to the complex production phases and final quality control.
The design process: from concept to creation
At Cup of Joe, denim design starts with a clear philosophy: a timeless look combined with a contemporary twist. The design team takes inspiration from current trends and combines them with classic silhouettes to ensure that each item feels both modern and timeless. Sustainability is a key priority, with every design created to remain relevant season after season.
3D visualization plays a crucial role in the design process and allows the team to digitally bring their concepts to life before creating physical samples. This technology allows precise adjustments to fit, drape and proportion, optimizing production and minimizing waste. It also provides a clear visual representation of how the denim will look and move on the body, allowing each design to be perfectly finished before moving to the next stage.
The choice of fabrics: the basics
Denim fabrics have different properties – raw denim, for example, is unbleached and initially stiff, but softens with wear, while sanforized denim retains its shape after washing. At Cup of Joe, the selection of fabrics is a careful process, because the basis of every good jeans lies in the quality of the material.
The brand’s focus is on textiles that balance durability and comfort, with a preference for medium-weight fabrics with a natural texture that is both strong and flexible. Stretch denim, mixed with elastane, adds extra flexibility for a comfortable fit, while fabrics such as selvage and herringbone structure give a unique character to each item. All fabrics are rigorously tested for stretch, recovery and wearability to ensure they meet Cup of Joe’s high standards for both style and functionality.
Cutting, sewing and applying hardware
Once the fabric is selected, production begins with precision cutting. Patterns are made to exact measurements to minimize waste and ensure consistency across sizes. This is followed by expert sewing, where skilled artisans assemble the pieces with reinforced stitching to improve both durability and aesthetic quality.
The team emphasizes the importance of small adjustments – whether to the inseam, waistbands or pockets – which together significantly improve comfort and wearability. These details ensure that every pair of jeans not only looks good, but is also comfortable to wear.
The choice of hardware is another crucial step. Rivets, buttons and zippers are selected not only for their functionality, but also for how they complement the design. These elements add subtle details while strengthening the structural integrity of each jean.
Finishes: the details of denim
Cup of Joe applies advanced treatments in the production process to achieve unique finishes. Using Jeanologia laser technology, the team creates effects such as scuffs and fades, which add depth and character to denim. By using lasers instead of traditional methods, the brand significantly reduces water and chemical consumption without sacrificing aesthetic richness.
Washing treatments further refine the texture and appearance of the denim. From soft, stone-washed finishes to dark, polished tones, these treatments enrich the fabric and provide a versatile range of styles, suitable for both casual and sophisticated looks.
Quality control: the last step
The journey of Cup of Joe denim ends with a thorough quality control process. Each item is subjected to fabric inspections, stitching checks and fit tests to ensure it meets the brand’s exacting standards. Particular attention is paid to the durability of hardware and the consistency of finishes, so that each pair of jeans reflects the craftsmanship and reliability for which Cup of Joe is known.
From precise stitching to the perfect alignment of patterns, no detail is overlooked. The final step – labelling, folding and packaging – is done with care so that the product is ready to impress retailers and consumers alike.
What sets Cup of Joe apart?
For the Cup of Joe design team, what really sets the brand identity apart is their strong commitment to creating denim that transcends trends yet remains effortlessly wearable. Their pieces form the basis of collections for retailers, with broad appeal and lasting style. Upcoming collections, such as “Tranquil Summer Waves” for SS25, promise to combine soothing aesthetics with the brand’s signature craftsmanship, continuing their evolution towards innovation without compromising on quality.
Source: fashionunited.nl
