3sixteen

Founded in 2003, 3sixteen is an American menswear company specializing in selvedge jeans. It is one of the most successful high-end denim brands in the American denim business in recent years. The brand has achieved cult status with denimheads. 

3sixteen was founded in 2003 by Johan Lam and Andrew Chen in Los Angeles. Andrew, without any formal training in fashion, initially started the business selling printed t-shirts. Soon he was joined by his friend and denim enthusiast Johan. Around 2008, they made their formal entry into the fashion business, making and selling shirts, jackets, hats, footwear, and jeans. 

As Andrew explained in a 2013 interview with ropedye, 

we had always wanted to make a full clothing line but lacked the connections, finances and experience to make a product we were proud of. After we earned a following with graphic tees, we took the money and approached experienced production managers who taught us the ins and outs of how to turn a sketch into a finished garment. We learned about pattern making, sampling, material sourcing, and bulk production all on the job through trial and error.

For their first pair of jeans, SL-100x, they worked directly with the famous Kuroki Mills in Okayama, Japan to develop custom denim. Since the success of their first jeans, they have added several different fabrics and cuts. 

They have stores in New York and San Francisco. Together, they also own the New York and Los Angeles locations of Self Edge store.