How We Found the Perfect Fabric (Building Ambela)
Let's face it, ladies – the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans can feel like an endless quest. We've all been there: trawling the shops, sifting through endless rails, only to end up frustrated and empty-handed. Those "magic jeans" that promise a good fit, top-notch quality, and all-day comfort often turn out to be a myth.
The Denim Struggle is Real
Here at Ambela, we understand your struggle. Jeans that are thick and high-quality often lack stretch, leaving you feeling restricted. Those with a touch of stretch might feel good initially, but often lose their shape after a single wash. And don't get us started on the price tag! Sometimes you find a decent pair, only to realise you need to buy multiples because sizing can be so inconsistent across brands.
Beyond these frustrations, there are a whole host of hidden pitfalls in the denim industry. Many high-street jeans are crafted from low-quality materials and mass-produced overseas, leading to ethical and environmental concerns.
The Ambela Mission: Jeans Built by the Community - #ProjectShape
Ambela was born out of this very frustration. We wanted to create jeans that ticked all the boxes: comfortable, thick with stretch, high-quality, and built to last. But more importantly, we wanted to create them with YOU in mind.
Finding the Perfect Partner: The Factory Hunt
Our journey began with a global search for the ideal manufacturing partner. We considered factories in Portugal, Spain, and Turkey, ultimately settling on Turkey due to their exceptional sample quality and customisation options. For us, the ability to control the thickness and stretch of the fabric was paramount. Not to mention they have all the certifications of ethical pay and working standards.
The Fabric Fiasco: From Dreams to Disappointment
With a factory secured, the fabric selection process began. We meticulously analysed 500+ fabric samples, assessing weight, stretch, and that all-important feeling of luxurious softness. After shortlisting a handful, we commissioned 80+ jean samples to be produced.
Filled with anticipation, we travelled to Turkey to see the fruits of our labour. Unfortunately, the reality fell short of our expectations. None of the samples met our rigorous standards. Disappointed but determined, we pressed on.
Weaving the Perfect Fit: Science Meets Comfort
The key to our mission, we realised, lay in the weave of the fabric itself. Traditional twill weaves, commonly used in denim, offer some give, but not the full-range stretch we desired. The solution? Introducing stretchy yarns with elastic fibres. This allows the fabric to move with you in all directions (four-way stretch), providing unparalleled comfort and a flawless fit.
The Eureka Moment: Comfort Meets Denim
Finally, after countless samples and late nights, we struck gold. We discovered a fabric that felt like a dream. The inside – luxuriously soft. The outside – boasting the rich, premium look and feel of thick, high-quality denim. And the best part? Incredible stretch that allows you to move with no restrictions.
This was it. The magic we'd been searching for.
The #ProjectShape Community: Shaping the Future of Jeans
With the perfect fabric in hand, we just needed to finalise the fit across a wide range of sizes. But here's the thing: we believe jeans shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all affair. That's why we decided to involve YOU, our amazing Ambela community, in the final stages of development.
Stay tuned! In our next blog, we'll delve into the exciting world of #ProjectShape, our community-driven initiative to create the perfect pair of jeans for every body type. Because at Ambela, we believe your voice matters, and together, we can redefine the denim experience.
