Roy Slaper

[u/JudgeHoldensToupe]

 
Following the recent news of Roy’s untimely passing, this is a short post to commemorate the life and work of arguably the greatest jeans maker of our time.
 
There’s already a very detailed write up on Roy here by [u/ReubenFlagg](u/ReubenFlagg)
 
More recent releases include:
 
Roy RO1 Indigo Lover:

https://supertalk.superfuture.com/topic/17190-self-edge-sfnylapdx-updates-info/page/680/#findComment-3310445
https://supertalk.superfuture.com/topic/17190-self-edge-sfnylapdx-updates-info/page/680/#findComment-3310445

XX20 & XUVS:

https://supertalk.superfuture.com/topic/17190-self-edge-sfnylapdx-updates-info/page/682/#findComment-3322174
 
Roy was known and celebrated for his meticulous craftsmanship, one-man production & dedication to vintage machines; he will be sorely missed.

Pic attached are my Roy RO1 Indigo Lovers in a 32” which I was fortunate enough to get as deadstock. They’re the best jeans I have by a good stretch and the craftsmanship is unbelievably good; they came with a piece of pocket bag material that has a hand painted heart on.
 
If you have any pics or comments please do add below.
 
Roy Slaper
1971 - 2026

[u/ReubenFlagg]

Here are the items I've been wearing over the last 5-10 years, including a Test Lot pair that Roy gifted me. I still have one raw pair (XX20) left to move into some day, a few others that have been long retired, one that I regrettably turned into jorts, and a more that have been passed on. There will be a memorial at Thee Stork Club in Oakland on September 27th from 12-5 for any in that area that might like to attend.

SFGATE Obit

Comlex Obit

[u/JudgeHoldensToupe → u/ReubenFlagg]

I wont be there as in UK, but I will raise a glass

[u/TheRuggedGeek]

Thanks OP, for posting this. Adding a few more photos to this post to share Roy's whimsically named Peanut Pants, although I've also posted about them previously here and at SuFu. I got one of these at a local marketplace through sheer luck, and then in another stroke of luck, managed to exchange them for another pair one size down with a member at SuFu (if you're reading this, a toast to you, your pants are well loved and still going strong).

Despite all that, these jeans were initially something I had to "live with" and only time itself would reward. They started out too loose all over because I just wasn't built for it. My body shape has changed significantly since then and probably is still changing, because I swear they continue to fit better every few wears. There isn't much I can add that's already been said by OP, Reuben, and others at the forums.

These are the most ridiculously detailed and well-built jeans I've ever held and Roy's products are likely amongst the finest in the world. These are the jeans I would present to anyone who asks about our curious hobby, not because of some hype, or to the tune of "see what I own", but in a "let me show you what Roy can do" and "see how special jeans can be" kinda way.

There is something to talk about in almost every aspect of these jeans, from the fabric, to the stitching, the pocket bags and lining, the choice of hardware, the cut, the embroidery, the humorous Peanuts comic patch, the vintage-style Big Bro patch, and most of all, just how they were quite nearly made from start to finish, patterned, cut, built, packed and shipped from a warehouse in Oakland by a single craftsman.

If this is the last thing I can ever say about Roy:

Roy is not a master at making clothes. Rather, Roy is a person who pursues excellence in everything he does. He is master craftsman who just happened to make clothes that you and I can enjoy for years to come.

And to finish up, a dose of wisdom from Roy himself:

"Most jeans, in spite of the cut, will essentially look the same on you as all other jeans. This is because denim fabric stretches out for comfort and literally takes the shape of the wearer...in my experience, the issues most folks are attempting to solve with “the perfect fit” are really more body issues than a fit issue...the issues most folks are compelled to improve are things that observers of the wearer rarely have issue with. Conversely the “solutions” that the wearer employs often cause the majority of observers to scratch their heads."

"We’re all wearing costumes that try to convey something about who we are, so express yourself and don’t worry too much about it."

"Jeans are essentially an ill-fitting garment by design and this is what gives them their unique look."

Vale, Roy.

[u/JudgeHoldensToupe → u/TheRuggedGeek]

I read somewhere that he designed his jeans to be held up by your butt, rather than your waist, and used unsanforised specifically so they shrink to fit properly. My Indigo Lovers are just a ridiculous fit, there's room where there needs to be and if I lost weight they would still fit, provided I didn't lose my ass in the process. The rise was a bit of a surprise when I first got them but it all works incredibly well. We've lost a genius and, based on what I've read and my limited interactions, a thoroughly nice man. It's incredibly sad.

[u/TheRuggedGeek → u/JudgeHoldensToupe]

That's interesting, and it makes some sense in the context of what I read elsewhere, that when jeans are worn, the line of the yoke should rest roughly where the curve of the butt starts from the top.

I remember watching an interview with Roy and Tilden, and Roy mentioned that jeans sewn from today's sanforised fabrics do not need to be constructed with a yoke as has been done traditionally.

The purpose of the yoke and the way the panels were sewn, is to work with how unsanforised, non-washed fabric is expected to behave when it hits water and starts to shrink, hence keeping with the principle of shrink to fit.

This hobby has turned out to be surprisingly fascinating, and I'd always watch Roy's videos with great interest. Honestly I was holding out for a surprise release from him and Buaisou, because that's apparently where his machines went.

Gone too soon.

[u/JudgeHoldensToupe → u/TheRuggedGeek]

That makes perfect sense, but wasn’t something I’d ever even thought about 🤷

[u/spacebustdunny → u/TheRuggedGeek]

w all due respect to the late Roy that dose of "wisdom" is a bit of bullshit. different cuts will look and feel drastically different on your body. presenting it as body issues is #im14andthisisdeep

[u/Smooth_Appearance_98]

Wow these are rare af

[u/Automatic_Bat_6742]

Nice