When it comes to the coolest neighbourhoods on the planet, Marseilles has Notre Dame Du Mont, Seoul has Seongsu Dong, Melbourne has Windsor, New York has Flatbush and Manchester has the Northern Quarter. And now, the Northern Quarter has Nudie Jeans. The exact place where the industrial revolution began, this historic area of Manchester was once home to over 100 cotton mills earning itself the appropriate title ‘Cottonopolis’. A lively Victorian enclave that also had a reputation for being the place to be sure of a brilliant night out. Attracting locals as well as visitors from further afield to its bustling streets to shop in its grand department stores before eating, drinking and dancing the night away. Despite being party central for the majority of the 19th century, the 1900s were less kind to this part of the city. After World War one austerity hit the area and due to the rising cost of cotton, many of the Northern Quarter’s mills were forced to close with only a small handful of working mills remaining by the 1980s. Leaving this part of town full of empty mills and ghostly quiet streets, with shoppers now preferring to use the sparkly new Arndale Centre for the majority of their retail requirements. A scientific city that discovered how to split the atom as well as inventing the computer and Graphene amongst other achievements, it's fair to say that Manchester also hates a vacuum. Which is why when the 1990s arrived and the final cotton mills closed in the Northern Quarter, these empty units began to attract Manchester’s most talented artists, entrepreneurs and independent businesses. Key to this radical revival of the Northern Quarter during this era were two of the new Manchester Nudie Jeans Repair Shop’s neighbours - Night & Day and Piccadilly Records. Two shining beacons of independence that would help create this thriving scene that’s now regularly listed as being one of the coolest neighbourhoods on the entire planet. Piccadilly Records Started life as Edwin P. Lees, a white goods retailer that sold fridges and washing machines throughout the North West of England via its chain of high street shops. Riding on their success they decided to diversify by opening up a record department in their Manchester branch that was based in the Piccadilly Plaza area of the city. Opening in 1978 (the same year as Manchester’s seminal Factory Records label) Piccadilly Records quickly became a paragon of musical excellence during one of the most fiercely creative periods in the UK, let alone Manchester’s, musical history. Instantly becoming an outpost for the hottest gig tickets and vinyl releases from the emerging and explosive post-punk scene led by Factory labelmates such as Joy Division, A Certain Ratio and OMD. The key for the store’s success being due to the fact that the store owners had the genius idea of employing their most knowledgeable and passionate customers. Allowing these passionate teenagers who were out at gigs every night of the week to run the shop and stock all the right records. Using their incisive knowledge and in the field experiences to keep the store way ahead of other high-street record stores who played it safe by stocking chart hits and classic albums. Whilst the music business may have been booming in the early eighties it appears that fridge sales weren’t and in 1983 then Edwin P. Lees chain sadly closed. All their staff were made redundant which unfortunately included the bright young music obsessives over at Piccadilly Records. Undeterred, the staff each took out bank loans and signed on to the government-based Enterprise Allowance Scheme, which provided enough financial support for them to re-open Piccadilly Records by themselves in a new location situated just a five-minute walk from the old store. The timing could not have been better, as this era saw Manchester music become a global phenomenon with The Fall, The Smiths, James & New Order paving the way for the later Madchester explosion of Stone Roses, Happy Mondays & 808 State. As an amusing aside it was during this special time that local band Inspiral Carpets would seal even more of their ‘Cool As Fuck’ t-shirts in Piccadilly Records as they did singles and albums. Though due to shoplifters the store was forced to hang these iconic and sweary tees high up in the store to avoid them being stolen. Resulting in a hilarious movement when the legendary basketball team the Harlem Globetrotters were visiting Manchester and happened to call into the store before an exhibition match. Whereby one of the team effortlessly reached up to pull himself down a ‘Cool As Fuck’ tee which was followed by the rest of the squad who all bought one and then put them straight on which made for quite a sight as they walked out of the shop in a sea swear-words. "Manchester has been through a lot of changes, a lot of ups and downs in the 40 odd years since Piccadilly Records first opened its doors, but the city's passion for music has never wavered. Music is in the Mancunian DNA and it's still an absolute joy to be part of such a vibrant, creative and inspiring music scene and to be a hub for so many like-minded music obsessed folk." – Laura Kennedy, Co-owner Piccadilly Records Spearheaded by local lads Oasis, the golden period of Madchester was followed by the equally fruitful Britpop years, during which the new store’s reign was brought to an abrupt end in 1996 when a 3,000lb bomb courtesy of the IRA exploded just round the corner on Cross street. Miraculously no one was seriously injured but the shop’s insurance company policy did not pay out as much as expected and their premiums more than doubled. This double disaster forced the team to relocate to a cheaper part of town in the then much less salubrious Northern Quarter on Oldham street where they remain to this day. Back then, other than Factory’s bar Dry and another recently moved record store institution Eastern Bloc, this part of the city was a relative ghost town that was still frequented by criminals and prostitutes once the sun went down. The arrival of Piccadilly Records marked a real turning point in the area, drawing a more diverse mix of people to the area. Whilst simultaneously inspiring confidence in other independent businesses who were looking for reasonable rents and buildings that still retained the spirit and character of Cottonopolis. When the Hacienda closed the following year, the recently opened Sankeys nightclub in the Ancoats area of the Northern Quarter became Manchester’s de facto nightclub which also helped bring in music lovers to the area looking for a place to hang out and buy music outside of clubbing hours. Now a regular fixture on the ‘World's best Record Stores’ lists the Northern Quarter is the place where Piccadilly Records achieved legendary status. A hub for music lovers of all different genres from Blues to Balearic, Piccadilly’s electric in-store events and unrivalled staff knowledge make this Manchester institution a must visit for any music lover. Night & Day Café If Piccadilly Records provides the musical lifeblood that brings the Northern Quarter to life, then Night & Day is the beating heart that circulates it around its metaphorical body. Back in 1991 when the area was still populated by empty warehouses, greasy spoon cafes, sex shops and dodgy pubs a Dutchman named Jan Oldenburg had a great idea. He bought a somewhat run down chip shop called ‘Pisces’. Having originally started life as a funeral-wear and mourning shop that sold high-end clothing for people attending burials, cremations and wakes by the nineties the venue was way past its prime. Undeterred, Jan went about transforming the place, transforming it into a humble cafe stocked with novelties such as European beer and freshly ground coffee before slowly morphing ‘Night & Day’ into a legendary venue with its finger firmly on the pulse of Manchester’s mercurial music scene. Using the cafe as a gallery space for local artists in the daytime, Jan started putting on small jazz shows at night. Manchester being a relatively compact city, Night & Day provided a haven for local creatives who were drawn to the area by its cheap rent and empty buildings. Thanks to Jan’s knack for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the venue soon became the preferred place for members of the vibrant local music industry to hold important meetings. A favourite place for burgeoning local record labels such as Twisted Nerve and Fat City who would come to sign new talent, celebrate successes and hold launch parties for their brilliant records. This era is also when Jan redecorated, turning the cafe place into a cool dive bar that also resembled an Amsterdam style coffee shop. A move that Jan did on purpose with the intention of making it a reality should weed ever become legalised in the UK. “Night & Day is an incredibly special place to me where artists, audience and venue combine to create thrilling experiences, beautiful unique and never again moments. Artists launch here, experiment, cut their teeth, creating these really special moments, a time stamp on their upward trajectory. The size and intimacy of Night & Day means everyone is involved in each performance - sharing and breathing the artists and audiences energy and joy. When you go to shows here you never really know what is going to happen; everything is spontaneous. This is why Night & Day and other grassroots venues are so special.” – Jennifer Smithson, Owner Night & Day Cafe. Around this time Factory head honcho Tony Wilson had started ‘In The City’, an eclectic music convention designed to showcase both local and national musical talent, attracting record label execs from around the globe keen to discover the ‘next big thing’. Given Night & Day’s popularity within the local music community the venue became an integral part of the international convention. A move which brought lots of new eyes to the area whilst also increasing the venue’s reputation for catapulting careers into the spotlight and cementing its status as an ‘I was there’ institution. Its small stage has provided an endless list of early appearances from luminaries such as Badly Drawn Boy, The Courteeners, Slow Readers Club, Elbow, Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys, Manic Street Preachers, Doves, Blossoms, Boards of Canada, Charlie XCX, Wet Leg, Johnny Marr, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and many, many more. Sadly Jan passed away in 2018, with the great and the good from the music world all queuing up to pay tribute to this much loved, entrepreneurial (adopted) son of Manchester. Now run by Jan’s oldest daughter Jennifer, Night & Day continues to provide the blueprint for the area's thriving music venues and bars in a place that is overflowing with a creative community who now choose to live in the Northern Quarter as well as performing and partying there. Jennifer has been deeply involved with the Night and Day Café for many years and took over the reins as owner. In recent times, Jennifer has played a crucial role in navigating significant challenges to the venue's existence. Most notably, she spearheaded the fight against a noise abatement notice served by the Manchester City Council in 2021 following a complaint from a resident of a neighbouring flat (yes you read that right). Long live the independents! Words by: Neil Summers (the OG Mancnudian)
At Nudie Jeans, we’ve always believed that music and denim go hand in hand. They both carry stories. They both age with character. And they both stand for something more than just sound or style—they reflect identity, creativity, and independence. When the world feels heavy or uncertain, we instinctively turn to both. Music to help us feel. Denim to help us move forward. They ground us. They inspire us. They remind us what we’re made of. That spirit laid the foundation for our very first Nudie Night in London back in April. We didn’t just want to throw another gig—we wanted to create a platform. So we put out an open call to unsigned artists from London (and far beyond, as it turned out). No industry filters. No expectations. Just a chance to share real music, from real people. Submissions poured in from emerging artists across the UK. From DIY punk and lo-fi dreamers to indie powerhouses and soulful singer-songwriters, the breadth and depth of talent blew us away. It confirmed what we already knew—some of the most exciting, vital music today is happening off the radar. From that incredible pool, we curated a lineup at The Old Blue Last that truly delivered—led by unsigned artists who stood shoulder to shoulder with acts backed by labels. Opening the night was Hana, the North West London-based songstress of Egyptian heritage. With her distinctive blend of Neo-Soul, R&B, Modern Jazz, and Pop, Hana is steadily turning heads across the scene—and her live set showed exactly why she’s one to watch. Next came Another Day, an unsigned indie-grunge quartet from Kent. Backed by Astille Doherty, the five-piece lit up the room with raw, melodic energy that hit straight to the core. Their urgency, honesty, and stage presence proved just how powerful emerging talent can be when given space to shine. Then came Polly Money, a Nudie favourite and seasoned songwriter whose music has graced both intimate rooms and major festival stages. Known for her poetic storytelling and magnetic voice, Polly brought a stripped-back set full of warmth and soul, bridging the gap between the rising voices of the unsigned and the power of polished artistry. Our headliners, Pastel, took the night to its euphoric peak. Signed to Manchester’s tastemaking label Spirit of Spike Island, the band is spearheading a new wave of psychedelic Britpop with a contemporary edge. Their sound channels the swagger of the ’90s while carving a future-facing path that’s unmistakably their own. Big guitars, massive choruses, and undeniable charisma—they delivered a finale that felt both nostalgic and brand new. And to close it all out—Goat Girl stepped up for a DJ set that kept the crowd moving into the early hours. One of South London’s genre-defying post-punk heroes spun a set full of unexpected bangers, deep cuts, and off-kilter gems that wrapped the night with attitude, joy, and pure sonic chaos in the best way possible. This is what Nudie Night is all about. It’s more than a night out. It’s about honouring the independent spirit—just like we do with our denim. We repair, reuse, and reimagine. We believe in character, not perfection. And we bring that same energy to music: supporting artists before they’re polished, signed, or mainstream. Giving them a stage, and letting the music speak for itself. And we’re just getting started. The next Nudie Night is already on the horizon — expect more incredible unsigned acts, more good denim energy, and a night to remember. Because in uncertain times, we turn to the things that hold meaning. And for us, that’s always been music and denim. And if this is the future—then the future must be bright. Footage: wemakephilms
For Chris, a well-traveled guy who once lived life constantly on the move, slowing down wasn’t part of the plan. But like many, his world shifted when everything became more grounded. That shift marked the beginning of something unexpected—a denim journey that would last far longer than he imagined. It started when we first released the Tuff Tony. Chris tried on a pair at The Galeries Store in Sydney and was hooked instantly. The relaxed fit and comfort struck a chord. His first wear? A road trip to Canberra—an experience that convinced him that loose-fit denim was the perfect companion for long drives. That was the moment he decided, almost on a whim, to start documenting the fades. From there, the jeans became a part of his everyday life. They saw him through lockdown (remember lockdown?). Through a major move to a new city. Through the unforgettable moment of bringing newborn twins home to meet their two-year-old sibling. These jeans weren’t just along for the ride—they were part of the story. At first, Chris aimed for six months of wear before the first wash. Then it became seven. Then 250 days. Eventually, the challenge grew into something bigger: a full year. And he made it. One single wash on day 365, in the washing machine. One repair—at the hands of the skilled team at Zetland in Sydney, who reinforced the crotch and back of the knee. But the journey didn’t stop there. He kept going, pushing toward 500 wears. And he nearly made it. Before he could hit the milestone, we just had to reach out. Luckily for us, Chris felt it was the right time to pass the jeans on. Still, he admits, there’s not a week that goes by when he doesn’t miss them. 500 wears. 1 wash. 1 repair. A year of living in them. A whole story worn into every thread. The entire journey was documented on Chris’s account, @snakeeyesselvedge, originally created just to chronicle this pair. What began as a personal experiment turned into a testament to conscious wear, slow living, and the quiet power of a well-worn garment. Chris didn’t just wear his Nudie Jeans - he lived in them. Where are the jeans now you might wonder (so is Chris). Maria brought them with her to Italy as one of the inspirations for Life Tracks. Needless to say, she only brought the best of the best in that suitcase. You've only had a sneak peak of Life Tracks, so watch this space in August. Good things come to those who wait. Ps. Chris is on a new wear-in journey, ready to be followed by us all.
A playlist built from passion, not algorithms.
Our 10th Store Across Australia & New Zealand!
Shoreditch, we're open! On April 2nd, we opened our doors to our new store in Shoreditch on 9 Club Row. This calls for celebrations on April 24th! So, get ready for an unforgettable night as we bring the party to Shoreditch! At Nudie Jeans, music has always been more than just a soundtrack—it’s in our DNA. Our co-founder and CEO, Joakim Levin, started out as a drummer in a punk-rock band, so as you can imagine, music has shaped who we are and where we find inspiration. From the indie dive bars of Gothenburg to the backrooms of London’s best venues, we’ve always believed that great denim and great music go hand in hand. Just like a well-worn pair of jeans, music carries stories, emotions, and raw authenticity—things we value deeply in everything we do. We’ve always championed the independent spirit, backing artists who break boundaries and create something real. That’s why we’re bringing Nudie Night to The Old Blue Last, one of London’s most legendary live music venues. This isn’t just another party—it’s about giving a platform to emerging talent, shining a light on unsigned acts, and celebrating the creative culture that fuels our brand. But first we’re kicking things off with a pre-party at the brand-new Nudie Jeans Repair Shop on Club Row, featuring an intimate live set from Tom Speight, who’ll be announcing his new album, Perfect Strangers. Expect cold beers, great vibes, and Joaz Dub spinning tunes to set the mood. 📍 Pre-Party @ Nudie Jeans Repair Shop (6-8PM) 🎤 Live: Tom Speight One of the UK’s most heartfelt singer-songwriters, Tom Speight crafts intimate, uplifting folk-pop, blending raw emotion with irresistible melodies. With millions of streams and BBC Radio support, he’s back to announce his latest album, Perfect Strangers. 🎧 Joaz Dub Joaz Dub has played at some of London’s most respected venues, delivering a carefully curated blend of dub, reggae, and genre-blending grooves, and will be setting the perfect vibe while you sip on free beers and get hyped for the night ahead. 📍 Opening Party @ The Old Blue Last (from 8PM) Then, we take the energy over to The Old Blue Last for the official Nudie Night Opening Party. Doors open at 8pm, and we’ve lined up an eclectic mix of unsigned talent, a special secret guest, and a headline set that will leave you wanting more. Get ready for a musical rollercoaster people! Expect big sounds, voices to move your core, high energy, and a late-night DJ set from Goat Girl to keep the party going. Oh, and did we mention? Entry is FREE. 🎤 Unsigned Talent: Another Day Hailing from London, Another Day are a fresh face in the indie-rock scene, blending shoegaze textures with punk energy and big choruses. If you're into emotionally charged lyrics wrapped in raw, melodic noise—this is the one to catch. Their recent singles have been gaining serious traction on Spotify, and they’re just getting started. --- > Listen here <---- 🎤 Secret Guest We’re keeping this one under wraps a little longer... but let’s just say you’ll want to be front row when they hit the stage. 🎤 Headliner: Pastel Rising from Manchester’s rich musical soil, Pastel are a Britpop revival with a psych-rock twist. Signed to Creation23, their wall-of-sound guitars, anthemic hooks, and cool-as-you-like attitude have drawn comparisons to The Verve and early Oasis. With sold-out shows and a growing cult following, they’re one of the UK’s most exciting new bands—and the perfect way to close out the night. 🎧 Goat Girl (DJ Set) Post-punk disruptors turned late-night selectors—Goat Girl take to the decks with a mix of left-field bangers, underground classics, and weirdo gems. Expect the unexpected. Come early, stay late, and let’s make it a night to remember. See you there!
When the slubbiness of the warp is prominent and the weaving density is favorable, it results in a vertical streakiness we refer to as "streaky denim."
We’ve had our eyes on Bandung for a long time. With its denim heads and makers of all kinds, it just makes sense. So now we’re here – in a space shaped by local materials, built with good people, and set up to fix jeans and fit great ones. Expanding to the City of Flowers feels natural, thanks to its strong denim scene and sharp sense of style. The area has been a lively hub of craft and trade since colonial times. The store, built in collaboration with X + O, features locally sourced timbers running across the ceiling, denim-clad walls, and custom joinery – all bringing warmth and texture to the space. The fitting room curtains are handmade by women weavers from Threads of Life, through a partnership with The Bebali Foundation. The repair station is built from recycled bricks made using rejected local plastic waste – a straightforward solution with lasting impact. Bring your jeans – we’ll make them last!
In the heart of Tampere, Finland — where history meets modern creativity — denim gets a second chance. Tampere, often called the 'Manchester of Finland,' is a city built on resilience. From its industrial roots, where red-brick factories once fueled Finland’s economy, to today’s thriving cultural scene, it’s a place that values hard work and craftsmanship. It’s fitting, then, that Inch Store — a cornerstone of Tampere’s streetwear scene — carries that same spirit into every denim repair they make. Inch Store isn’t just a shop; it’s a Nudie Jeans Repair Partner, dedicated to keeping your favorite jeans alive. Rather than tossing worn-out denim, they breathe new life into each pair — reinforcing seams, patching holes, and ensuring your jeans last as long as possible. Inch have curated their own Re-use drop, available now on inchstore.com Meet Jerry — the heart of the repairs At the core of Inch Store’s repair service is Jerry. His denim journey started in his youth, drawn to tight black drainpipe jeans. Over time, he fell for the raw, rugged charm of dry selvage denim — and the craft of repairing it. Now, Jerry leads the charge at Inch Store, bringing worn-out jeans back from the brink with skill and passion. For Jerry and Inch Store, every rip, tear, and faded knee tells a story worth saving. Each repair adds character — a new chapter in the life of the jeans. It’s not about making denim look new again. It’s about honoring the wear, the adventures, and the memories woven into the fabric. Why repair matters Fast fashion has led to a throwaway culture. But Inch Store and Nudie Jeans stand for something different: longevity. By repairing jeans instead of replacing them, we’re cutting down on textile waste, saving water, and reducing environmental impact. It’s a small step with a big impact — and it looks damn good, too. When you walk into Inch Store, you’re not just getting a patch-up job. You’re joining a movement — one that values sustainability, craftsmanship, and authenticity. A repaired pair of jeans isn’t broken. It’s reborn. Keep good denim alive Whether you’re a lifelong denim head or someone who just loves a good pair of jeans, Inch Store in Tampere is where your worn-in Nudie Jeans get a second wind. Come in for a repair — or just to share your denim story with Jerry and the team. Because great jeans should never go to waste. And neither should the stories they carry. Don't miss out on Inch's own curated Re-use drop, now available at inchstore.com
Life Tracks is a new range of jeans that faithfully tracks the fades and wear marks of original worn-in selvage denim. Using a precise method, every detail of the original is captured and recreated onto new fabric.