The "Better With Age" (BWA) denim phenomenon is not just a trend; it is a fundamental shift in how consumers view quality, sustainability, and personal style. As of late 2025, the brand has solidified its position as a leader in the upcycled and premium denim market, moving beyond fast fashion to champion a philosophy where every pair of jeans is an investment that truly improves with wear.
This brand, rooted in vintage allure and meticulous craftsmanship, stands out by explicitly rejecting the disposable nature of modern clothing. Instead, founder Remy Milchman has built a loyal following around the core belief that the best denim tells a story, a narrative that unfolds over years of wear, fading, and intentional repair. The result is a collection of heavyweight, rugged, and uniquely styled jeans that are a statement of resilience and timeless fashion.
The Visionary Behind the Wear: Remy Milchman's Profile
The ethos of Better With Age is inextricably linked to the personal journey and vision of its founder, Remy Milchman. His background provided a unique foundation for creating a brand that values history, craftsmanship, and the beauty of contrast.
- Full Name: Remy Alexander Milchman
- Role: Founder and Visionary of Better With Age (BWA)
- Educational Background: Studied Retail, Merchandising, and Product Development at Florida State University (FSU).
- Family Influence: Grew up immersed in the fashion industry; his mother owned a chain of boutiques in South Florida, instilling a profound appreciation for color, pattern, and quality from an early age.
- Core Philosophy: Milchman's work is driven by the concept that "things work well with blatant contrast," which is reflected in the brand's aesthetic—a blend of rugged, vintage-inspired cuts with meticulous, often hand-repaired, detailing.
- Brand Foundation: Launched BWA with the goal to repurpose and reuse clothing, giving new life to old garments and promoting a lifeline for sustainability.
7 Defining Principles of Better With Age Denim
Better With Age has cultivated a devoted following, not just for its aesthetic, but for its principled approach to denim construction and sustainability. Here are the seven core reasons why BWA jeans are considered a long-term investment.
1. The Signature Upcycled 'Repair Denim' Philosophy
BWA’s most distinctive offering is its commitment to the "repair" process, which is a design element rather than just a fix. The signature Repair Denim pieces are constructed by hand, often using individually sourced vintage denim, such as classic Levi's 501s, as the base. These garments are then reinforced and adorned with assorted vintage blanket patches, transforming wear and tear into a unique, one-of-a-kind statement of resilience. This practice is the ultimate expression of upcycled fashion and the brand's circular economy ethos.
2. A Focus on Heavyweight, 100% Cotton Construction
In an era of stretch-blend denim, BWA champions the traditional, rugged feel of heavyweight denim, typically made from 100% cotton. This choice of material is crucial to the "better with age" promise. The denim is designed to be stiff initially, but to soften and mold perfectly to the wearer's body over time, developing unique, high-contrast fades and creases known as whiskering and honeycombs.
3. The Embrace of Vintage Cuts and Silhouettes
Better With Age draws heavily on vintage allure, offering silhouettes that are both timeless and currently on-trend. Their collection often features cuts that prioritize comfort and a relaxed fit, moving away from restrictive styles. Popular cuts include:
- Double Wide Denim: A relaxed, wider-leg fit that nods to classic 90s and workwear aesthetics.
- Knucklehead Double Knee: A workwear-inspired style featuring reinforced knees for durability and a distinct utilitarian look.
- Sludge Denim: A specific wash or treatment that gives the denim a unique, heavily worn and textured appearance.
- Helena Denim: A core model that showcases the brand’s dedication to a premium, long-lasting fit.
4. Authentic Sustainability Beyond Marketing
The brand's sustainability model is built on the principles of reduce, reuse, repair, and recycle. By directly incorporating vintage garments and materials, BWA significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with new fabric production, specifically the high water and chemical usage of the conventional denim industry. This focus on ethical denim and responsible sourcing of vintage goods is a genuine commitment to a sustainable supply chain.
5. The Raw Denim and Selvedge Connection
While BWA offers various washes, their philosophy aligns perfectly with the culture of raw denim and selvedge denim. Raw denim, which is unwashed and untreated, is the purest form of the "better with age" concept, as it allows the wearer to create their own unique fade patterns. The brand's use of premium, durable cotton and traditional manufacturing techniques appeals directly to the denim connoisseur who values the long-term character development of their jeans.
6. A Statement of Individuality and Imperfection
BWA pieces are intentionally designed to celebrate imperfection and contrast. The use of hand-applied patches, visible mending, and denim distressing means no two pairs are exactly alike. This creates a high-level of individuality, positioning the jeans as a piece of art or a curated vintage find, rather than a mass-produced item. This unique aesthetic resonates with the "punk with a good heart" attitude that Remy Milchman references as his inspiration.
7. A True Investment in Longevity and Value
The initial investment in a pair of Better With Age jeans is higher than fast-fashion alternatives, but the price per wear is significantly lower over the garment's lifetime. These jeans are built to last for years, often decades, and their unique detailing and quality ensure they remain stylish. The brand's focus on timeless craftsmanship and premium materials guarantees that the value of the denim increases as it develops a unique, personal patina—it literally gets better with age.
Topical Authority and Key Denim Entities
To fully appreciate the world of Better With Age, it is helpful to understand the key terms and entities that define this segment of premium denim:
- Indigo Dye: The traditional coloring agent that creates the deep blue hue and allows for the development of high-contrast fades.
- Chain Stitching: A durable stitch often used on hems and waistbands of high-quality jeans, known for creating a roping effect as it fades.
- Patina: The soft sheen and color change that develops on the denim fabric over time, a sign of quality aging.
- Denim Weight: Measured in ounces (oz). BWA primarily uses heavyweight denim (14oz+), signifying durability and a stiffer initial feel.
- Selvedge: Denim woven on traditional shuttle looms, resulting in a clean, finished edge (often with a red or white line) that prevents fraying.
- Monroe and Campaign: Key model names within the BWA collection, representing their core fits and washes.
- Vintage Wash: A treatment used to mimic the look of naturally worn denim, though BWA often achieves this look through actual vintage sourcing.
- Warp and Weft: The vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) threads that are woven together to create the denim fabric.
By investing in Better With Age, consumers are buying into a narrative of quality, history, and personal expression. The brand’s commitment to upcycling and durable construction makes its jeans a defining piece for the modern, conscious wardrobe.
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