Earlier this month, I told you about Holly Aiken’s uniquely Raleigh handbags, wallets and other locally-made accessories that would make any local gift lover smile on Christmas Day. And now I present you, four days shy of Christmas, with another gift idea that is so local, it’s actually named after our fair city: Raleigh Denim. 

One visit to the brand’s retail shop, The Curatory, in Downtown Raleigh and you’ll see the local brand’s mission - “to build an ideal pair of jeans” – hard at work. From initial design, to cut, sew and finish, Raleigh Denim is a small group of artisans who domestically-source and produce their product under one roof. Raleigh Denim’s jeans are made in small batches and co-founders and designers, Victor and Sarah, sign every single pair that leaves their workshop to show that they have passed their own quality inspection… it’s sort of like getting a unique work of art, but for your wardrobe.

Got friends who’ve made their way from NC to the Big Apple? Send them to Barney’s New York where they can pick up some of Raleigh Denim’s signature lines for men from around $230-$290 a pair. Yes, it’s steep if you’re used to paying $40 for a pair of plain Jane jeans (“plain "James," perhaps?), but don’t forget that you’re paying for the locally, hand-crafted workmanship of a brand of apparel that isn’t mass-produced at tens of thousands units (if not more) per day overseas.

Raleigh Denim has an ever-growing list of “stockists” online, in the U.S. and internationally, which you can find on their website, but if you get a chance to pop in and visit their Downtown Raleigh Curatory, it’s a must – the retail store not only features Raleigh Denim, but also other apparel and gift items from brands that Raleigh Denim happens to covet and admire, too. (And it’s also the quickest way to pick up a gift with four days left before Christmas!)

The Curatory is located 319 W Martin Street in Downtown Raleigh and is open Tuesday through Sunday, noon until 6 p.m.

Looking for more local last-minute gift ideas? See all of our prior picks here!