Du/er Launches Tech Fleece Jeans for Winter Comfort

Du/er, a Canadian apparel brand established a decade ago, has launched its new Tech Fleece fabric, designed to offer enhanced warmth and comfort for winter wear, particularly in denim. This innovative fabric weaves fleece and denim together at the yarn level, a departure from traditional methods that involve attaching a separate fleece liner to the inside of jeans. The result is a garment that maintains the external appearance and feel of regular denim while providing a soft, fleecy interior that retains heat. The design team at Du/er also prioritized making the Tech Fleece fabric stretchy, breathable, and water-repellent, aiming to keep the wearer dry even in wet conditions. This new material is being introduced in two initial styles: a men's jean and a women's utility pant. Both are available for purchase online and in Du/er's physical stores at a price point of $159. The development of this winter-ready denim is attributed to Du/er's founder and CEO, Gary Lenett. Lenett possesses nearly four decades of experience in the denim manufacturing industry, having previously worked with major companies such as Levi's. He reportedly experienced a career burnout after spending a significant portion of his year traveling to factories in Asia. This led him to retire early and adopt a more minimalist lifestyle, including commuting by bicycle in his hometown of Vancouver. It was during this period of cycling that Lenett identified a gap in the market for everyday clothing, specifically jeans, that offered the comfort and functionality of activewear without compromising on style. He expressed a desire for everyday garments like jeans and flannel shirts to incorporate the benefits of athleisure. Leveraging his extensive background in manufacturing, Lenett set out to create a solution that addressed these needs. The Tech Fleece fabric represents the culmination of this effort, aiming to provide a practical and comfortable alternative for individuals living in colder climates who wish to wear denim throughout the winter months. The integration of fleece at the yarn level is intended to create a more cohesive and less bulky garment compared to fleece-lined jeans, while the added properties of stretch, breathability, and water repellency further enhance its utility for daily wear and active pursuits.