Q&A with Pål aka @thedenimjournal on Instagram

So far in this Q&A series, we’ve had an Iron Heart enthusiast, an Instagrammer-turned-retailer, a BMW aficionado, a Swedish cinch-back lover, and a Berliner who shoots denim and coffee in the morning.

All of them have been building their style and following on Instagram for at least around a year. But I also wanted this series to be a place to shine a light on blue bloods who don’t already have a massive following or years under their belt.

I found @thedenimjournal about a month after Pål set up his profile. We’ve been chatting back and forth about our shared passion for @indigoferajeans, and how we own several identical items (like the creme/indigo Norris flannel, the Kirk shrink-to-fit, and the @redwingheritage 8103). This is his story.

What’s your story

Name: Pål Tidebrink

Birth year: 1988

Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Profession: Marketing

I live in Bagarmossen, Stockholm. Beside my biggest hobby (denim), I like to spend time with my girlfriend, family and friends. I also like to workout, especially CrossFit, and I like to play music and being out in nature and fishing.

Pål’s Routines on Instagram and How to Takes Pictures

How did it all start with your Instagram feed?

It actually started a few years back, around 2012, when I got interested in denim and how jeans become better and better over time.

I started following people and stores on Instagram from all around the world, and I got more and more into what people were wearing and how they styled their outfits. I always had an idea that I also wanted to inspire people just as they inspired me.

Last year, I met Daniel (@redrawdenim) at a Red Wing Shoes event in Stockholm and we started talking about denim and stayed in touch. A few months back from now, he asked me if I wanted to join him, Andreas (@andreasbergstrom83) and Johannes (@sennahoj) on their annual denim weekend in Stockholm, so I thought ‘what the heck—let’s do it.’ After I’d met them and we talked about denim, heritage workwear and all things associated with it, I thought I should give Instagram a try—so here I am.

What are your goals?

I want to inspire people and let them see the world of denim and heritage workwear. If it turns out to be an opportunity to work more with my hobby, that’s just positive.

How much time do you spend on Instagram on a daily basis?

I think I spend around 4-5 hours a day, exploring and also creating content for myself. I’m kinda picky with my feed, and I usually don’t want to post something that’s not 100% perfect—but sometimes you have to 😅

How do you take your photos?

At the moment, all my photos are taken with my iPhone 8 Plus. I always have it with me, and the camera is quite good. I’m thinking about buying a real camera with different lenses to get better photos even though it’s not always about the quality—although better quality lets you see all the nice details better.

I usually get help from my girlfriend and my friends taking the photos. If it’s a picture of a pair of jeans, boots or something else, I often do it myself.

Which tools do you use?

I edit with VSCO, Snapseed, PS Express and Instagram.

How do you come up with new ideas, and what’s your planning like?

Hmm, I’m trying to post at least one picture a day but it’s not always possible. I just try to find nice and cool places and then we’ll see what happens. If it turns out to be good, I post it. Easy as that.

Do you make it a priority to post on a regular schedule? And how do you remind yourself of it?

No, I just try to post at least once a day. If I post it in the morning or in the evening, doesn’t matter.

What are your favourite locations to take photos?

I find old houses and buildings quite interesting. And rustic and rough textures. So I actually don’t have a favourite location at the moment. But when I was in Gamla Stan (Old Town) here in Stockholm, I saw a lot of awesome places I think would be great for future pictures.

Do you repost?

Nope, not at the moment. But I’m thinking about it since I don’t see any problem in reposting others’ photos if I like them and they inspire me, and in turn can inspire others.

Pål’s Denim Preferences and Style

What is your favourite feature on jeans?

Hmm, another good question! I think I have to say the texture and feeling. If a pair of jeans has a nice fabric and feeling, I’m sold! I mean, you can feel the fabric and imagine how nice it’s going to be when it’s worn out and fits perfectly.

How do you wash your denim?

I’m trying to wash it as gently as possible—hand wash programme in the washing machine or by hand in the bathtub. My first wash is usually after six months, just to get rid of the smell and also to get that light blue colour.

What’s your favourite fit? And what’s your least favourite fit?

Right now, I like my jeans loose. When I bought my first pair of selvedge denim, I was more of a “skinny fit guy.” But I got more and more into looser fits since they feel better on my body, it’s comfortable, and you don’t have to feel like you can’t move correctly—haha!

Which boots and leather goods do you wear with your denim?

Let’s start with the boots—I love Red Wing Shoes, I wear them every day! Right now I have three pairs: Iron Ranger (8113); Moc Toe (8138); and Classic Oxford (8103), but I would love to get more.

And then I wear a leather wallet and a belt—both handmade by myself in vegetable-tanned leather from a tannery in Sweden called Tärnsjö Garveri. I’m also planning to make one or two leather bracelets.

You can learn more about vegetable-tanned leather and how it’s made here.

Which sneakers do you wear?

When I wear sneakers, I wear Reebok Club C; a classic tennis shoe that never goes out of style.

Favourite item that’s not denim or leather?

Indigofera’s Norris flannel shirt—stylish and just absolutely perfect! The fabric is so soft and so nice to wear, and it fits perfectly.

Where do you buy your gear?

Most of my gear I’ve bought at stores in Sweden like Second Sunrise and Red Wing Shoes in Stockholm, Göteborg Manufaktur in Gothenburg and Meadow in Malmö.

What styling tips would you give your followers if they wanted your style?

Find a brand you think make great products. There’s a lot of them out there, but I’m glad to help you find a good one—just reach out and let’s have a chat about it.

Don’t be scared to try a looser fit than you’re used to—you might think it looks weird at first but once you get used to it, it’ll be your new favourite pair and your hip bone and thighs will thank you later 😉