Very crisp, starchy denim when new. Blue warp is super dark, but there is significantly more white weft “grin” visible from the warp side as compared to my Japanese denim. I’m not sure how, but the Cone Mills appears to have much more visible weft threads, while my Japanese 16.5 ounce appears solid blue from the outside. These have immediately become my favorite pair, and they feel more substantial than 13 ounces.