If we were to be confined to an island forever, what would we pack so we’d never have to be without jean things?

You laugh, but these are the questions we ask ourselves at Jean Stories. And so, with the resort ’15 collections showing in New York right now as our inspiration, we went looking for island essentials in all fabrics from The Family Denim – chambray, shibori, and even trompe l’oeil versions of indigo, too. “It’s actually a print on swim fabric,” says designer Gabby Subharwal about the jean-looking bikini she’s just introduced to her exquisite swim line, Geijo (look down). “Denim is such a staple. It’s classic, it’s versatile, you wear it on a date, to work, out at night…why not wear it at the beach?”

Yeah, why not?! Have we forgotten that our California ancestors used to wear their jeans in the ocean to let salt and sand give them the worn-in look we now pay a premium for? Jane went swimming in the Pacific in her Levi’s shorts last April and they’ve never looked better. She’d definitely want those with her on this fantasy adventure we’re packing for now, along with four pairs of Brother Vellies sandals – look up, we are obsessed – two Coast-Wide chambray shirts, Giejo’s bikini, all-in-ones from Mother Denim, Loft, and Old Navy, and a tote from Chance that’s striped with selvedge-inspired stitching.  Add Almond’s indigo-dyed sweatshirt and Baldwin’s pull-on trousers to the pile, for breezier evenings, and you can forget the S.O.S.