http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-feat...denim.html

I've heard about this before but only after reading a book recently have I had a yen to wear denim, specifically a certain design of Japanese denim. Any experiences here? Apparently Uniqlo is known for their Kaihara denim, though it's hard to tell if all their jeans are made from Japanese denim or only the 'Japan Denim' label.

I have nothing of relevance to add to the topic, but looking at some of the links at the bottom it just makes me wonder why people will pay $500 for a pair of jeans that already have holes in...

dizmox Wrote:I have nothing of relevance to add to the topic, but looking at some of the links at the bottom it just makes me wonder why people will pay $500 for a pair of jeans that already have holes in...

Most of it doesn't have holes in it--the idea of the Japanese denim 'fetishism' is to get it raw and untouched and wear it out yourself over time: http://www.indidenim.com/blog/base/indid...m-culture/

I think one of the Uniqlo 'Japan Denim' label styles (still no idea whether having a 'Japan Denim' label means the other Uniqlo jeans aren't from Japan) has surface rips or somesuch in it, but the Uniqlo styles are known to be more affordable. A few other brands seem to also be more affordable, though from what I'm seeing they are lamely difficult to procure and end up having overpriced retailers distributing them instead, defeating the cost-friendly ethos.

I've never owned a pair of raw denim jeans, but I had a friend who was a freak about it. I think the idea is to kind of scrunch it up at the knees and ankles to get nice creases. Though this also involves not washing them for a long time.

I live in Japan and I recently bought a pair of Evisu Genes at their Tokyo flagship store in Ebisu. I would never spend the kind of money I spent on my Evisu's back home in Canada, but once you get into their store you soon realize the kind of quality they're dealing with. What clinched it for me is that they have genes (as they call them) of various ages and you get to see what your genes will morph into in the future. In my opinion, a 10 year old pair of Evisu's look better than a brand new pair.

I'm not a fan of the style of the Japanese jeans I've seen tbh, much prefer European designs like nudie and A.P.C. Think they use Japanese denim sometimes anyway. Uniqlo is great for the price though.

I did the raw demin thing once and I'm not sure if it was worth the trouble or not :$

I have a $140 USD pair of Lucky Brand jeans that I bought using a Nordstrom's gift card. Sadly, I never wear these jeans anymore because I have Uniqlo. And I only wear Uniqlo jeans now. The price/quality ratio is jaw-dropping. The cuts and washes are stylish in a very modern sense, but in a subtle way, which is just how I like it.

Speaking of Uniqlo, what Japanese clothing brands does everyone like? Most of the key items (jackets, jeans, shoes) in my wardrobe are designed by Japanese brands. Here's what's I have, in order of most items to least: Uniqlo, Men's Bigi, Gloster, and TK (Takeo Kikuchi's "casual" brand).

Yeah I'm not sure if I'd be willing to pay more than USD 140, even that is pricey, but from what I've been reading it seems worth it. Finding a good design/cut is so hard also.

And geez, I just saw that places like Iron Heart sell denim jeans at 23oz. Hardcore.

vileru Wrote:I have a $140 USD pair of Lucky Brand jeans that I bought using a Nordstrom's gift card. Sadly, I never wear these jeans anymore because I have Uniqlo. And I only wear Uniqlo jeans now. The price/quality ratio is jaw-dropping. The cuts and washes are stylish in a very modern sense, but in a subtle way, which is just how I like it.

Speaking of Uniqlo, what Japanese clothing brands does everyone like? Most of the key items (jackets, jeans, shoes) in my wardrobe are designed by Japanese brands. Here's what's I have, in order of most items to least: Uniqlo, Men's Bigi, Gloster, and TK (Takeo Kikuchi's "casual" brand).

How much were the Uniqlo? Were they the 'Japan Denim' label or something else? Because if it's all Japanese denim, I'm not sure why Uniqlo sells 'Japan Denim' and then other jeans that aren't labeled 'Japan Denim'. I'm thinking maybe all of the denim comes from Japan, but only the more expensive 'Japan Denim' version was cut/sewn etc. in Japan rather than Bangladesh or somesuch. I don't want to buy their jeans unless I'm sure the fabric is from Japan. Not that I can find a place to buy their stuff online anyway.

nest0r Wrote:How much were the Uniqlo? Were they the 'Japan Denim' label or something else? Because if it's all Japanese denim, I'm not sure why Uniqlo sells 'Japan Denim' and then other jeans that aren't labeled 'Japan Denim'. I'm thinking maybe all of the denim comes from Japan, but only the more expensive 'Japan Denim' version was cut/sewn etc. in Japan rather than Bangladesh or somesuch. I don't want to buy their jeans unless I'm sure the fabric is from Japan. Not that I can find a place to buy their stuff online anyway.

Honestly, I have no idea, but I only paid around 3000-4000￥ for each pair. I'll take a look at the tags when I return home. Either way, the quality of the denim and the wash is just as good as the Lucky Brand jeans I own, and at almost 1/4 the price. Plus, I think the cut of the denim is superior. The cut of the Lucky Brand pair looks like they're meant to go with sandals and a t-shirt, whereas the Uniqlo seem more appropriate with v-necks, polos, dress shirts, and blazers.

EDWIN jeans are a pretty nice cut I think

http://www.cultizm.com/index.php?cat=c36_EDWIN.html

Would someone care to explain why anyone would want to wear raw denim? Normal jeans are already very rough. I prefer really soft jeans, the rough ones make me feel as if I'm dressed in medieval armour

liosama Wrote:Would someone care to explain why anyone would want to wear raw denim? Normal jeans are already very rough. I prefer really soft jeans, the rough ones make me feel as if I'm dressed in medieval armour

Raw denim jeans are only cardboard-rough for maybe a week, tops. Once they're broken in, they're just as soft as any other pair of jeans, if not softer. Or maybe soft isn't the right word, but they definitely feel more comfortable on my skin than my other jeans.

Kind of wish I had bought some Uniqlo jeans when I had the chance, though. I like to keep a few pairs of cheaper jeans on hand for everyday wear, but the ones I have now are dangerously close to turning from jeans to short-shorts with a single misstep.

Lots of big holes, is what I'm saying.

Uniqlo has some more made in Japan Raw Jeans now - http://store.uniqlo.com/jp/store/feature...men/#fCs01