With a limited production of only 92 pairs, I was very happy to get my hands on a pair of the latest collaboration by Okayama Denim and Japan Blue.
Fit: A mid to high rise, slim top block, roomy thighs and a strong taper down the leg.
Measurements – size 31: Waist 33″, rise 10.75″, back rise 14.6″, thigh 12.25″, knee 8.75″, hem 6.9″, inseam 35.25″. This fabric shrinks about 3-4% vertically and 2-3% horizontally.
Fabric: 18oz sanforized 100% cotton selvedge sourced by Collect Co. from Shinya mills. An indigo warp with red-cast and white weft. Ultra slubby weft with a medium slub in the warp creates a more horizontal pattern. The red-cast give the indigo warp an almost purplish hue, which after wear and washes shifts into a more classic indigo color. A few bits of nep here and there, but I would not call this an especially neppy or hairy denim. Has a rough and inky surface but after a few weeks of wear will soften up and get a bit hairier.
Details:
- Japan Blue branded, Original Antique Gold rivets and hardware
- 5 button fly
- Poly copper stitching
- Red line on white selvedge ID
- Peekaboo selvedge ID on the watch pocket
- Thick soft veg tanned leather patch
- Bar tacked back pockets
- Selvedge salt and pepper broken twill chambray pocket bags
- Chain stitched bottom waistband, yoke and hem
First Impressions: Okayama Denim and Japan Blue really know how to do a collaboration for the denim heads. This 3rd collaboration is no exception. A super limited edition, slubby and crazy-interesting denim put together with solid construction and sprinkled with some tasty details. Definitely buy true to size, as this denim doesn’t shrink or stretch much. It looks like a loose weave but acts more like a tight weave in the stretch department, like most Japan Blue fabrics. The selvedge broken twill chambray pocket bags are a really cool detail, new to this line of collaborations. The handsome antique gold hardware and classic copper stitching really ground this pair. Multi color thread, flashy hardware, or too many details would definitely put this pair over the top. A great balance is achieved here that really lets the fabric do the talking, but still enough details to keep it interesting.
The only thing I would say that could be changed if there was ever another run of these, is to make the belt loops a little wider. Japan Blue makes slightly narrower belt loops then most brands, which is fine with me, but because of the thickness and strength of the 18oz denim, the belt loops could be a little more hefty to match.
All in all, this is a very exciting and quality pair of jeans for an incredible value!
I always keep my eyes open for Okayama Denim collaborations as they are always very cool and sell out quickly. Available exclusively through Okayama Denim.
~ The Denim Hound 4-15-17
