NS1 – Natural Indigo

IMG_9922

Today, I have the honor of being the first person to review Tanuki Inc. and their NS1 (Natural Indigo) model.

Fabric: A 16.5oz, thick, low tension, unsanforized, loom state denim. It is made of 100% Texas cotton, one of the best cottons to use for a low tension weave. Rope-dyed with natural indigo from India made exclusively for Tanuki. Usually with natural indigo the yarns are dyed to the core. The rope dying process used here, ensures this natural indigo fabric will still have high contrast fades. Moderate to high amount of slub, nep and hair. The exact specifications of manufacturing process of the fabrics and the dye is not disclosed.
IMG_0072 IMG_0068
IMG_0024-2
Cut: Tanuki’s slim cut. It has a roomy top block with a mid rise and tapers generously from the thigh to hem.
shrink chart
One thing that I have never seen before with denim, when I hot soaked it the water did not turn blue or green. It turned BURGUNDY!! It looked like someone poured a whole bottle of red wine in the tub. Luckily it did not stain the beautiful white selvedge ID.
IMG_0165
Before (left) and after (right) two hot soaks.
before and after front
Details:
  • White selvedge ID
  • Custom engraved buttons
  • Raised belt loops
  • Copper and yellow stitching
  • Cobalt blue stitching on the inseam
  • Blue gingham pocket bags
  • Bottom of back pockets reinforced with blue gingham fabric
  • Hidden rivets
  • Hidden selvedge ID on watch pocket
  • Red and white Tanuki logo embroidered on back pocket
  • Chainstiched hem, waistband and yoke
The head of Tanuki says, “Tanuki is like river of indigo, our source is indigo but like liquid we transform and go around obstacles, like stones.” The blue line on the inseam represents this concept of the river in the design of Tanuki products. 
IMG_0073 IMG_0002 IMG_0128 IMG_0125 IMG_0116 IMG_0105 IMG_0082 IMG_0074 IMG_9993   IMG_0135 IMG_0132 IMG_0131

First Impressions: Wow! Even with all that has been said about how great this denim is, I was still impressed when I first held it in my hands. A very well balanced combination of slub, nep and hair. Not one element overpowering any other. A very thick, ridged and ruff hand. Impeccable sticking and construction. Just the right amount of details to make it interesting but not get in the way of this beautiful denim. If I had to compare it to any other denim, I would say it is almost like Oni’s XX fabric but dyed with natural indigo, although that comparison would just be a starting point for describing the denim. I am very excited to start wearing and breaking them in. I know it will get even better and more interesting as time passes.

Tanuki NS1 are available at Tanuki’s website. I highly recommend you go pick up a pair!

IMG_2679 IMG_2578 IMG_0211  IMG_0294IMG_0297IMG_0306    IMG_2570IMG_2554

A very special thank you to Tanuki!! I will keep you posted on the progress. ~ The Denim Hound. 7-13-16