7 Reasons Japanese Jeans Are So Expensive

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  • Опубликовано: 1 авг 2024
  • * Thanks to Dave at Japanalogue for his help with this video, check out his website: japanalogue.com/
    ✰ Also, check out my 10 Best Boots On the Market! • THE 10 BEST BOOTS FOR ...
    *
    Full article: stridewise.com/why-is-japanes...
    * Lightweight selvedge for summer heat: stridewise.com/favorite-summe...
    What kind of lunatic spends hundreds of dollars on jeans from Japan when they could go to Kohl's and buy some off the rack for thirty bucks? Brother, you've come to the right place because Japan offers the peak, the apex, the zenith of that most humble of pants, the jeans. They're the most common trouser on Earth, don't you want to wear its best possible version? Here's why they're worth paying attention to.
    00:00 Why is Japanese denim so expensive?
    00:53 1. The Weaving
    03:08 2. The Dyeing
    04:28 3. The Weight
    05:38 4. The Raw
    07:40 5. The Hardware and Details
    08:30 6. The Vintage Styles
    10:01 7. The Exclusivity
    11:12 The downsides of denim from Japan
    13:15 Wrapping up
    See all my Japanese jeans reviews: • Denim
    #japanesedenim #selvedgedenim #rawdenim
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Комментарии • 457

  • @NakedandFamousDenim
    @NakedandFamousDenim 3 года назад +116

    Great video, lots of useful information here. I wanted to add some points that I thought would be useful, there was some misconceptions that I thought needed clearing up. I hope you find these points informative and If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. - Bahzad
    1. The Weaving - It is true that shuttle looms are old, but some may not be as old as you think. Shuttle looms were still being made in Japan in the 1980’s.
    Colored threads are not necessary to finish the selvedge edge, originally the selvedge ID was used by mills to identify which roll of fabric belonged to which company. Now a days with modern inventory management that isn’t necessary. The ID now is basically emblematic of the fact that this fabric was woven on a shuttle loom, and color choice (or lack of color choice) is simply ornamental.
    Loom chatter does add to the texture of the denim but not in the way you described. The machines chattering (ratting around) gives the fabric a uneven weave, when you look at the inside of your jeans you’ll notice the twill lines are kind of janky. Slub, as in the 3d texture of the denim comes from the yarn itself. Slub yarns are yarns spun at different speeds as to create a yarn that is tight and smooth in some sections and loose a thick in others. So when you weave with this type of yarn will get a bumpy texture (because the yarns themselves are bumpy).
    2. Dying - You said that many Japanese denim houses (I’m assuming you mean brands) have their own proprietary dye techniques, this is not true at all. No brand does their own dying, dying in Japan is handled by a handful of companies, and only 1 Japanese denim supplier can do everything form yarn spinning, dying, and weaving. Many smaller mills can do weaving but rely on other companies to do the dying and yarn spinning for them. Brands can design fabrics with a mill, but the physical act of dying is completely controlled by the mill, not the brand.
    While hand dying does exist in Japan it is important to remember that this is incredibly rare, we’re talking less than 0.1% of denim fabric made in Japan is made this way.
    Natural indigo dyes are rarely used in rope dying, mainly because the dye itself contains impurities and the natural nature of the dye means it is difficult to control the color from one dye lot to the next. Rope dying is what creates the high contrast fades that you described, and rope dying most often is done with pure indigo (chemically derived indigo). Most Japanese denim is made with pure indigo.
    3. Weight - While variety of weights is something Japanese denim producers are good at, weight alone is not a major contributing factor to cost. Only when you get into extreme territory like 32oz or 40oz when you are basically on the fringes of what is possible. Though depending on the fabric there can be more wastage on the roll (fabric defects) but that’s very fabric dependent, some fabrics are made with little to no issue, while new developments may take some time for the mill to figure out how to make with fewer issues. The cost sewing for an extreme weight denim is higher no question about that, but anything under 17oz typically costs about the same as making an 11oz jean. Even when you make an 18 - 22oz jean the cost difference isn’t dramatic.
    4. The Raw - Not putting fabrics though finishing processes like sanforization makes a fabric less expensive. But I think you are confusing how jeans become soft and wearable with sanforization. Sanfoirzation is a mechanical shrinking process where the raw denim fabric is essentially heated and pressed though a set of hot rollers (giant ones) this compresses the fabric removing the shrinkage. The resulting fabric is still rigid. What makes a jean soft and comfortable are washing processes that are done after the jeans are cut and sewn. Weather that be a rinse wash where the jeans are basically put in a giant industrial washing machine, or processed further with sanding, chemicals, bleach etc. to make the jeans look old and faded. It’s these costs that will make a jean more expensive.
    5. Hardware - Hardware can add to the cost, but it is only the very specialized stuff that does. Getting custom buttons and rivets is as simple as ordering them, the per unit cost of each piece is barely more expensive then using generic hardware. The issue is the minimum, where companies like YKK (which pretty much everybody uses) require you to order quite a lot. But if you are a denim brand that should not be an issue since you are going to be using it. There are specialty hardware makers out there, if you want a 100% iron button that is going to come from a smaller specialized manufacturer and cost significantly more. But there are not very many companies that do that. Leather patches can be expensive depending on the type of leather used and the amount (scale certainly plays a factor here too).
    6. Vintage styles - I would argue that none of what is produced as repros are not period perfect replicas, mostly because the jeans are not made in the USA, nor are they made with American fabric, they are not even made on the same machines. Japan did not import old American looms, that is a complete and total myth that many seem to believe. Japan made their own looms. I would categories these are imitations (even down to copying other brands labels and logos) be it very well made imitations. At the same time the brands that are often being imitated are making repro product, so if you want the real thing….
    7. Exclusivity - This is pretty much what it all boils down to. Small brands, small lots, small production, small scale. Japanese raw denim is a niche market where very specialized jeans are made for a very specialized market. Incredible stuff is made in this realm, but a lot of the cost comes from the fact that it’s small batch. Other major contributing factors is shipping and tariffs. When you are buying these products outside of Japan, retailers need to import these goods. Shipping costs and tariffs really add to the cost. Some companies work with distributors which need to make their cut as well. Easily a 25 - 33% of the price of a jean can be increased by these factors adding no value to the jean at all.

    • @djpoot
      @djpoot 3 года назад +7

      It's funny once he started talking about repros I thought back to your last Instagram live broadcast and that great rant that ensued.

    • @amBullseye
      @amBullseye 3 года назад +2

      What is the only Japanese denim supplier that does all?

    • @congology
      @congology 3 года назад +3

      I was thinking, this guy wrote so much for this topic and most of it is correct him. And i saw the name.

    • @demoh18
      @demoh18 3 года назад +1

      amBullseye Japan Blue Company I guess

    • @bobbydavis5119
      @bobbydavis5119 2 года назад +4

      @@amBullseye Momotaro. They do everything totally vertical

  • @ericservaes1251
    @ericservaes1251 3 года назад +120

    Another reason why japanese denim is expensive is because Japan is a 1st world country where workers are paid decent wages and social security. Unlike low wages countries in Asia where most mass production clothing is being produced.

    • @Centrioless
      @Centrioless 3 года назад

      100%

    • @raspberrybob3840
      @raspberrybob3840 2 года назад +7

      Yes! But Japan is in Asia bro

    • @luceafarul579
      @luceafarul579 2 года назад +2

      Are you sure about that? Maybe you should search the difficulty of living in Japan. They have comparably low minimum wages yet quite high cost of living over there. Whereas these “low wages” Asian countries you are talking about their cost of living is also low. It’s all about perspectives.

    • @user-zt3iz9ck8x
      @user-zt3iz9ck8x Год назад

      Living in Japan is more expensive than living in the states.

    • @mb7196
      @mb7196 Год назад +1

      @@luceafarul579 yes that's true but you're not analyzing this deeply enough. Simple fact is Japan has better enforced laws on the books protecting workers rights and they are far more likely to be making a living wage than people working in sweat shops in 3rd world countries. Add to that social benefits like a great health care system and better safety standards and it's not debatable that buying Japanese made products do far less harm to workers than typical manufacturing.
      I'm sure it's not perfect. Examples of abuse can be found everywhere, but to imply that MIJ is no different than 3rd world manufacturing is utterly ridiculous.
      I get you're trying to be the "critical thinker" but if you're going to do that then you'd better do it the whole way or you leave yourself open to.... this.
      But by all means, if you have any actual evidence that working conditions in Japan are as bad as 3rd world sweatshops I'll happily admit I was wrong.

  • @TheIronSnail
    @TheIronSnail 3 года назад +98

    A LOVELY VID! Fun fact the pink selvedge line is homage to Levi’s original red selvedge line fading to a pink hue

    • @Stridewise
      @Stridewise  3 года назад +4

      That's beautiful

    • @tockingwatches2377
      @tockingwatches2377 3 года назад

      The only two denim content channels I’m subscribed to are Stridewise and The Iron Snail. Everything else is pretty much watch oriented. 😉

    • @SilverStarOfTheNight
      @SilverStarOfTheNight 3 года назад +3

      Huh? Are you talking about the Momotaro Jeans? That doesn’t make sense. I just watched a video of the owner of maker of the momotaro jeans say that they make all their inseams pink because of their name - Momotaro. Momo is Japanese for peach and peaches are pink. Momotaro is a character from a Japanese tale. TLDR - A childless couple finds a giant peach floating down a river and inside the peach is a healthy baby boy, who was named Momotaro. This is why there is a baby popping out of a peach on their logo.
      The video: ruclips.net/video/Re4_aM_-vks/видео.html

    • @TheIronSnail
      @TheIronSnail 3 года назад +4

      @@SilverStarOfTheNight you are correct BUT I am not talking about Momotaro or inseams I’m talking about selvedge lines

    • @blackice51374
      @blackice51374 2 года назад

      I also heard that Levi sold their original equipment to company's in Japan which is why Levi jeans are no longer as good as they where yrs ago but Japanese jeans are now

  • @benniebenzak
    @benniebenzak 3 года назад +21

    Great video and introduction to people unaware of Japanese selvedge denim!
    While most of the info is spot-on, point 4 (the Raw) is not really a reason why these jeans are more expensive. First of all, sanforization is a process done on the fabric by the mill, before it's being put on rolls. The only difference between sanforized and unsanforized denim is this exact process. This has nothing to do with 'pre-washed' jeans, which you mentioned in the video too, because a pre-wash is a way of aging the ready-made jeans in an industrial laundry by washing, distressing and whatever you can do to create an aged look. In fact, a pre-wash would make a pair of jeans actually more expensive compared to unwashed or raw denim jeans. Which takes me to my next point: the term raw denim means unwashed denim, as in, how the fabric came off the roll. Since sanforization has been done already before the fabric's being put on rolls, you can have both unsanforized and sanforized denim classify as raw denim. Raw denim simply means that the jeans have not been washed or distressed after they're cut and sewn into a pair of jeans. We (BENZAK) use a lot of Japanese selvedge denim, but it's all sanforized and still fully classify as raw.
    Another thing that's important to mention about the price of the brands you mention, is that they are in fact fully produced in Japan, as opposed to brands exporting Japanese denim to low income countries and manufacture the jeans over there. Minimum wage in Japan is similar to that of the US and many European countries, making the manufacturing process more expensive too. You're absolutely right about lots of these factories being family-owned with few employees and low quantity output, which makes it even more expensive. We actually do both, produce in Japan and export fabric to Portugal, to make our jeans; they have a different price point for the above mentioned reason (although Portugal is not a low income country, its minimum wage is still below that of Japan).

  • @dmark1922
    @dmark1922 3 года назад +18

    I live in Tokyo and these jeans can be found in selected shops, but concentrated in the Harajuku area. To actually see where most of them are made would require a trip to Okayama, which is several hours away by bullet train. The first "expensive" jeans I bought were Spellbound, which wasn't mentioned here but is a very comfortable wearable brand. For me, I would buy expensive jeans only if there is something unique about them, so I wouldn't really buy the remake styles. The only brand in this video I actually recognized was D'artisan, but I can't buy jeans decorated with cartoons of pigs all over them! Especially at that price. I do have a pig-less D'artisan shirt I like, though. I'm old enough to remember when ALL jeans/denim items were bought "cardboard" style and button-up (no zippers). It was always a long process of breaking them in; the buttoning could be a bitch at first with the stiff material. And by the time they were totally broken in, you were getting knee-holes, lol.

  • @sebastianshaw210
    @sebastianshaw210 3 года назад +4

    This video might be the best video not only introducing Japanese Selvedge but also the selvedge jeans as a niche. Great job.

  • @mishondas
    @mishondas 3 года назад

    Very good and informative video. Explanations are very clear. Thanks for making this.

  • @ForTheLoveOfSuits
    @ForTheLoveOfSuits 3 года назад +2

    A really great in-depth video, thanks Nick.

  • @zaikoji
    @zaikoji 3 года назад

    Interesting, eloquent and informative!
    Thanks for the vid!

  • @Indusxstan
    @Indusxstan 3 года назад

    Fascinating information ℹ️ Delighted I have a new idea for my next pair 😊

  • @Known-unknowns
    @Known-unknowns 3 года назад +1

    Excellent review. I have several makes and you’re spot on with your remarks.

  • @blackbearddmh1277
    @blackbearddmh1277 3 года назад +7

    I have 3 pairs of Oni, 1 SDA, and 1 Momotaro. I really love the these type of denim. I plan to get a pair from every known brand.

  • @mobolajiakinyemi7007
    @mobolajiakinyemi7007 3 года назад

    Nice content, so informative.thanks

  • @sanchopanza2108
    @sanchopanza2108 3 года назад

    That was really informative. Nice work!

    • @Stridewise
      @Stridewise  3 года назад

      Much appreciated Quentin!

  • @lawrenceh7182
    @lawrenceh7182 3 года назад +2

    Great video as always bro 😎

  • @berndg5018
    @berndg5018 3 года назад +1

    What a great denim education you provide, man! Thank you

  • @TheSoulsandRevive
    @TheSoulsandRevive 3 года назад +9

    Great video, very informative points! I concur that most 'handmade/traditional' Japanese jeans are expensive due to the outstanding workmanship and materials, but you got to know 'WHEN' and 'WHERE' to go to get them cheaper. I've seen the most expensive in Okayama Denim St (Kojima) and the cheapest in Tokyo (Around $170 AUD ). Where I managed to get each a pair of LEE (American riders 102), Kojima Genes and Japan Blue Jeans. The cheapest is online at 'RAKUTEN' during end of year time sale. Cheers!

  • @aravindvinayakan
    @aravindvinayakan 3 года назад +98

    First boots, now denim. My wallet hates me.

    • @treygreenleaf7878
      @treygreenleaf7878 3 года назад +14

      Next it'll be $1200 leather jackets. Someone save our wallets

    • @calicuts909
      @calicuts909 3 года назад +6

      That’s how it goes lol.

    • @albertoclonado
      @albertoclonado 3 года назад +1

      Brown or black leather jacket? I haven’t figured that out

    • @treygreenleaf7878
      @treygreenleaf7878 3 года назад +2

      @@albertoclonado get both? Haha. I'm more of a brown man myself

    • @hermansule5750
      @hermansule5750 3 года назад

      ruclips.net/video/lq8pB5GTUPE/видео.html

  • @joshuataylor81
    @joshuataylor81 3 года назад +6

    As always Nick, another fantastically well made and information packed video! Thanks for all the work you do to ensure great quality and accuracy in your reviews!
    Edit: I've seen nearly all of your reviews and comparison videos about boots. Would it be possible for you to do one comparing Red Wing with some of the pricier boot makers? It seems that Red Wing is sort of the middle-ground in standings. It would be interesting to see what you would say the pros & cons are for purchasing either.
    Personally I've been a Red Wing fan for many years, but have recently been considering a few different brands or possibly a custom pair of boots. Hopefully many of your fans and yourself agree with this idea. Thanks for your time and consideration!

  • @rca4385
    @rca4385 4 месяца назад

    Nick, real nice, informative

  • @nicholasmullins5400
    @nicholasmullins5400 3 года назад +3

    Those oxblood Jack boots by Taft that you wore around the beginning pulled off that outfit nicely my guy 👍🏽 straight 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.

  • @kimmixerxs
    @kimmixerxs 3 года назад

    Thanks for the info.

  • @dcthomas2826
    @dcthomas2826 3 года назад

    Mm. I learned something new today and it's 5 am..
    Good start to my day.
    Thanks.

  • @calebgasca
    @calebgasca 3 года назад +9

    Bought a pair of PBJ Snow denim and I’ve only gone 2 days in the since the beginning of the year without them. I could never go back!

  • @treygreenleaf7878
    @treygreenleaf7878 3 года назад +9

    How is this channel not at 100k+ subs?! Quality video as always Nick

    • @Stridewise
      @Stridewise  3 года назад +4

      Maybe it's the accent? My hand waving? My infrequent posting? Rest assured Trey, it keeps me up at night

    • @treygreenleaf7878
      @treygreenleaf7878 3 года назад +1

      @@Stridewise hahaha it can't be the accent. Americans love people with accents. You deserve more subs but I'm looking at it as a positive. There can only be so many well dressed "in the know" people in the world. And thanks to your channel I've found some really great brands that make me the well dressed one amongst my friends. Keep grinding and you'll get there brotha 👊

    • @clamum
      @clamum 3 года назад

      Yeah he really deserves way more subs than he gets. The videos are really professional quality, full of good info, ppl love that Aussie accent too lol. Maybe he just needs some popular person on RUclips to give him a shout-out 😯. Either way we love the content big 🐕

    • @treygreenleaf7878
      @treygreenleaf7878 3 года назад

      @@clamum agreed. I thought after Nick did some collaborations with other channels like Rose Anvil, Trenton and Heath, and Carl that his count would have went way up. Maybe ask people to sub and like more often.

    • @clamum
      @clamum 3 года назад

      @@treygreenleaf7878 I see that all the time, creators asking to like and sub, but I wonder how much that actually makes people do those things if they weren't already going to do them. I have no idea but I have my doubts. But I am no content creator so I dunno.
      I think someone like Antonio from Real Men Real Style could help him out, with a shout-out or collab.

  • @sneaky.vampire
    @sneaky.vampire 3 года назад +31

    Idk why I'm watching this when I already own a handful of japanese selvedge jeans already.

    • @robertalmond9083
      @robertalmond9083 3 года назад +3

      Your making sure you hammer in the knowledge and making sure any newcomers are not misleaded. One thing he forgot to mention was bleeding. You will ruin your white t shirts, white underwear, and white shoes because of bleeding.

    • @sneaky.vampire
      @sneaky.vampire 3 года назад +1

      @@robertalmond9083 oh you right, the bleeding of indigo is the bane of my white shirts

    • @hermansule5750
      @hermansule5750 3 года назад

      ruclips.net/video/lq8pB5GTUPE/видео.html

    • @packlesswolf1
      @packlesswolf1 3 года назад

      Probably to feel better about your purchase

    • @raksh9
      @raksh9 3 года назад

      @@robertalmond9083 I thought washing jeans in cold water with salt retains the colour and they dont bleed? Or am I thinking of something else?

  • @jamespetix7925
    @jamespetix7925 3 года назад

    Great video!

  • @veronicianyveronica5290
    @veronicianyveronica5290 3 года назад

    Great show thank you 🙏

  • @CameronO
    @CameronO 3 года назад +1

    Fantastic explanation!

  • @Tailyn222
    @Tailyn222 3 года назад

    Great information

    • @Stridewise
      @Stridewise  3 года назад

      Glad you liked it Johnra

  • @robertgsmith5761
    @robertgsmith5761 3 года назад

    Very informative !

    • @Stridewise
      @Stridewise  3 года назад

      Glad it was helpful Robert!

  • @savvylifestrategies9445
    @savvylifestrategies9445 3 года назад +1

    Good info, Nick. Thanks :-)

  • @joehebert789
    @joehebert789 3 года назад +7

    Interesting and some very cool looks on the coloration, but not enough to get me to purchase them. Thanks for sharing.

    • @Stridewise
      @Stridewise  3 года назад

      No worries! Glad you liked it Joe

    • @loadedpainted7040
      @loadedpainted7040 3 года назад

      they will fade and the color/s will change over time in a way that's completely personalized and reflects you and your life. that's really the appeal of denim. the fabric you start with is only half the journey/story.

  • @danielirvine7468
    @danielirvine7468 2 года назад

    Great vid nick

  • @tockingwatches2377
    @tockingwatches2377 3 года назад

    Great content!

  • @K8TO88
    @K8TO88 3 года назад

    Great Review, perfect for newbies to the Japanese Denim Community..... next review needs to be best matched Red Wings with Japanese denim....

  • @josephjvr6509
    @josephjvr6509 3 года назад

    kewl video dude... im never gona bite that bullet.... but the more you know.. great content... thank you

  • @Mark.G475
    @Mark.G475 3 года назад +2

    Very cool! Thank you, never knew! I love learning new things! Mark in Milwaukee Wisconsin 🇺🇸🧀🍻.

  • @V0ltron
    @V0ltron 3 года назад +4

    Man, you mean I can buy REAL jeans again!! This was much appreciated!

  • @MrParadisio2000
    @MrParadisio2000 3 года назад

    Very nice explanation. I have a pair of Japanese salvaged raw denim jeans. what I can say about these jeans is that you can own a pair your whole life they last a life time.

  • @thethriftyfawn
    @thethriftyfawn 2 года назад

    Absolutely fascinating!!! 😃

  • @michaelbedford8017
    @michaelbedford8017 3 года назад

    This is very much a status thing, only really appreciated by other fans.
    As someone who worked all their life in the textile industry (including sanforizing technology) you would have to be out of your mind to spend hundreds of dollars on jeans that havn't been pre-shrunk without trying them on. Even then you have to know how to control the amount of shrinkage after you buy them.
    Just leaving them in the bath will give the minumum shrinkage. Machine washing and tumble drying gives the most, because it is the tumbling action that causes the maximum 'fibre migration'.
    The selvedge thing is interesting but you can produce denim of similar quality on wide high speed looms at a fraction of the cost if you don't mind 'cropped selvedges'.
    The most important thing really is the quality of yarn for the warp and weft, and no mention is made of that.

  • @mattblair2224
    @mattblair2224 3 года назад

    Great video nick, wonderful info, now I need to start thinking about getting a couple of serious pairs of jeans.

  • @Jonathanbourassa
    @Jonathanbourassa 2 года назад

    Thanks for the vid! Please tell me, whats your favourite model in tanuki?!

  • @Decreate
    @Decreate 3 года назад

    Would love to get a pair of Iron Hearts but I'm not sure if their heavy denim would be something that is wearable during the hot summer months here in Hong Kong...😅

  • @harrythedemigod
    @harrythedemigod 3 года назад +2

    A note on the shrink-to-fit nature of jeans and soaking them in water. I'd say only do it if you really want to speed up the process. If you want some truly great fitting jeans I'd recommend just wearing them for months and months without washing, and maybe get caught in the rain once or twice. Is it harder? Yes, but makes for super controlled shrinkage that will fit your body and keep the fades.

  • @jezztech
    @jezztech 2 года назад

    Been wearing blue & Negros denim jeans on and off all my life, but had to stop wearing them circa 10 years ago due to major surgery on right leg, ( chafing of scar tissue doctors orders) , prior to that, I had warn them all , Levi, Wrangler, Brutus, Lee Cooper, Easy, Falmer, Farrer ET AL, but my Jeans were always LEE, the quality and style and fit were perfect. So back to present day , dipped my toe into the jeans wearing water and bought 3 pairs in three different shades of " life and glory " jeans, brand new for £12 each = £36, made in China but quality , colour and fit are superb , i say this because am well north 55 and it sparked my interest dropping on your show. Did not realize Japan made jeans! Good show man !!

  • @LD-io9zv
    @LD-io9zv 3 года назад +17

    Ok, I’m im my 50’s. This is how we bought our jeans when K was growing up. I loved breaking my jeans in- bleaching them to lighten the color , washing them with rocks and boiling water to get special techniques. Personalized and forever .

  • @katzumihanzo5471
    @katzumihanzo5471 3 года назад

    Ooh, I want to try one!

  • @miltonmutum9176
    @miltonmutum9176 3 года назад +2

    I bought Levi’s 502 Japanese made and crafted selvedge jeans and it’s awesome...I really loved it💓

    • @dennisnordlund902
      @dennisnordlund902 3 года назад

      Damn, there is a selvedge version of the 502? I gotta get that! I really like the 502 model.

  • @albertoclonado
    @albertoclonado 3 года назад +5

    Thanks for the review. Would be great to hear your thoughts on Uniqlo raw denim, it might be lighter in weight, cookie cutter and mass produced for many but it’s super affordable. I have a pair since a couple of years ago and I’ve had a good experience, although not very pronounced fades-I haven’t used them that much I should clarify.

    • @poisson5846
      @poisson5846 3 года назад +1

      Uniqlo jeans have their fabric mostly from Kaihara mill, somewhat like the Japanese equivalent of Cone mill denim, so their fabric is top quality and would not fray or fade easily. Though the stitching of their jeans vary as they are outsourced to countries with cheap labor like Bangladesh so stitching may not be as durable. But uniqlo is well-known for its excellent quality control so we are getting more for what we are paying full price from uniqlo

    • @albertoclonado
      @albertoclonado 3 года назад

      @@poisson5846 so far my jeans have been great, no problems of any kind with stitching. They haven't faded much, but I don't use that often either, so I can't tell much on whether they fade easily. They're great value, I agree!

    • @albertoclonado
      @albertoclonado 2 года назад

      Yes, they’re still good (no blows or anything)! They haven’t faded that much but I only use them once or twice a week. I think the quality for the price is pretty good, but fade potential low

  • @joelman1989
    @joelman1989 2 года назад

    The vanity sizing explains so much. I recently did all of my sizing and realized my waist is 30 inches. But i wear size 27 or 28. So it makes no sense. 30 would be enormous on me. Now I understand what’s going on there.

  • @markopolo9936
    @markopolo9936 3 года назад +1

    Great information Nick from stride wise! Got some unbranded brand jeans in 21oz raw denim and they’re transforming nicely, would like to see your thoughts on those if a dozen pairs isn’t enough! Thanks 🙏

    • @yaroslavmaiboroda405
      @yaroslavmaiboroda405 3 года назад

      Those are not on the same league, right? Sort of half or one third the price of the brands shown here. Nick has a pair of Brave Star 21,5 oz already, which seems to be a good alternative to ub for a similar price. Does he need to try ub too, for any reason? He's got to enjoy his upmarket stuff all the way...

    • @markopolo9936
      @markopolo9936 3 года назад

      @@yaroslavmaiboroda405 when he reviews denim and heritage style clothing and footwear, I’d say he could give them a go 👍 up to him though.

    • @hermansule5750
      @hermansule5750 3 года назад

      ruclips.net/video/lq8pB5GTUPE/видео.html

  • @pwprochazka
    @pwprochazka 6 месяцев назад

    Love my Momotaro jeans. And I'm an old guy in my 50's that lives in a mountain ski town. You don't have to be a city living hipster to love these jeans.

  • @d05wtt
    @d05wtt Год назад

    @8:15. Interesting thing in those rivets on the pockets. 1)Yes, the 4 characters spell out samurai in katakana. Top is sa, bottom is mu, right is ra, left is i. 2) Also the rivet is in the shape of a circle with a square in the middle. That is the shape of old Japanese coins from the samurai era. That’s pretty cool.

  • @charlesbronson240
    @charlesbronson240 3 года назад +1

    Bravestar selvedge is the only denim for me. You cannot beat them.

  • @SuperPussyFinger
    @SuperPussyFinger 11 месяцев назад

    Exquisite overview, as always. First-rate content.

  • @michaelm206
    @michaelm206 3 года назад +2

    Loved the video and the explanations. Still have a question though : I got into the habit of wearing my raw unsanforized jeans without soaking : is there anything wrong with that ? I never wear them on a rainy day and I never wash them. Thank you in advance for your answer.

    • @nunyabeezwacks1408
      @nunyabeezwacks1408 3 года назад

      @Michael M If your unsoaked jeans never get wet or washed, then there’s no problem, except for maybe the malodor. However, if they do get wet, or washed, they will shrink and the fades, whiskers and honeycombs won’t line up the same, if you’re even able to get them on again. I’ve also read that your jeans will last longer if they are washed occasionally, because you’re removing grime from them that may cause the fabric to wear out faster.
      That’s why they always recommend soaking your jeans prior to wearing them. In my experience, sanforized denim also shrinks a little bit after soaking, but not nearly as much as unsanforized denim.

  • @kairen3849
    @kairen3849 3 года назад +2

    How about LVC. Love to see a video to compare the Japanese jeans vs US brand.

  • @russellalfonso2962
    @russellalfonso2962 Год назад +1

    the jeans by Levi's I wore in the 1960s when I was a teenager, were affordable even for a kid in high school.

  • @blueband8114
    @blueband8114 3 года назад +1

    What makes the black henley your wearing in the outside shots?

  • @SpartanFarron
    @SpartanFarron 3 года назад +1

    For a while I didn't understood the price gap. But I've come to accept it and can reasonably buy a few pairs. You need to have fun wearing them though or there's no point. The average person won't notice all the little details that make it special. Btw, Naked and Famous is producing a 42 oz monster! Currently in the testing phase. They make the craziest stuff.

  • @Beariam24
    @Beariam24 3 года назад

    Great vid!
    I have one pair. Edwin jeans. Love them only thing is a made a mistake and washed theM and shrank about inch of the bottom. Really would like to start again with a new pair but any recommendations for and around the £130-£150 ?

    • @hermansule5750
      @hermansule5750 3 года назад

      ruclips.net/video/lq8pB5GTUPE/видео.html

  • @frankrizzo7185
    @frankrizzo7185 3 года назад +2

    Great episode Nick! Which Japanese jeans would have a medium or high rise? Hard to find them, and in my 50’s not too interested in low rise. Thanks!

    • @entropycenozoic960
      @entropycenozoic960 3 года назад

      I would look at Pure Blue Japan NP-019. Also size up. I am normally a 36, but I had to get a 38.

    • @Stridewise
      @Stridewise  3 года назад

      I have a high rise so every brand I've looked at does. My Onis and Iron Hearts are more medium rise but everything else is high! It's why I haven't checked out Evisu and Denime and stuff yet, they just don't have fits for this ass

  • @najikaram106
    @najikaram106 3 года назад

    What do you recommend BIG or Self Edge in NY? What’s the difference? Thanks

  • @jamesincharlotte
    @jamesincharlotte Год назад

    Where you get the pink /blue flannel ! Love it !! Love to have one too Thanks for video

    • @Stridewise
      @Stridewise  Год назад

      Oh thanks man! That's from Faherty, I don't think they make it anymore but I'm sure you can find something similar

    • @Stridewise
      @Stridewise  Год назад

      actually I'm selling this if you want it Jamie, let me know

  • @MichaelRodriguez-vl8by
    @MichaelRodriguez-vl8by 3 года назад +1

    Interesting, I used to weave carbon fiber on old Draper shuttle looms. It was a fun gig

  • @Tecton420
    @Tecton420 3 года назад

    Great video!
    I’m going to be in New York late March, if I only have time to check out one of the retail shops, which would you suggest ? Bonus points if it has other cool shit around it too.

    • @Stridewise
      @Stridewise  3 года назад +2

      Blue in Green definitely is the #1 store in NYC. Self Edge is also very good, though some will tell you to go to Left Field in Queens before going to Self Edge. If you are really committed to doing a selvedge tour of NYC, Blue in Green and Left Field. If you'd be just as happy with going shopping and having access to a dozen+ Japanese denim brands you'd probably never find elsewhere in the US, just going to Blue in Green and Self Edge i way easier and would satisfy you!

    • @Tecton420
      @Tecton420 3 года назад +1

      @@Stridewise hell yah, thanks for the advice!

    • @akgirlnyaussie1264
      @akgirlnyaussie1264 3 года назад +1

      There’s also Nudie Jeans and Naked and Famous, well worth checking out in Bowery and SoHo

  • @harima1180
    @harima1180 3 года назад +1

    Just yesterday I watched documentary about momotaro jean, then your video pop-up.

    • @hermansule5750
      @hermansule5750 3 года назад

      ruclips.net/video/lq8pB5GTUPE/видео.html

  • @joeface03
    @joeface03 3 года назад +4

    I never knew how boss Japanese denim was til recently. Wow.

    • @Osiwan960
      @Osiwan960 2 года назад +1

      like most japanese products =)

  • @milesfabishak2354
    @milesfabishak2354 3 года назад

    How much did your jeans shrink after you washed them?

  • @alpineflauge909
    @alpineflauge909 3 года назад

    thank you

  • @sirving1297
    @sirving1297 3 года назад +1

    SOLD! Gonna go drop the same amount on 10 pairs of pants as I'd spend on buying a used Honda Accord.

  • @gustavmeyrink_2.0
    @gustavmeyrink_2.0 3 года назад +4

    A few years back I got lucky and bought a couple of new Japanese selvedge jeans from a charity shop for £8.99 each.
    Another time I got a pair of handmade English brogues for £15.99 and six Gant jeans for a total of £26.
    I kinda like that shop and they only sell new never worn clothes but it is hit and miss because you never know what they have at any one time.

  • @jonlouis2582
    @jonlouis2582 3 года назад +1

    Great video! I’m wearing my nice selvage jeans right now. I would rather have one pair of great jeans than a lot of mediocre jeans. They wear like iron.

  • @loritouma5899
    @loritouma5899 3 года назад +10

    There is a whole street dedicated to jeans in Japan!! The quality of the jeans handmade!

    • @cristinelgheorghiu5294
      @cristinelgheorghiu5294 2 года назад

      Whats the name of that street and which town? I live in Korea and might visit Japan as soon as this pandemic restrictions will easy off !

    • @loritouma5899
      @loritouma5899 2 года назад +1

      @@cristinelgheorghiu5294 I saw that on a video.. I can’t recall the name but it was awesome. Look up jeans in Japan see if video comes up .. ❤️

    • @loritouma5899
      @loritouma5899 2 года назад +1

      @@cristinelgheorghiu5294 there is a few video of I think it miyama Japan .. not sure if spelled correctly but look up birthplace of denim in Japan. Hope that’s helpful

    • @ukkari420
      @ukkari420 4 месяца назад

      @@cristinelgheorghiu5294 There are denim town in Okayama prefecture.

  • @davidpan2405
    @davidpan2405 3 года назад +5

    I have a pair of Edwin Japan that I got around 1995. I wash them once in a year but then I don’t wear them that often 😂

  • @mike_is_grim777
    @mike_is_grim777 3 года назад

    Awesome u got a new subscriber 👖❤️

  • @metallitech
    @metallitech 2 года назад +1

    I've only had one pair of Japanese denim jeans, and they wore out faster than any pair I've had. The Brand was Edwin.

  • @clamum
    @clamum 3 года назад +4

    I've seen you been doing Japanese jeans vids for a while but haven't really been very interested in them. I've been an almost exclusive wearer of Levi's jeans since high school (20 years, cringe) and like them a lot.
    But this video got me a little curious on maybe picking up a pair. What makes me nervous though is sizing. I can get a pair of Levi's 511 in 30x32 or 32x32 that fit spectacularly but I'm worried I wouldn't get that perfect fit with Japanese jeans which will shrink (by how much?). Plus I'd want to try them on in-store and I dunno if there's any store around me (I'm in metro Detroit).

    • @Stridewise
      @Stridewise  3 года назад +1

      Most jeans are sanforized so shrinkage isn't an issue, but you should expect them to stretch about an inch around the waist. You might find it easier ordering from a US based store like Self Edge or Blue in Green, that way returns are less of a hassle!

    • @clamum
      @clamum 3 года назад

      @@Stridewise Oh really, they'll stretch rather than shrink? Cool thanks for the info I think I'll look into them when I finally get a job again lol.

    • @bobbydavis5119
      @bobbydavis5119 2 года назад

      Start off with levi's shrink to fit, measure them first because they are usually a size bigger than tagged. When you get that right go to japanese raw denim. Remember to size up because they shrink. For instance i wear size 38 so i buy size 40 in their raw denim to get to a 38. Buy a size up in the one wash too because all the shrinkage have not been taken out.

  • @NikonFM2n
    @NikonFM2n 3 года назад

    That's really great that there it s so many different jeans to choose from but I'll stick to my STF 501's.

  • @exxie1
    @exxie1 3 года назад

    What's the shade on that Tanuki jean? It's gorgeous

    • @Stridewise
      @Stridewise  3 года назад

      Kaze! I did a video on them here ruclips.net/video/dFekEzrPywY/видео.html

  • @elanew9597
    @elanew9597 3 года назад

    Hi, is Momotara Jeans true to size? Like I am 30 inches waist is going to order 30 inches for momotara??

  • @Sourpusscandy
    @Sourpusscandy 3 года назад +1

    Dude, I had no idea!! How is the resale market? What do they go for generally, used? 50% of new? 80%?

    • @Stridewise
      @Stridewise  3 года назад +1

      It's an interesting market where like if they're very worn and faded it's both more and less valuable, depending on what kind of buyer you find. Typically less though haha, I think you can sell for well over half though. r/rawdenim has weekly selling threads you should check out

  • @susanholl5994
    @susanholl5994 3 года назад +1

    They look very nice but the Japanese women's jeans tend to be sized based on Japanese fit models, i.e. very short in the legs. Thanks for the detailed explanation of the quality differences.

  • @MrEazyE357
    @MrEazyE357 3 года назад

    Informative video but that one-legged squat was impressive!

  • @Sams911
    @Sams911 3 года назад +1

    Jacob Cohen limited edition jeans made in Italy with Japanese denim... the best jeans made! $500-$700.. price for entry.

  • @notachannel4u
    @notachannel4u 3 года назад

    I got some TSubi from Australia made with these gorgeous jeans

  • @ChadwickRider
    @ChadwickRider Год назад

    Japan makes some excellent denims. In Japanese I have a 16oz jacket, a pair of 18oz, a pair of 21oz, and a pair of 21oz slubs. They're all sanforized and they've produced some really nice fades.

  • @barrytelesford5265
    @barrytelesford5265 3 года назад

    you are the only person online ive seen do he popsicle squat. i do it all the time.

    • @Stridewise
      @Stridewise  3 года назад

      benefits of being too broke to afford a gym for many years haha, got good at pistol squats and pull ups

  • @XFS540
    @XFS540 3 года назад

    I actually wear selvedge jeans without cuffing them. Not that I have anything against the look, but I am not a fan of the frays that happen from the creases of the folds. I’ll probably cuff a softer, thinner, more worn-in pair, but definitely not a fresh, rigid pair.

  • @ScotianBlooded
    @ScotianBlooded Год назад

    What boots at 3:36?

  • @paulinthailand
    @paulinthailand 3 года назад +1

    i was an evisu maniac. i had a pair of evisu millenium edition witht he 24ct gold button fly, i sold them on ebay as i was worried about taking a knee out drunk.

  • @edibletarget
    @edibletarget 3 года назад

    A lot of your points apply to USA selvedge and N&F as well.

    • @luceafarul579
      @luceafarul579 2 года назад

      Love that brand! Only complaint is they are not short women friendly and also I prefer button closures so it won’t have that ugly dome at the crotch, but they don’t make those for skinnies

  • @serpent7677
    @serpent7677 2 года назад

    Hey! U can really talk Man!!! just yappin!! it out..Good review Man keep it up🤘

  • @bfettrules1239
    @bfettrules1239 2 года назад

    RRL is amazing!!!

  • @wiliyantoadinata9170
    @wiliyantoadinata9170 3 года назад +2

    Ironheart always in my heart lol

  • @c.w.9615
    @c.w.9615 3 года назад +4

    The cuffed jeans is a look unto itself, salvage or not.

  • @BigYouDog
    @BigYouDog 3 года назад

    Interesting vid.

  • @AndreaJen
    @AndreaJen 3 года назад

    RUclips recommended your video :-) Interesting!

    • @Stridewise
      @Stridewise  3 года назад

      Andrea, so glad you stuck around to watch!