When we visited Oishi-san in Japan, we were treated to more than just hospitality. We were handed bits of wisdom from one of the most skilled denim creators alive. Oishi-san clearly has a flair for the dramatic. He saved this denim for the grand reveal, his pièce de résistance. When he pulled this ultra-slubby, jacquard-like selvedge from his bag, it was like a gust of wind hit us. You could probably see our hair blow back across the table.
As a gift for making the journey to see him, Oishi-san offered us the chance to carry this remarkable fabric. And when we asked about the striking purple and gold selvedge, he shared a detail we’ll never forget. It was a snippet of information we were the first to be privy to, though the conversation has since left the room. The inspiration? Kabuki theatres. Specifically, the intricate patterns woven into their stage curtains. If you search for Kabuki fabric, you’ll start to see the connection.
The resemblance is subtle in denim form, but once you stare at it long enough, a geometric, almost honeycomb-like pattern begins to emerge. It’s something we’ve never encountered in all our years working with denim. The slub, thick, uneven, knotted yarn, is woven to mimic the look of a jacquard. We’ve truly never seen anything like it, and our minds are already racing with the possibilities of how this loosely woven denim will fade over time.
When we circled back to the selvedge colors, he told us that purple and gold are traditional hues of Japanese theatre. That detail ties the whole concept together, both in story and in substance.
It’s no exaggeration to say we’re honored to be among the very few chosen to carry this Kasuri denim.
- 17oz Slubby Selvedge Denim
- 100% Cotton
- Low Tension Weaving
- Tempi One-Wash Treatment
- Copper Hardware
- Hidden Back Pocket Rivets
- Kabuki Gold & Purple Selvedge Ticker
- Raised Belt Loops
- Natural Twill Pocket Bags
- Chainstitch Hem
- Dual-Tone Contrast Stitching
- Vegetable Tanned Leather Patch
- Special Edition Pocket Flasher
- Made in Japan
| Size | Waist | Hip | Front Rise | Back Rise | Thigh | Knee | Leg Opening | Inseam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 28.7 | 21.7 | 11.0 | 14.0 | 12.2 | 9.3 | 8.5 | 33.5 |
| 31 | 29.5 | 21.9 | 11.2 | 14.4 | 12.4 | 9.4 | 8.7 | 33.3 |
| 32 | 29.9 | 22.4 | 11.3 | 14.6 | 12.6 | 9.6 | 8.9 | 33.3 |
| 33 | 30.7 | 22.6 | 11.5 | 14.6 | 12.8 | 9.8 | 9.1 | 33.3 |
| 34 | 31.5 | 23.0 | 11.7 | 14.8 | 13.2 | 10.0 | 9.3 | 33.3 |
| 36 | 33.9 | 24.0 | 11.9 | 15.4 | 13.6 | 10.4 | 9.6 | 33.3 |
| 38 | 35.8 | 24.4 | 12.0 | 15.4 | 14.0 | 10.8 | 9.8 | 33.3 |
| 40 | 36.6 | 26.2 | 12.2 | 15.7 | 14.6 | 11.4 | 10.2 | 33.5 |
A variance of /-.5" is within tolerance.
Fit Notes: Shop owner Tommy is wearing a size 34 in this pant. These run a little tighter than the standard ONI pair, so we recommend sizing up twice, even in the Retro Loose Straight which is a wide-leg jean with a full rise, a straight cut from the thigh down, and a generous leg opening that stays loose all the way to the hem. Tommy is 5'10," 165lbs, with a 33-34" waist and would likely buy the 36 in these.
