THE DENIM HISTORY.....

DENIM..

A brief history of selvedge Japanese denim,

Japanese denim, particularly selvedge denim, is renowned for its superior quality and meticulous craftsmanship. The story of this premium denim involves a blend of Japanese dedication to tradition, adaptation of foreign technology, and a strong passion for innovation.

The denim story in Japan started after World War II, around the late 1940s and early 1950s. During the American occupation of Japan, the Japanese people were exposed to American culture, including the iconic blue jeans. Jeans, originally a symbol of American rebellion and freedom, intrigued the Japanese, leading to a demand for American denim.

However, in the 1960s, with the rise of the Japanese economy, local companies sought to produce their own denim. The beginning was not easy; the initial jeans produced were rough and lacked the subtle characteristics of their American counterparts. But, the perseverance of Japanese manufacturers led to rapid advancements in quality.

The term "selvedge" (or "selvage" in American English), short for "self-edge," refers to the natural end of a roll of fabric which prevents fraying and unravelling. The selvedge denim is typically woven on old-style shuttle looms that produce a narrower fabric compared to modern projectile looms. This results in a denser, sturdier, and more robust fabric with a clean edge.

In the 1970s and 1980s, as American denim manufacturers moved towards more cost-effective production methods, they abandoned the old shuttle looms, shifting to larger, faster, and more efficient projectile looms. This change led to a decline in the production of selvedge denim in the US. The old shuttle looms were discarded, many of which were bought by Japanese manufacturers.

Japanese denim producers, particularly companies like Big John and Studio D'Artisan, capitalized on these old machines, maintaining and even enhancing the quality of selvedge denim production. They were inspired by the vintage American jeans of the 1950s and sought to replicate and even exceed that level of quality.

The 1990s saw the rise of Japanese brands like Evisu, and the 2000s brought attention to the premium quality of Japanese denim on a global scale. Raw and selvedge denim became highly sought after by denim enthusiasts worldwide. Brands like Pure Blue Japan, Iron Heart, and Momotaro Jeans gained fame for their superior quality denim.

Today, Japanese selvedge denim is considered some of the finest in the world. The combination of traditional weaving methods, exceptional materials, and a high level of craftsmanship results in a product that stands out for its quality and longevity. It has been embraced by fashion enthusiasts worldwide, appreciated for its unique aging character, superior quality, and the passion and history woven into each pair.