Hi Y’all,

I’m back with another brand profile. A lot of text coming up so I will just cut the chit chat. Shout out to remy_le_beau, our new creative contributor. You can expect to hear (or read) more of him in the future.

But without further due I will get on with today’s brand profile on Momotaro Jeans.

The town of Kojima, Okayama, which also serves as the home an headquarters of Momotaro brand, is where the story begins. In the classic Japanese folklore Momotaro (Peach Boy) is born/ delivered from a large peach which drifted down through the river, the peach was found by an old couple who found and raised the boy. The boy became something of a little hero, befriending animals and fighting demons. But there is also belief that the story is actually more of a story of rejuvenation, with elderly couple eating peaches and as a result able to bring a baby boy into the world.

Folklore is always a folklore but Kojima is a place where time passes slowly, no matter how hectic it gets in the outside world. This small coastal town in Okayama moves at a different pace than the rest of the world, and just being there can make you feel relaxed. It is there that tradition and artisan spirit still lives on and where true denim maestros strive to weave perfect textiles and fabrics using techniques passed down over many generations.

Momotaro uses only the best raw materials and dyes cotton with indigo blue for use on its weaving machine – all by hand. The production process is what separates Momotaro from majority of the brands. For instance Momotaro jeans still keeps up with the traditional indigo dyeing techniques in pursuit of the original Japan -blue. I wrote a little something on the natural indigo process and think it is something recapping in the near future so I am not gonna go into too much detail in the meticulous process of achieving the perfect blue using natural ingredients. Nevertheless, the brand pursues fabric production with true dedication and at Momotaro, the artisans have a saying, “Made by hand without compromise”. The jeans are truly something you need to experience yourself to truly understand.

Pictures courtesy of Japanblue Momotaro.

Momotaro believes in philosophy that jeans are a lifestyle tool. Just like in every aspect of life, you need the right tool for the right job, heh. A well built pair of jeans that in time becomes  more like a second skin is sure to enrich every individual’s life journey. Like the folks at Momotaro put it, “we don’t follow fashions.” The brand is not just your ordinary fashion house, they are a brand to be appreciated for their extraordinary approach.

Just a few words on the most known labels under the Momotaro flag.

Gold Label
The crème de la crème among denim. The supreme example of artisan spirit. The Momotaro Gold Label. “Perfect jeans which are like work of art.” 100% hand made, dyed with Momotaro’s natural indigo dyeing process weaved by hand and washed in the Marine Essence of Seto-Sea water, Gold Label jeans are the final result of tradition and innovation, a showcase of Momotaro’s exquisite attention to details. The production of the only one supreme piece of natural indigo dyed handwoven jeans takes at least three months to reach it’s finalization. According to Japanblue ,”the hand woven denim takes almost 8 hours of work a day to just produce 1m(3.28ft). By that calculation it takes at least 3 days to finish the denim for one pair of jeans. The hand woven denim has a different texture to the machine produced one, and the production result is affected with many factors such as weather for instance. It’s really all in the detail, just like with any work of art.

A nice little video showing the Gold Label Momotaro Jeans.

Vintage Label
A classic Vintage feel to denim made of raw denim that will shrink little bit after every wash and then gradually stretch again. 15.7oz Darkest Indigo Blue Denim Jeans, with soft and comfortable fit. Vintage series is sewn with 0s yarn (thickest type), and has no decoration on the back pockets, making them genuine and solid jeans. It is not just your ordinary heavy oz denim, but an experience that will reflect your personal lifestyle in the process of fading.

Copper Label
Inspired by old Japanese denim, Momotaro uses an indigo dyeing technique that reproduces deep blue color for the cotton. The jeans are washed with Marine essence same as Seto-Sea’s water, which is rich with minerals. The blue color is kept more natural by using special cotton with long fibers that lets the jeans wear in unique and personal ways. As they say, natural cotton makes superior denim.

Going to War Label
White lines on back pocket representing Japanese Tradition. Going to war label is dyed only with darkest type of natural indigo. The jeans are 15.7oz of rigid denim with good fit and after wearing them for a short time, they will soon feel like a second skin. Wear them as you like. It has the feel of classic Vintage denim but comes sanforized with a one wash finishing. A great fit with a great classic style.

Lady’s line (previously known as Peony Label)
Lady’s line is woven using special long length fiber cotton that gives you a flexible feel. The original Japan blue jeans, which have a greenish blue hue similar to the yellowed indigo of beautiful old cloth. Fine Japanese denim for the ladies.

There is much more to the brand and I should probably write few more “stories” about the production process and such. You know what? I will. But I think that is enough for this edition of Brand profiles. We will be back with more stuff to talk about I guess as soon as tomorrow. Keep your eyes open, I know we do. Be easy everyone, dig out those candles if you’re in the dark North like we are, as it is getting real dark and cold outside and at least the candles have sort of a warm effect in your crib. Mood lighting for real, haha.

That’s all for now, be easy everyone and stay safe. I’m out. Peace.