Time for an update on the Going to Battle label project I’ve been working on.

This was what my Momotaro Going to Battle labels looked like six months in. Now, two months and three washes later.

It is noteworthy to mention that a boat was captained while wearing these. Initially the jeans got soaked from the spray and the rain, but after the storm eased up they dried quickly in the wind and when dry (much to my liking), became rather wind proof. The skiff was pushed for all its clattering 35 horsepower Evinrud was worth, and still nothing permeated the protective layer of hardcore Japanese denim. Momotaro 1, The Elements 0.

These Momotaros have experienced no noticeable extra shrinkage after the initial washes. My Going to Battle labels were also dipped into the Baltic Sea nearby and given a little rub with sand after which they were left to dry out in the sun. The irregular blotches and lines at the front and back of the knees is from said sanding. The stacking abrasions at the hem have grown lighter. I discovered that the more the denim is washed the higher the contrast between the unbroken, unscathed indigo and the worn parts becomes. The jeans adduce more wear than tear, with only a slight rip at the hemline from cuffing.

The traditional Japanese white lines and the leather patch have all evolved quite nicely. The patch, supple to begin with, is now completely unnoticeable from the rest of the jeans. Which is a good thing, as I have a tendency to rip out patches that are too big, heavy or studded. Because why would you not want to be comfortable in your jeans?

Last time I wrote about my Going to Battle labels I mentioned a wish to have worn them rougher. I now echo that desire. The jeans have more character and look far better than two months ago, but the fading is still too slow for my taste. I think these need to experience the concrete concrete kiss. Road rash here we come.

Momotaro Going to Battle labels after eight months and five detergent washes: