So far these’ve been the nicest pair of jeans ever. The heavy, 15,7 oz. denim takes some wear for it to start to get soft,  though after the jeans’ve been properly broken in, there’s nothing else you’d rather pull on. I had several other pairs of jeans that were supposedly there to broaden the spectrum of my wardrobe. In the end, I always ended up wearing these.

An absolutely brilliant pair of everyday comfort and cool.

I saw a question on the topic on the Momotaro Jeans Facebook Page and thought to myself that it’s good to have an answer to the question on the Nordic Denim House blog as well.

Japan Lines as a name comes from Japanese words “Nihon-sen”. Although there is no clear way to refer to the two lines, the Japanese use the words Nihon-sen for two lines. As the word Nihon means Japan, Momotaro Jeans has started to call them Japan Lines. The two lines have a somewhat legendary status in Japan as already long ago the Japanese soldiers in Japan painted two lines to their flag to rouse their battle spirit but also to indicate they are genuine warriors/soldiers. Painting the two lines on the back pocket of the jeans indicates that the jeans are also “genuine jeans.” The lines can be seen in plenty of Japanese artwork as well.

Picture courtesy of Sanditan.com.

Momotaro also had these lines painted on his flag as he went off to battle the Oni/Demon and this is also visible in the Momotaro Jeans artwork, not to mention many of their designs.

I hope this answered some unanswered questions about Momotaro Jeans and if you have more, just contact us for details.

There are deep, shallow, low rise, high rise, wide, narrow, tiny, huge, uncomfortable and unnoticeable watch pockets. Yet all these are just scratching the surface, as the different styles are as varied as the brands that make the jeans.

A few universal pointers to bear in mind if you’re using your watch pocket: The higher the inlet, the more difficult it is to access, especially if you’re wearing a broad belt. The deeper the pocket and the more stuff, say, a mobile phone, is shoved in, the bulkier and less enjoyable using the pocket gets. Vice versa, if the watch pocket is just big enough for the tips of two fingers, all usefulness is gone. As it is with all things, so it is with watch pocket size and cut – moderation. As the differences are so great, so are the uses. This is an unofficial Momotaro Going to Battle label project update presenting just what can fit into this specific watch/coin/fob pocket.

Now, the smallest items are easily carried in the watch pocket. Spare change, my trusted Zippo lighter, guitar picks, tokens (if anyone can be bothered), keys, condoms, scraps of paper with phone numbers on them, pot (not that we endorse using – unless you’re selling) and condoms (these are important). What about the bigger items then? Have a look below to see how an iPod Nano, a credit card, and the go-to tool of all men about town and other places, the Swiss Army knife, fit into the watch pocket of Momotaro’s Going to Battle labels.

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:

What’s good? Life for once. Misty Saturday morning. We got some rain last night and the snow is melting fast. Hope things stay the same. I mean I have nothing against sub zero temperature but it’s about time the snow melted away and we could dump the boots for some sneakers. We’ll see. The mist looks nice though. Reminds me of our trip to Genting in Malaysia when all I could see from our hotel window was clouds and mist. Ah, those were the days.

I was supposed to post this one already yesterday but alas I got preoccupied with a lot of other things and my blog update was postponed until this morning. So what are we talking about today? Momotaro Jeans, worn Momotaro Jeans. I hope you have had a chance to visit Momotaro Jeans in Facebook and maybe even become a fan.

You can take part in conversation about the brand, the labels as well as find pics and information. One of the dopest things added on the page has been a list of worn Momotaro jeans. We’ve shown a number of worn pieces on our blog but since every pair is different from another, there is always something new to see.

Momotaro Jeans washed and drying under the sun.

The discussion about the right wearing and washing cycles is never-ending and where as people can be adamant about how long you need to wear your jeans before washing to get the “right fading” there is really no right or wrong way to wear and wash your jeans. The jeans represent your lifestyle and although the biggest fear is that the jeans won’t fade after you was them, believe you me they do. Of course some details become more apparent the longer you wear the jeans without a wash, but again a wash can bring out new characteristics about the jeans. I am sure some fanatics are cringing their teeth about the above comment but don’t. Wear and wash your jeans as you feel.

We had great discussions about the washing and wearing of the jeans during Terminal-2 and it’s true that the water and detergents in different countries affect the end-result just like the washing temperature and the drying method. Just have a look at the below Going To Battle Label jeans, worn for about a year washed three times without detergent. I have to say I like what I see.

It would be interesting to see how these same jeans worn in different environment, washed in different waters and with detergent would look. But again, the lifestyle of the wearer has the biggest impact on the jeans, not the washes, not the detergent but the wearer.

My current project is at week eleven and I’m eager to wash the jeans. But I will wait until month four. I will then give them their first wash most likely with no or very little detergent. I don’t like the word detergent, so let’s call it washing liquid, haha. The Copper Label project is developing very nicely so I think it will be even better after a wash of two.

Nevertheless there will be more worn Momotaro Jeans added on the FB page and we will naturally post updates on the blog as well, so stay tuned. But until next time, I leave you with a question. Can you remember what was your first pair of jeans?

Be easy everyone. I’m out. Peace.

Nice, crisp and dark indigo with the back pocket’s white lines clear and shiny.

This is what they look like after three months of repeated torture, drunken snow angels (kinda like the normal angels, but with their halos left in the locker room), stacking, cuffing, stretching and whatnots. No being dragged behind a moving car, but I suppose that’s got to be left for the summer when there’s more friction from the sand and concrete.

A few lines here and there, some extra wear on the cuffs and a few faded whiskers on the front, the white lines fading a bit, but that’s about it. It’s annoying really. No matter how bad I treat these jeans, they refuse to begin to show some wear. It’s like they’ve got a mind of their own and they’ve decided to piss me off. Hardly. Here at NDH there is no giving up, no backing down. I will break them if it’s the last thing I do.

Then again, all this compliments Momotaro on creating denim that lasts through everything. If my possible future kid somewhere does not wear these when I pass away, I will personally haunt his ass for eternity out of pure spite for his disrespect towards art – which these jeans are.

After three months there is one person in particular I wish to recommend these jeans to. John Connor, you’ve found your attire. Now go and win that battle!