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:

First, I need to tell you about the jeans themselves, then you get to see the pictures. Patience. Or if you can’t wait any longer, go on, scroll down, just get back up here to finish the story to find out how they got the way they are now.

Right. These are a pair of Momotaro Going to Battle label (ex Going to War label) jeans, worn for six months.  Three months in the winter and three in the spring/summer. They’ve been washed twice, first after the initial three months and again at the six month milestone. Detergent and a normal spin cycle were used for both washes. So far the Going to Battle labels have been used in snow, sleet, hail, rain, storms, sun and probably during other occasions I currently fail to recall. The jeans have been worn almost daily, the exceptions being when the Mighty Hangover’s been too mighty to allow any getting out of bed and going outside.

So. The look. The front bit and thighs have been chafing against my long winter coat so most of the wear on the front is from that. The slight fraying on the left hand pocket is from when my watch has caught against the lining . The back pockets show a little more wear, as well as the signature Momotaro leather patch which, incidentally, has become very soft. The crotch shows quite a bit of wear too (hey, what can I do? I keep getting stared at… there… you know). Yet, most of the wear and tear is on the cuffs. When I wear trainers, I mostly cuff my jeans, which also prevents any excess coloring from rubbing onto the trainers, and when wearing boots, I simply let the cuffs stack. The combined friction causes significant changes on the inner legs. For the most part the deep indigo colour is still intact, which is a testament to the heavy 15.7 oz. 6s yarn cotton.

It is noteworthy to mention the traditional Japanese white lines. With three months of continuous wear, it is natural that the lines too, get faded and lose the initial shine. Nevertheless, after washing the jeans, all the murkiness disappears leaving the lines as bright as the day they were painted: like a Hollywood dental clinic created smile – shining and perfect.

My verdict at this point? I wish I had treated then even rougher and I can’t wait for what they look like after a year.

Now, the pictures.

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!