I’m a huge sucker for Levi’s 501’s. Such a sucker, in fact, that I wrote my senior history thesis all about them. But reproduction jeans aren’t for everyone, I get it. Not everyone’s a “history of jeans” geek like me. If you are interested in vintage Levi’s details, however, but with a more modern sensibility, then Kiriko, from Portland, Oregon might interest you.
Their so-called Japanese Selvedge Denim jeans are very interesting. Not just purely Japanese, they mix things up by combining all-American Cone Mills denim and traditional Japanese textiles. They’re made from a reproduction 12.5oz. Cone Mills denim that was used for the Levi’s 501s from 1963-1981, which means that classic 501 color and feel (and shrinkage). The traditional Japanese fabric lines the leg, so when you cuff your jeans, it all comes together, the American and Japanese design elements in perfect harmony.
If you want in on this perfect union of Japanese and American design — or you’re just into an eye-catching cuff — these are the jeans you’re looking for.
You can get them for $169 at Kiriko.
