Freenote - 15oz Avila Slim Straight Denim - Blue/Brown.

It's been some time since we've had indigo denim from Freenote, and we couldn't think of a better introduction than this blue/brown. If you know anything about our preferences, you know we love an earth-tone weft. Well, it doesn't get any more earthy than this. The brown on these is deeper than any we've seen from persimmon, turmeric, or catechu dyes in the past. It's a true mocha-colored brown that we think makes for one hell of a stylistic denim. The contrast between indigo and brown is a lot less harsh than that of a traditional jean, and this makes for a better-looking cuff in our opinion. It's also right in our sweet spot for weight. We really dig anything between 14-16oz. It has the perfect amount of crunch to give you all of those wonderful lines around the legs without being so hard to break in. This is the fabric we've been waiting for Freenote to work with for years!

Freenote - 15oz Rios Slim Straight Denim - Blue/Brown.

It's been some time since we've had indigo denim from Freenote, and we couldn't think of a better introduction than this blue/brown. If you know anything about our preferences, you know we love an earth-tone weft. Well, it doesn't get any more earthy than this. The brown on these is deeper than any we've seen from persimmon, turmeric, or catechu dyes in the past. It's a true mocha-colored brown that we think makes for one hell of a stylistic denim. The contrast between indigo and brown is a lot less harsh than that of a traditional jean, and this makes for a better-looking cuff in our opinion. It's also right in our sweet spot for weight. We really dig anything between 14-16oz. It has the perfect amount of crunch to give you all of those wonderful lines around the legs without being so hard to break in. This is the fabric we've been waiting for Freenote to work with for years!

Studio D'Artisan - 15.5oz Black O/W Sashiko Denim Jeans - Relaxed Taper.

These guys keep one-upping the Sashiko game every year. We didn't get a chance to see these in person, but we're so glad we picked them up. They are so much better than we could've even imagined. At first sight, they look like a denim pant lined with a hickory stipe screen print. Then, we got close up and realized it was the vertical sashiko creating that line work. The hand-feel after the one-wash is beyond soft, but they're still packed with so much color you're still going to get those incredible highs and lows in the knees. The great part about sashiko is you get varied high points throughout the garment that catch wear in a different way. The inspiration for sashiko garments derives from the Japanese sashiko which never truly died. They would use pieces of the last garment to create the new, hand stitching throughout. Well, they've taken this concept and created a modern work of art. They've used a combination of No.6 warp and No.5 weft yarns on specially calibrated Jacquards looms. Their hope is to replicate the Sashiko stitchwork of the kimonos, and we'd say they've accomplished that pretty damn well.

Studio D'Artisan - 15.5oz Indigo O/W Sashiko Denim Jeans - Relaxed Taper.

These guys keep one-upping the Sashiko game every year. We didn't get a chance to see these in person, but we're so glad we picked them up. They are so much better than we could've even imagined. At first sight, they look like a denim pant lined with a hickory stipe screen print. Then, we got close up and realized it was the vertical sashiko creating that line work. The hand-feel after the one-wash is beyond soft, but they're still packed with so much color you're still going to get those incredible highs and lows in the knees. The great part about sashiko is you get varied high points throughout the garment that catch wear in a different way. The inspiration for sashiko garments derives from the Japanese sashiko which never truly died. They would use pieces of the last garment to create the new, hand stitching throughout. Well, they've taken this concept and created a modern work of art. They've used a combination of No.6 warp and No.5 weft yarns on specially calibrated Jacquards looms. Their hope is to replicate the Sashiko stitchwork of the kimonos, and we'd say they've accomplished that pretty damn well.

Momotaro - 13oz - Year of the Rabbit Jeans - Narrow Taper.

We felt very lucky to be a part of this limited edition "Year of the Rabbit" release. These were right up our alley with special little touches throughout. They really went above and beyond with the theme, starting with the rabbit mosaic. You have to look close, but you'll see little guys in an arctic colorway forming the GTB stripes. The hair on the patch is a really nice touch as well (it's not rabbit). There's custom details interworked throughout, including printed "Year of the Rabbit" pocket bags and jacquard liner. The interior is bonkers. There is of course all of Momo's standard, but incredible details. But, the capper has to be the peaking Rabbit laser engraved on the front coin pocket. It was a total surprise to us, and a happy one at that. The fabric is also an icon. The 13oz really shines with this one-wash treatment and is full of micro hairs and texture. We're so excited to be one of only two stores in all of the US even offering this denim! It's a rare one, that's for sure - we were only allowed to buy 10 pairs.