Choosing the correct size in Japanese selvedge denim depends on the brand, shape and fabric.
Each Japanese brand approaches fit & style differently with brands such as TCB Jeans and Pherrow's offering historically accurate heritage reproductions while brands such as Godspeed and Japan Blue Jeans having a more modern approach to Japanese Selvedge Denim.
Our Size Chart and Fit Guide offered on every selvedge denim product page offers our expert advice on how each jeans fit so we of course suggest consulting those first.
We are always happy to assist you so please reach out to us via the contact form and we will do our best to get you into the perfect pair of selvedge jeans!
Yes. We offer chainstitch hemming using a vintage Union Special 43200G, a machine historically used by American workwear manufacturers and later adopted by Japanese denim brands and factories seeking to faithfully reproduce original construction techniques as the machine is renowned for creating the natural 'roping effect' at the hem that develops with wear.
You can add the Chain Stitch Hemming Service to your cart, select your desired inseam length and your jeans will be hemmed before shipping.
Please ensure you are confident in your inseam measurement, as once a pair of jeans has been hemmed it is considered a custom alteration and cannot be returned or exchanged.
If you are unsure about sizing, shrinkage, or how much length to remove, we strongly recommend contacting us before selecting hemming.
We are always happy to help you choose the correct inseam based on the fabric and how you intend to wear your jeans.
All jeans can shrink after washing especially high quality selvedge denim which is made from natural fibers (100% cotton).
'Stretch Denim' also shrinks despite the claims and uses plastic and petroleum based fibres which are terrible for the planet and more difficult to repair.
At URAHARA we primarily stock one wash versions of jeans from our Japanese denim brands. These fabrics have already been washed at the factory to remove most shrinkage, reducing guesswork and allowing the jeans to fit as intended from the first wear. It often means the fabric is a little more alive / hairy / textured which we find that most people find more appealing.
Below are common terms used by both URAHARA and the wider denim industry to describe different denim states :
- Raw denim refers to fabric that has not been washed after weaving. Raw jeans will shrink the most when first exposed to water and heat.
- Unsanforized denim has not undergone mechanical pre shrinking. These fabrics will shrink a little after washing, typically in the waist, rise and inseam, before stabilising with wear.
- Sanforized denim has been mechanically treated to minimise shrinkage. When combined with a one wash process, this results in jeans that change very little with future washing.
Regardless of all of the above, we recommend to hand wash your jeans using cold or warm water wherever possible to minimize shrinkage and any surprises.
Lay your jeans flat on a hard surface without stretching the fabric.
Measure the waist straight across the waistband and double it, then measure the rise, thigh, knee and hem following the same flat method.
Comparing these measurements to our size chart is the most accurate way to choose the correct size, especially with Japanese selvedge denim.
If you have any doubts it's super easy to contact us where we can take you through the whole process and ensure you get the perfect fit!
If your jeans are unworn, unwashed, and unaltered, they may be returned or exchanged in accordance with our returns policy.
We understand that sizing Japanese selvedge denim can feel daunting, which is why we provide detailed size charts and fit guidance on every product page.
Please note that jeans which have been hemmed or otherwise altered are considered a custom order and cannot be returned or exchanged. For this reason, we strongly recommend confirming your size and inseam before selecting hemming.
If you are unsure at any stage, simply get in touch with us before placing your order and we will do our best to get you into the correct size.
