Samurai Jeans

Founded in 1998 by Tohru Nogami in Osaka, Samurai Jeans is known for producing some of the heaviest and most textured denim fabrics in Japan. From the outset, the brand rejected trends in favor of weight, density, and surface character. Using low-speed shuttle looms and techniques refined over generations, Samurai creates denim that is demanding at first but develops exceptional depth and contrast with wear. Much like a samurai blade, the fabric is built to be strong, precise, and dependable.
Samurai Jeans is equally defined by its bold construction and symbolic detailing. Stitching is thick and tightly tensioned, hardware is deliberately robust, and many design elements reference Japanese history. The signature selvedge ID often includes a silver lamé thread, symbolizing a samurai sword, while leather patches depict legendary warriors and historical scenes that shaped Japanese culture.

The Samurai Cotton Project
Central to the brand’s identity is the Samurai Cotton Project, which focuses on controlling denim at the fiber level. Instead of standard cotton, Samurai develops proprietary cotton blends selected for strength and natural irregularity. These fibers are spun into coarse yarns and woven under low tension, resulting in dense fabrics with pronounced texture, high surface energy, and strong fading potential. Designed to evolve through wear, each fabric develops sharp contrasts and a distinctly personal character over time.