7 Best Japanese Denim Brands (Helpful Guide)

Japanese denim is often prized as some of the most durable and comfortable clothing in the industry. Whether you’re looking for pants, jackets, or anything in between, there are plenty of Japanese brands that produce top-notch designs.

 As a general rule, the best Japanese denim brands include Momotaro, Sugar Cane & Co., and Samurai Denim. Most Japanese denim brands are selvage denim, which is weaved with a shuttle loom. Even though most Japanese denim brands are selvage denim they can be worn for different occasions. 

Other top-of-the-line Japanese denim brands include PRPS, Pure Blue Japan, and Oni Denim. We’ll discuss all of these brands to show you which is best for your wardrobe. We’ll also break down what you should look for when shopping for new Japanese denim. Enjoy!

What to Look For When Buying from Japanese Denim Brands.

If you’re searching for a new pair of Japanese jeans or a jacket to keep warm, you’re in the right place. Japanese denim companies produce all sorts of clothes and accessories, but it’s challenging to know which is the best selection. Fortunately, we’ve broken down the necessities into three parts below.

1. Comfort and materials
2. Choosing the best denim for the occasion
3. Considering your budget to get the best jeans available

Using these three variables will allow you to choose your new Japanese denim company. Read on if you want to review a detailed description of each factor. If not, proceed to our buyer’s guide for the best in each category.

Comfort and Materials

Many different denim types impact how long the material lasts, how well it stretches, and more. For example, Pure Blue Japan is known for thick, sturdy denim, perfect for people who work in the construction industry. On the other hand, PRPS denim is stretchy, thin, and breathable.

Another thing to consider is the stitch pattern and edges. Todd Shelton explains selvage denim is sewn to prevent fraying and keep the jeans as durable as possible. While it’s an excellent technique, it can slightly drive the price up. These are all things to consider when comparing comfort, functionality, and the materials used in the jeans.

What’s the Occasion?

You wouldn’t want to wear thin, fragile denim to a hard-working outdoor environment.

On the other hand, you shouldn’t bring rustic, stylistically torn denim to a nice occasion. Dressing for the scenario is much more important than many factors for most people. Most of the brands mentioned on our list have multiple options, but it’s still worth considering.

Sugar Cane & Co. is known for producing denim designed for high-end gatherings, such as meetings, fashion shoots, and so on. However, it might seem overdone if you wear them to go to the park. Some brands are best for middle-ground buyers who wear jeans for all situations, such as Hiroshi Kato and Samurai Denim.

Cost

We’d all love to have the best denim on the market, but it’s not always possible. Some jeans can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, which is a bit out of the ballpark for many buyers. That being said, you might’ve planned to spend a bit on a new pair of high-quality Japanese jeans or a new jacket.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the average prices you can expect from these brands:

Without further ado, let’s jump into the list below!

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Momotaro

Best High-End Brand: Sugar Cane & Co.

Best for Style: Samurai Denim

Best Budget-Friendly Denim: PRPS

Best for Workers: Pure Blue Japan

Best for Exclusivity: Oni Denim

Best Overall: Momotaro 

Momotaro is one of the youngest brands on the list, but it’s quickly made an impact. Founded in 2006, this Japanese denim brand is at the top of the list for many denim enthusiasts. The company started in Kojima Okayama and soon expanded into the United States to expand its production and sales capabilities.

If you’re interested in owning a pair of these sought-after jeans, Momotaro offers its Going to Battle Button Fly Denim Jeans. These stylish jeans have a white stripe on the back and several pockets. The unique button design keeps zippers out of the equation while also removing the need for a belt.

Bottom Line: Momotaro is an excellent break-in brand for people who’ve recently discovered Japanese denim, but it’s also a top-notch choice for those who’ve appreciated the craftsmanship for many years. There are several designs, so why not find the pants or jackets to match the rest of your outfits?

Pros

• Momotaro has multiple production facilities, expediting their shipping schedule.
• The Zimbabwe cotton used in many of their clothes is comfortable, breathable, and durable.
• Their prices are pretty affordable compared to similar high-end bands.
• Precise attention to detail prevents threading issues and fraying.

Cons

• The vast majority of Momotaro denim is dark blue, so there aren’t many choices for those who prefer lighter shades or black denim.
• Momotaro doesn’t have oversized clothing, which means everything fits at the waist instead of hanging lower (for the jackets and shirts)

Best High-End Brand: Sugar Cane & Co.

Sugar Cane & Co. is a Japanese denim brand produced worldwide. You’ll find suppliers in the USA, United Kingdom, Japan, and more. This company prides itself on its multi-decade tradition that’s been around since 1975. Each item is made with high-end denim you won’t find anywhere else, making it an easy choice for those who enjoy the process and story behind the company.

The Sugar Cane Non-Wash Raw Denim Japanese Selvedge Jeans are a great example of their style and expertise. The seams are designed to withstand constant movements without wearing down for many years to come. The soft denim flexes without getting stiff or too rough on the skin. They come in multiple sizes and colors, too.

Bottom Line: Sugar Cane & Co. might cost quite a bit compared to other Japanese denim brands, but it’s well worth it for anyone who’s invested. These jeans are soft to the touch and last a lifetime. They’ll move with your legs, prevent staining, and stop threads from loosening.

Pros

• Sugar Cane & Co. offers some of the best, if not the greatest, Japanese denim worldwide.
• You can find any pair that fits your wardrobe.
• They offer a simplified style that matches almost every outfit.
• The selvage design prevents fraying and loose threads.
• Thousands of customers have trusted this company for over four decades.

Cons

• The only downside of Sugar Cane & Co. denim products is their high price point.

Best for Style: Samurai Denim

Much like many of the best Japanese companies in many industries, Samurai Denim started in Osaka, Japan. This brand makes clothing styles to suit almost any country that comes to mind. You can get a pair that suits your taste online or in one of their stores. The throwback appearance brings a timeless look to the table.

You could try the Samurai S711VX 21oz Jeans. They’re made for cuffing at the edge of the jeans, but Samurai Denim offers plenty of options for those who prefer non-cuffing jeans. The company also sells shirts, jackets, and many other denim and cotton products. Their jeans all have ultra-wide belt loops to accommodate any belt.

Bottom Line: Samurai Denim is stylish, reasonably affordable, and suitable for nearly any wardrobe. These jeans are similar to Momotaro clothing because they’re close to price range and style. The only reason they’re not at the top of the list is that they’re not as well known as some of the competition on the list.

Pros

• Samurai Denim is ultra-stylish for people of all ages and backgrounds.
• They accommodate the stylistic choices of people in various countries.
• Their products are relatively affordable compared to many other options.

Cons

• Samurai Denim isn’t as known as some companies, which could be less appealing to a new buyer.

Best Budget-Friendly Denim: PRPS

Founded in 2002, PRPS Jeans were created behind the idea of making worn-looking jeans to fit modern stylistic choices. That being said, they offer plenty of traditional-style Japanese denim products. You can find an affordable pair of jeans, a stylish jacket, and plenty of other accessories to boost your wardrobe.

For example, the PRPS Ripped Skinny Jeans have slight tears in the knees, but they don’t fray or rip apart. These jeans are sealed to achieve a modernized appearance without weakening the denim. Furthermore, they have several pockets and a subtle wrinkle behind each to boost the previously mentioned style.

Bottom Line: PRPS Denim offers a way for people on a budget to enjoy mid-tier Japanese denim without breaking the bank. Their clothes are current and look great on almost anyone, but they also offer a nostalgic lineup for people who want to stick to classic jeans and other denim products.

Pros

• PRPS Jeans are as affordable as it gets for quality Japanese denim.
• The company has been around for two decades or more, so it’s trustworthy.
• They have a multitude of styles to match any outfit.
• Their customer service is as good as it gets.

Cons

• PRPS denim isn’t as long-lasting as other Japanese jeans on the list.

Best for Workers: Pure Blue Japan

Pure Blue Japan combines extremely durable denim with luxurious hand-crafted designs to make classic jeans that last a lifetime.

These denim products are perfect for people who work in various environments because they flex and bend without wearing them down. They’re rough and can handle a beating, but they’re also great for those looking for a stylistic choice.

Their slim jeans embody the craftsmanship and impressive longevity and flexibility of each product created in the company’s factory. Whether you’re wearing it to a casual party, a construction site, or a nice dinner, it’ll be the ideal jacket for all occasions. Two pockets and a line of buttons place convenience at the top for anyone who wears it.

Bottom Line: Pure Blue Japan is rustic, creative, and impressive in every sense of the word. This high-end, top-notch brand continues to make the best denim most people can get their hands on.

Pros

• You can expect each article of Pure Blue Japan clothing to last a very long time.
• The rugged feeling provides a comfortable warmth throughout the year.
• There are dozens of stylistic choices to look through.

Cons

• Pure Blue Japan is one of the most expensive denim brands available.

Best for Exclusivity: Oni Denim 

Oni Denim used to be highly exclusive and difficult to find. The hand-crafted denim sold out in a matter of days, making it hard for anyone to get their hands on. Thankfully, it’s much easier to get these durable denim products these days. They have plenty of jackets and jean pants for customers to sift through.

Bottom Line: Oni Denim went from a hard-to-find brand to a sought-after company people all over the world can wear. They’re considered high-quality by all circles, so you’ll fit in wherever you bring them.

Pros

• Oni Denim is comfortable, durable, and well known.
• They maintain a traditional Japanese style in every clothing article.

Cons

• Some people have trouble finding a stylish set from Oni Denim since they only have one type of denim.

There’s no denying Momotaro is an impressive, reliable denim company, but there are several others to choose from. Consider this guide as a resource to decide which Japanese denim brand fits your style, comfort, and budget preferences. We have no doubt that you’ll enjoy your choice, regardless of which brand you choose from the list.

Denimo also offers multiple Japanese Denim brands that have not been listed in this helpful guide! Definitely give them a look! 

If a store doesn’t ship internationally, copy and paste the URL into our search bar, and we’ll order it for you! 

Sources

• Okayama Denim: Samurai Jeans
• Heddel’s: Sugar Cane & Co.
• Son of a Stag: Samurai
• PRPS Jeans: About Us
• Hiroshi Kato: About Us
• Okayama Denim: Pure Blue Japan