What elevates a pair of denim to treasured-favorite status? What keeps them on the top of your stack (unless they’re in the laundry); what makes you reach for them day after day, year after year, without thinking? Is it fit? Comfort? Style? Construction quality? All of the above? Despite the ubiquitousness of denim in the modern world, it’s increasingly difficult for one brand to consistently check all these boxes, let alone more than one at a time. When so much has been sacrificed for production speed and profit maximization, it’s an honor to support a designer who refuses to compromise on any of the aspects that go into creating truly exceptional denim, season after season. When we think of our own treasured favorites, we think of Chimala. 

Established in 2005 by designer Noriko Machida, Chimala is a small-batch Japanese denim brand that pays homage to the timeless craftsmanship of vintage military apparel and workwear from the 1930s-1970s. Each pair produced by Chimala is crafted from authentic selvedge denim, sourced from a mill in Japan and woven on pre-WWII shuttle looms. Their designs have a worn-in utilitarian aesthetic and meticulous attention to detail - every piece is hand-washed, painted, and distressed by artisans in Machida’s studio, making each pair truly one-of-a-kind. 

This season’s Chimala collection offers unique styles that nod to the past while fitting seamlessly into a modern wardrobe. Thoughtful touches like a fully reversible jacket, or adjustable waist buttons and back cinch buckles on denim, ensure a custom, comfortable fit, and unparalleled construction and materials mean every piece will stand the test of time. Many styles are unisex - we recommend trying the full collection, and experimenting with sizing up or down to find the fit that suits your needs best. 

Chimala's work subtly straddles the boundary between art and fashion, giving these timeless looks a new twist, rather than a simple retelling of the past. With so much to love, we have no doubt a pair will find its way to the top of your stack of favorites for years to come. 

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