Elhaus – A Distinctly Indonesian Denim Dynamic

As the inaugural post of a series of articles covering lesser known brands, we begin with the Indonesian brand Elhaus. Launched in 2010, in Jakarta, Indonesia, the brand focuses on clean, timeless designs, made using both modern and traditional techniques and materials.

Their gateway product is their denim jeans, including the Warbonnet, a 14 Oz., sanforized, selvedge, slim straight cut; the Iron Tail which is a 14 Oz., slim tapered fit; and the Weft Dweller, a 13 Oz., super slim, straight cut.

Elhaus Black Indigo Warbonnet

Elhaus Leather Patch

The Technical Specifications

All Elhaus jeans have hand settled, pure copper rivets, laurel leaf top buttons, hand carved leather patch (that’s right, hand carved!), felled seams, with no overlock stitch anywhere, and an offset third belt loop.

Their denim is specially woven for them (see video below), they use Talon zippers on some models, and have used 18 and 20 Oz. denim with a rope raised hem. Thus, needless to say, Elhaus are technical when it comes to their denim, in that they love attention to detail, functionality, and craftsmanship.

Elhaus Selvedge

Quality Is Key

The Elhaus ethos of “Quality is Key” is in direct regards to what they produce. In the words of co-founder Raven Navarro

We like to think a garment is good when the it is clean both from the outside and from the inside. We highly disregard the use of overlock stitchings. We like seams to be felled. On many of our product, we use single needle construction. We like to build our products that needs more attention from the crafter to make. More attention put into a product means more soul in the product. We don’t mind putting more minutes to the hour to get a more satisfying product.

Apart from their denim jeans, Elhaus also produces a line of beautiful and functional work shirts, a modern cut, 1940’s inspired wax hunting jacket with resin buttons and a chain stitch construction, and heavy duty, slim cut, waterproof, duck pants. Their product line shows both bravery and diversity, with traditional garments given a modern edge.

Elhaus Workwear Shirts

Just two of Elhaus’ workwear shirts

In a market dominated by the Japanese super brands, it is great to see innovation rather than imitation taking place in other parts of Asia, and brands like Elhaus give new life, and new passion to the denim scene.

I feel that what they offer is different to the rest of the popular denim around at the moment. Just as the big Japanese brands have taken Americana and given it a Japanese twist, so Elhaus have taken the concept and twisted it further, adding a dynamic that is distinctly Indonesian.

Close-up of Elhaus Zipper

Elhaus is one of the lesser know brands that are definitely worth keeping a watchful eye on. Their fresh approach to denim and workwear is inspiring, and their commitment to quality products will impress all of their customers. Remember the name of Elhaus folks; I have a strong feeling that they will be a big player sooner rather than later.