A few weeks ago we introduced the Los Angeles, California-based MATiAS Denim and its founder, Matias Sandoval. I was recently able to get a pair of the Coronel Koji jeans to test out, paying attention to fit, construction, and overall quality.
The Coronel Koji features a sanforized 12 Oz. double indigo Japanese selvedge denim from Kurabo Mills in Japan. The fit is classified as a Slim Straight, with a medium-to-high rise that offers a comfortable fit perfect for those with slightly more athletic builds like myself.
As someone who originally started with skinny, low-rise fits in my raw denim, I’ve been slowly moving toward tapered fits (like my 3sixteen ST-120X‘s) and slim straight fits that offer more breathing room. Like with my other denim, I went true-to-size on these. Although the waist isn’t super-snug, I stuck with the size since everything else was comfortable.
Details
- Name: MATiAS Denim Coronel Koji
- Denim: 100% right hand twill cotton double indigo Japanese selvedge from Kurabo Mills, Japan
- Weight: 12 Oz.
- Other details:
- Single needle construction
- Trouser-style “half-slash” front pockets
- Hand-sewn adjustable top button
- Japanese selvedge utility loop
- 5th utility pocket
- Available at: MATiAS Denim for $335.00 USD
Denim
The fabric on the Coronel Koji is a lighter weight 12 Oz. selvedge from the well-known Kurabo Mills in Japan. Featuring a black weft like the popular 3sixteen 120x series, the denim approaches a midnight navy color. While these won’t keep you as warm as heavier selvedge, the initial comfort level is high and there won’t be any rough break-in period.
Brand owner, Matias Sandoval, pitches the fabric as loosely woven so that it breaks down quickly for a soft hand, even though it’s the common right hand twill. When I pulled the jeans out of their box, I did notice how pliable the fabric was–there really is no break-in period with these. There is a noticeable texture to the denim and it will be interesting to see how these look a few months from now with consistent wear.
Hardware
Trouser-style pocket with inner utility pocket on the MATiAS Denim Coronel Koji
Sandoval uses custom waffle-texture rivets on the Coronel Koji. The top button is sourced from Italy, with each having a unique patina finished by hand. The back pockets are actually rivetless — it remains to be seen what this means for the lifespan of those stitches after a lot of wear and tear.
Fit
Like this? Read these:
The Coronel Koji is offered in a Slim Straight fit, with a rise that could be described as medium-to-high. Some will welcome the extra room in the thighs, while others who are looking for a skinnier fit may not be fans. Either way, the jeans are extremely comfortable. The leg opening has a slight taper, creating a streamlined look.
The trouser-style pockets feature fairly deep pocket bags, which I enjoyed as a nice change of pace from the eternal struggle of getting my phone out of my jean pockets while sitting. Granted, this style of pockets on a pair of jeans won’t be for everyone. With a lack of contrast stitching, the pockets don’t stand out as much to the casual observer as one would think.
Craftsmanship
Pintuck on back left pocket of MATiAS Denim Coronel Koji
The jeans themselves seem very well-made, with barely any loose threads that I could spot. The front pockets may not be for everyone — since the bags are so deep, when you have a phone or wallet in them it can create a bulge lower-than-expected on the leg.
Also, the hand-sewn top button appears significantly looser than the others, but I haven’t seen any sign of it coming off after extended periods of hard wear. Sandoval prides himself on his single needle construction and the fact that he personally looks over each pair before it goes out, and it shows.
Although the high price point may not be for everyone, for those who can afford them they are a solid option.
