For a brand that’s been making quality denim goods since 1999, KATO probably doesn’t have the traction it deserves amongst the world’s denim head community. The Japanese-American label prides itself on producing classic silhouettes with tweaks and updates that prioritize comfort and modern style, and this new duo of KATO staples — made up in innovative ‘Old Blue Raw’ Selvedge denim — is a great example of this.
Weighing in at 14 oz. per square yard and featuring a lively cobalt blue tone, KATO’s Old Blue Raw Japanese selvedge denim is made with 96% cotton and 4% polyurethane. That measure of polyurethane is used to achieve KATO’s proprietary ‘4-way stretch’, a comfort feature that is integral to the brand’s denim offering. The raw denim scene is full of stretch snobs, but if 4-way stretch is good enough for serial denim reviewer Carl Murawski, it should be good enough for you, too.
The 14 oz. Old Blue Raw selvedge is available in KATO’s ‘Pen Slim’ jeans and ‘Blade’ jacket. The Pen Slim is a classic slim-straight silhouette with a regular rise, and the Blade is a 1930s type 1-inspired denim blouson, complete with symmetrical pleats adjacent to the button placket, triple stitch construction, and a singular chest pocket. Both pieces are made in Los Angeles come with custom KATO hardware, contrasting stitching, and a KATO garment bag.
Available for $248 (Pen Slim Jeans) and $358 (Blade Jacket) at KATO.
