The reason I started to love clothes was denim.

 

 

Hello everyone.
I’m Saito, the manager of PATHLOW.

This is the first autumn/winter season for PATHLOW since we opened.

Because of our opening timing, this is the first season where I’ve been able to place significant orders with many of our brands, and seeing all the pieces I’ve carefully selected lined up in the shop makes me very happy and excited.

And more than anything, I’m grateful for the customers who like these items and choose them for themselves.

Once again, thank you all so much for your continued support.

How I first fell in love with fashion

Denim was the reason I fell in love with clothing.

"It’s a piece of clothing that changes based on the person wearing it, allowing you to enjoy a one-of-a-kind fade that belongs only to you."

Captivated by that idea, I bought a set of Japanese-made denim when I was around 20 years old.

At the time, I thought,

"This denim set is all I need! I don't need any other clothes!!!"

But...

I needed a T-shirt that went well with that denim.

A pair of nice leather shoes.

A good belt.

Nice silver accessories.

Before I knew it, my collection grew, I became a fashion lover, and next thing I knew, I was running a select shop (lol).

You never know what life has in store for you.

Back to the main topic.

Today, I want to introduce one of the main brands here at PATHLOW.

We are finally able to feature them in a big way starting this autumn/winter: the Okayama denim brand, H.UNIT.

 

 

We have received a denim jacket and denim pants from H.UNIT, crafted in Okayama using 13.5oz "kibata" (raw/loom-state) denim.

To introduce this denim, there is one thing I want you to know first:

"Kibata" (Raw/Loom-state)

...what that actually means.

What exactly is "Kibata Denim"?

The term "kibata" might sound a bit unfamiliar.

Simply put, it refers to fabric that has been woven but has not undergone any unnecessary finishing processes.

This type of raw denim was commonly used for jeans made before around 1960.

Later, due to the evolution of processing technology and the need for mass production, denim that underwent various treatments—like sanforization to prevent shrinkage or anti-twist processing—became the mainstream.

Hearing that, you might think,

"So, is kibata denim just unfinished, old-fashioned denim?"

But actually, that’s where the fun begins.

Because the fabric isn't overly refined, it retains the natural characteristics of the denim—the texture of the yarn, the roughness, and the subtle irregularities in the weave.

It feels a bit stiff to the touch, and in a good way, it’s rugged.

This unique texture is the charm of true kibata denim.

Furthermore, much of the vintage denim highly sought after from the 1940s and 50s was also made using this raw kibata denim.

Part of the joy of this denim is the ability to enjoy that rugged, powerful, and truly "vintage" expression.

Of course, it isn't soft or easy to wear from the start.

But as you wear it, it gradually softens and conforms to your body.

This feeling of,

"It's a bit stiff at first, but it evolves from there,"

is personally what I love about raw kibata denim.

A work jacket with the vibe of the 1940s

Raw Denim Work Jacket

First, the denim jacket.

It features 13.5oz raw denim and is sewn entirely with cotton thread.

Motivated by 1940s denim work jackets.

Instead of a typical vintage replica, it incorporates the best features of both a denim jacket and a coverall.

 

It’s packed with details that denim enthusiasts will appreciate, such as laurel wreath buttons and the "T-back" design reminiscent of WWII-era denim.

While it perfectly captures the vintage atmosphere, it still works beautifully as a piece of clothing for today.

That balance is very "H.UNIT" and I think it’s wonderful.

And a 5-pocket design worth "raising"

Raw Denim Tight Straight 5P

 

Next is the Raw Denim Tight Straight 5P.

This also uses the same 13.5oz raw denim.

A simple, classic 5-pocket design.

With a clean, straight cut, it’s a silhouette you’ll never tire of and can wear for a long time.

Both the jacket and pants are sewn with cotton thread, meaning the stitching will fade alongside the fabric over time.

 

It’s the kind of denim where you can enjoy the "process of raising it," right down to the finest details.

Denim isn't finished the moment you buy it.

Denim isn't finished when you buy it.

Actually, that’s when it starts.

Some wear it constantly, others take their time. Washing frequencies differ, and the clothes people pair them with are different too.

That’s why, even if you start with the same pair, the end result is always unique—your own personal expression.

Once, I was looking at a friend's denim and saw a clear outline of an iPhone 16 in the right pocket.

That is the reality of modern fading (lol).

In 50 years, wouldn't it be interesting if someone looked at it and thought, "Did people really keep their phones in their pockets back then?"

...I’m getting sidetracked.

But I think that’s exactly what makes denim interesting.

You can somewhat imagine what they carried, how they lived, and how they wore them, just by looking at the fading and whiskers left on the fabric.

H.UNIT denim: the finished look is still a long way off.

This H.UNIT raw denim is a piece you can form that kind of relationship with.

It starts as a deep indigo.

From there, as you live your life, the color will change little by little.

Years from now, you might look at it and think,

"What’s with this damage? (lol)"

"What’s with this weird fade? (lol)"

As you reflect on the time you spent with that denim.

I hope you’ll enjoy the entire process, including that time.

Wearing the jacket and pants as a set is great.

Of course, they work perfectly on their own as well.

Wear it without fuss, and raise it with patience.

And before you know it, you'll be obsessed with clothing.

I invite you to take the first step into that "fashion lover's swamp" with this pair.