Studio D'Artisan "Ishikawadai" WWII Selvedge Jeans (Classic Straight)

D1903

• Original13oz. "Ishikawadai" Selvedge denim 
• 100% Deep South Cotton
• Classic Straight fit
• 4 Button fly featuring oxidized Studio D'Artisan buttons
• Selvedge button fly construction
• Engraved copper male/female rivets
• Olive herringbone canvas pocket bags
• Fifth pocket Selvedge detail
• SDA original back pocket stitch
• SDA original leather waistband patch
  

The Studio D'Artisan "Ishikawadai" WWII Selvedge Jeans are a nod to the rugged simplicity of jeans produced during the 1940s, when wartime rationing led to the streamlining of denim production. During this period, factories were forced to simplify various details, as many materials were diverted to the war effort. Skilled sewing craftsmen were often assigned to make military uniforms, leaving jeans production to less experienced workers, which resulted in uneven stitching and a rougher finish.

Studio D'Artisan has meticulously recreated this aesthetic by replicating the imperfect sewing techniques of the era. The jeans are crafted from a 13oz. Selvedge denim fabric, to evoke the look and feel of 1940s jeans. This fabric captures the ruggedness and unpolished character of garments from that period, enhanced further by a beige-colored topping applied after sewing, which accentuates the jeans' vintage, worn-in appearance. 

What sets these jeans apart is their use of Deep South Cotton, which comes from the fertile Lower Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas, a region renowned for its rich soil and favorable climate. This area, fed by the Rio Grande River and bordering Mexico, produces some of the highest quality cotton in the US. The subtropical climate of this region allows for an earlier harvest - often beginning in August or September - making it the first cotton of the year and a noteworthy crop. The cotton grown here, known as Deep South Cotton, boasts strong, thick fibers that are ideal for producing a fabric with a rough and dry texture, perfectly suited for replicating the feel of vintage denim.

Compared to modern ring spinning machines, the "Ishikawadai" operates at a significantly slower speed, approximately one-third of the pace. This machine's limited speed, however, brings some fascinating advantages. It exerts minimal stress on the cotton fibers, allowing the cotton's inherent qualities to shine through. This results in a fabric with a natural, uneven texture akin to hand-spun cotton, a feature that is nearly impossible to replicate with computer-controlled machines. The deliberate irregularity in the fabric's texture provides it with an authentic, almost antique-like appearance that stands apart from the uniformity of contemporary mass-produced textiles.

Products crafted from the "Ishikawadai" denim hold a unique promise. With each wear, they undergo a metamorphosis, accumulating stories and character like vintage denim from bygone eras. These items are not just garments but living, evolving testimonies to the artistry and craftsmanship of the past. They not only celebrate history but also ensure its perpetuation through each generation of wearers.

*Model is pictured wearing a size 30 (One Wash). He weighs 59kg (130 pounds) and is 178cm (5’11”) tall.

**Please note that this is an unsanforized pair of denim, and the raw version will shrink up to 10% with the first soak, and will then stretch out with wear. Learn more about Unsanforized denim through ourRaw Denim Care Guide, and also through this infographic! All measurements are based on the way we measure, according to our Fit Guide.