Pure Blue Japan - Woven 15oz Kasuri Denim Jeans Relaxed Tapered Wash [KS-15oz-019]

Pure Blue Japan’s KS-15oz-019 explores one of Japan’s traditional textile techniques through the construction of a modern selvedge jean. Made from PBJ’s original 15oz Kasuri denim, the fabric uses intentionally varied shades of indigo throughout the warp to create an irregular, streaked surface that looks noticeably different from conventionally rope-dyed denim.

Kasuri is a traditional Japanese textile technique closely related to ikat, where sections of yarn are resisted or dyed differently before weaving to create variation within the finished cloth. Rather than reproducing a traditional Kasuri pattern directly, Pure Blue Japan takes inspiration from the technique and applies the idea to indigo rope dyeing. Individual sections of the warp yarn carry different depths of indigo, creating natural shifts between darker and lighter blue across the surface.

The construction pairs this varied rope-dyed indigo warp with a natural, undyed weft. This is an important part of the fabric, as the lighter interior provides contrast beneath the irregular indigo surface rather than creating the darker appearance of an indigo x indigo denim. Woven on vintage shuttle looms, the fabric retains plenty of irregularity and texture without becoming as exaggerated as PBJ’s Extra Slub denim.

At 15oz, the denim sits in a useful middle ground. It has enough weight and structure to feel substantial, but remains practical for regular wear throughout much of the year. The uneven yarn and old shuttle loom construction give the surface a slightly rough, three-dimensional character, while the Kasuri dyeing introduces lighter rain-like streaks running through the indigo.

The ageing potential is what makes the fabric particularly interesting. Because the warp does not begin at one completely uniform shade of indigo, the jeans already show tonal variation when new. As the rope-dyed yarn continues to lose colour through wear and washing, those differences should become increasingly pronounced, developing into irregular vertical fading rather than the more predictable appearance of a conventional indigo denim.

The jeans are unsanforized but arrive one washed. This removes the majority of the initial shrinkage while softening the 15oz fabric and allowing some of its texture to become visible from the beginning. They still retain plenty of colour and structure, leaving the majority of the ageing process to develop through your own wear.

Construction follows Pure Blue Japan’s traditional five pocket format. Original PBJ iron buttons, hidden rear pocket rivets and raised belt loops provide the hardware and construction details, while a leather patch sits at the rear waistband. PBJ’s signature embroidered indigofera leaf finishes the back pocket, and the selvedge construction is identified by a blue selvedge line.

The 019 Relaxed Tapered fit gives the fabric plenty of room through the upper half of the jean. It has a comfortable rise with additional space through the seat and thighs before tapering strongly from the knee toward the hem. The result gives you the comfort of a roomier top block while maintaining a clean lower leg rather than carrying the width all the way down.

For anyone who already owns a more conventional pair of indigo selvedge jeans, the KS-15oz-019 offers a very different approach to the same basic material. The Kasuri-inspired dyeing gives the denim variation before the ageing process even begins, and continued wear should only make those irregular indigo tones more apparent.

Made in Japan.

Key Features

• Pure Blue Japan KS-15oz-019

• 15oz original Kasuri selvedge denim

• 100% cotton

• Kasuri-inspired indigo dyeing

• Rope-dyed indigo warp

• Natural undyed weft

• Varied indigo penetration through the warp yarn

• Irregular dark and light indigo tones

• Rain-like vertical texture

• Woven on vintage shuttle looms

• Unsanforized

• One washed

• Relaxed Tapered fit

• Roomier top block

• Strong taper from the knee

• Five pocket construction

• PBJ original iron buttons

• Hidden rear pocket rivets

• Raised belt loops

• Blue selvedge ID

• Leather rear patch

• Signature PBJ indigofera leaf embroidery

• Made in Japan

• Also available in the Slim Taper KS-15oz-013
• Shop more styles from Pure Blue Japan

Fabric & Shrinkage: Made from 15oz 100% cotton Japanese selvedge denim with a Kasuri-inspired rope-dyed indigo warp and natural undyed weft. Variations in the depth of indigo along the warp create the fabric’s distinctive streaked appearance. The denim is unsanforized but has been one washed, taking care of the majority of the initial shrinkage. Wash cold with similar dark colours and hang dry.

Fit: PBJ’s 019 Relaxed Tapered fit provides a comfortable rise with additional room through the seat and thighs before tapering noticeably from the knee toward the hem. It offers more room through the top block than PBJ’s 013 Slim Tapered while retaining a relatively clean lower leg. Refer to our garment measurements and compare them with a well-fitting pair of jeans before selecting your size.

Pure Blue Japan KS-15oz-019 15oz Kasuri selvedge jeans with varied rope-dyed indigo, natural weft and a relaxed tapered fit. Made in Japan. Shop now.

Unsanforized denim, one washed at the factory. Minimal further shrinkage with a cold wash and hang dry.

These figures are estimates. Fabric, fit, and care all affect how a garment settles, so treat them as a guide rather than a guarantee. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Garment measurements taken flat before wash. Compare against a piece you already own and love.

Canada: free Standard shipping over $300 CAD, otherwise $19.99 in BC and $24.99 to the rest of Canada. Express is $33 flat. Tracked courier, 1 to 4 business days.

United States: free Standard shipping over $350 USD, otherwise $25.99 USD. Express is $30 USD.

Returns: read our Return Policy for full details on returns and exchanges.

Wear for as long as you can before the first wash. Cold soak, hang dry in shade, never tumble dry. Full guide in our Journal.