Pure Blue Japan - 15oz Extra Slub Denim Jeans Relaxed Tapered Wash Black [PER-EX-019-BK]

Pure Blue Japan’s PER-EX-019-BK combines two of the brand’s specialties, an extremely textured Extra Slub denim and an unconventional approach to colour. Woven at 15oz with a black warp and kakishibu dyed weft, the fabric has a dark appearance from the outside while flashes of earthy brown and orange appear underneath.

The denim uses PBJ’s Extra Slub yarn, developed to exaggerate the irregular character already associated with the brand’s denim. Significant variation in yarn thickness creates pronounced vertical streaking and an uneven, three-dimensional surface. PBJ refers to this appearance as a rain-like texture, with irregular lines running vertically through the face of the denim rather than the cleaner surface of a conventional jean.

For the warp, the Extra Slub yarn is rope dyed black. The weft takes a completely different approach, using kakishibu, a traditional Japanese dye derived from persimmon. Its naturally earthy colour falls somewhere between brown, copper and orange, giving the interior of the denim a warm tone and subtly influencing the black surface from underneath.

That combination becomes increasingly important as the jeans age. The black warp will gradually lose colour through wear and washing, developing greys and lighter tones across areas of friction. At the same time, the warm kakishibu weft remains visible beneath the surface, giving the denim a different character than a conventional black x white or black x black fabric. As the jeans wear in, the contrast between the two colours should become increasingly pronounced.

The 15oz weight gives the denim enough substance to emphasize its irregular surface without moving into true heavyweight territory. When new, the Extra Slub yarn creates a noticeably rugged hand, but the fabric will gradually soften and conform to the wearer. The pronounced texture also creates countless raised areas across the denim, giving abrasion more variation to work with as the jeans develop.

Construction follows PBJ’s traditional five pocket format, with a button fly, custom metal hardware, copper rivets and raised belt loops. The selvedge ID provides another small contrast against the unusual kakishibu interior, while Pure Blue Japan’s signature embroidered indigofera leaf finishes the rear pocket.

The Relaxed Tapered fit provides more space through the top block than PBJ’s slimmer cuts. The rise is comfortable with additional room through the seat and thighs before the leg begins to taper toward the hem. It gives the Extra Slub fabric room to show its texture while keeping the lower half of the jean clean and relatively narrow.

For a black jean, there is a lot happening beneath the surface. The Extra Slub texture, black warp and persimmon dyed weft each contribute something different, and all three will become more apparent as the denim ages. It is the kind of fabric that rewards looking closely when new, then becomes considerably more individual after months and years of wear.

Made in Japan.

Key Features

• Pure Blue Japan PER-EX-019-BK

• 15oz Extra Slub Japanese selvedge denim

• 100% cotton

• Highly irregular Extra Slub yarn

• Pronounced rain-like vertical texture

• Black warp

• Kakishibu persimmon-dyed weft

• Earthy brown to orange interior colour

• Black warp designed to fade with wear

• Relaxed Tapered fit

• Roomier top block

• Tapered lower leg

• Five pocket construction

• Button fly

• Custom PBJ metal hardware

• Copper rivets

• Raised belt loops

• Selvedge construction

• Signature PBJ indigofera leaf embroidery

• One washed

• Made in Japan

• Also available in the Slim Taper PER-EX-013-BK
• Shop more styles from Pure Blue Japan

Fabric & Shrinkage: Made from 15oz 100% cotton Extra Slub selvedge denim. The highly irregular black warp is paired with a kakishibu dyed weft, using dye extracted from persimmon to create its distinctive brown and orange tone. The black surface will gradually fade with wear while the warm weft provides additional depth underneath. 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 Relaxed Tapered fit provides a comfortable rise with additional room through the seat and thighs before tapering noticeably toward the hem. It is a good option for anyone who wants more room in the top block without moving to a full straight leg. Refer to our garment measurements and compare them with a well-fitting pair of jeans before selecting your size.

Pure Blue Japan PER-EX-019-BK 15oz Extra Slub selvedge jeans with black warp, kakishibu persimmon 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.