UES MFG.CO.

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      UES was founded in Osaka in 1967 and still makes its garments in Japan, woven on traditional shuttle looms and sewn on vintage machinery using time-honoured dyeing methods. Handpicked cotton, full domestic production, and low-waste practices go into workwear and denim built to be worn, washed, and repaired for decades rather than replaced.

      Shop the UES collection in Canada at Private & Co. Order online with shipping across Canada and the United States, or visit us in store in Vancouver.

      31 products

      UES clothing: Japanese workwear made to be worn daily

      UES doesn't get the hype some Japanese brands do, but the people who know, know.

      The UES brand is built on a simple philosophy: create garments that people want to keep wearing till the end. The name comes from the Japanese pronunciation (uesu) of the English word "waste," reflecting the brand’s idea that clothes should be worn, cared for, repaired, and lived in.

      That philosophy carries through every piece. Fabrics are woven on vintage power looms running at about one‑fifth the speed of modern machines, with looser warp tension that lets the thread’s natural character show. UES uses Zimbabwe cotton for selvedge denim, and Desi cotton and organic jersey for t‑shirts. Its dyes fade naturally, so pieces soften, develop unique fades, and feel more personal the longer you wear them.

      The UES collection goes beyond jeans to include heavy flannels, Big Waffle shirts, chambray, denim jackets, indigo tees, shorts, socks, and small accessories. If you’re new to UES, start with the pieces you’ll wear most. A flannel or waffle-knit shirt works well as an everyday layer, while a pair of selvedge jeans or a denim jacket can become a regular part of your rotation. The best place to start is with the fabric, fit, and garment that make sense for your wardrobe.

      FAQ

      What does UES sizing 1-5 mean?

      UES uses the Japanese numeric system. That can translate to 1 (small), 2 (medium), 3 (large), 4 (X-large), and 5 (XX-large), but measurements can vary by garment and fit. We recommend going by the actual garment measurements, not the number, as UES is typically more slim-fitting. If you’re between sizes or unsure about a particular piece, contact us before ordering or visit our Vancouver store for help.

      What is the difference between UES flannel and Big Waffle shirts?

      UES flannel shirts are woven from 14.5 oz heavyweight cotton, with the slower weave giving the fabric a more textured feel. Big Waffle shirts use thick, low-gauge waffle knitting for a chunky thermal knit that stretches more and feels soft. The right choice comes down to how you plan to layer it and the feel you prefer against the skin.

      How does UES denim fade?

      It has gradual fades with good contrast. UES uses dyes with lower colour fastness, meaning the indigo changes naturally with wear. The denim is made with Zimbabwe cotton's long, uneven fibres, producing high-contrast whisker and honeycomb patterns depending on how you move and sit.

      Do UES clothes shrink, and how should I wash them for the first time?

      UES heavy flannels, shirts, and most denim styles have minimal to no shrinkage because they are generally pre-washed (one-wash). For the first wash, keep it cold and hang dry to protect the cotton and natural dyes. Avoid high heat unless you intentionally need to shrink a slightly oversized fit. For denim care, read our guide here.

      Can I buy UES in Canada?

      As an authorized stockist in Canada, you can find exclusive UES products at Private & Co., online or in-store. We offer free shipping in Canada on orders over $300, alongside global delivery options. If you need help with sizing, visit us at 83 East Pender in Vancouver.