Pure Blue Japan – Corduroy Curved Pocket Shirt Indigo x Black [2236-IDBK]

Pure Blue Japan’s 2236-IDBK takes the familiar Western shirt and reshapes it through an unusual combination of fine wale corduroy, sweeping curved construction and a layered Indigo Black dye process. The silhouette is recognizable, but the exaggerated curves through the yokes and chest pockets give the shirt a distinctly PBJ character without relying on excessive decoration.

The shirt is made from 100% cotton fine wale corduroy. Compared with the wider ridges of traditional heavy corduroy, the finer wale gives the fabric a cleaner and more refined surface while maintaining the soft texture that makes corduroy so comfortable to wear. The fabric is supple enough to work as a shirt or mid layer rather than feeling like a heavy corduroy jacket.

The Indigo Black colour is where this version becomes particularly interesting. PBJ begins with the indigo version of the fabric and then overdyes it with black, creating a much deeper and darker colour than indigo alone. When new, the surface reads as an extremely dark indigo black, with the underlying blue appearing subtly through the texture of the fine corduroy.

That layered dye process also gives the shirt considerable ageing potential. As the black overdye gradually wears away through repeated friction, washing and use, more of the indigo underneath can begin to reveal itself. Areas around the collar, cuffs, pocket edges, seams and elbows should slowly develop greater blue variation, allowing the shirt to move away from its nearly black starting point.

The curved construction is equally distinctive. Instead of the sharp pointed yokes normally associated with Western shirts, PBJ uses sweeping curved lines across the front and back. The two chest pockets follow the same shape, with curved pocket openings and flaps creating a continuous visual line across the front of the garment.

Matte snap closures keep the Western influence intact without adding too much contrast against the dark fabric. At the neck, a specially detailed snap carries Pure Blue Japan’s signature indigofera leaf motif, adding a small piece of recognizable PBJ branding to an otherwise restrained shirt.

The fine corduroy and dark colour make this particularly easy to layer. It has enough texture to stand on its own but remains soft and relatively streamlined under a denim jacket, leather jacket or heavier outerwear. The Indigo Black finish also works naturally with ecru, olive, faded denim and lighter trousers, while the changing colour should make those combinations increasingly interesting as the shirt ages.

This is a good example of Pure Blue Japan applying its approach to ageing fabrics outside of traditional denim. The corduroy provides the texture, the curved Western construction gives the shirt its identity, and the indigo beneath the black overdye provides a second layer of colour that should gradually become more visible the longer it is worn.

Made in Japan.

Key Features

• Pure Blue Japan 2236-IDBK

• Indigo Black colour

• 100% cotton

• Fine wale corduroy

• Soft and supple hand

• Indigo base colour

• Black overdye

• Layered Indigo x Black appearance

• Designed to reveal indigo undertones with wear

• Western inspired construction

• Distinctive curved front and rear yokes

• Two curved chest pockets

• Curved pocket flaps

• Matte snap closures

• PBJ indigofera leaf motif neck snap

• Suitable for layering

• Made in Japan

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Fabric & Care: Made from 100% cotton fine wale corduroy. The Indigo Black colour is created by taking the indigo version of the fabric and overdyeing it with black, producing a deep colour with indigo remaining underneath. With repeated wear and washing, the black surface will gradually soften and allow more of the indigo base to become visible, particularly around high friction areas. Wash cold with similar dark colours and hang dry. Colour transfer may occur while new.

Fit: Cut as a relatively streamlined Western shirt with a clean silhouette that works well on its own or underneath outerwear. The fine wale corduroy is soft and supple rather than excessively bulky, making it easier to layer than a traditional heavy corduroy. 

Pure Blue Japan 2236-IDBK Corduroy Curved Pocket Shirt in Indigo x Black, with fine wale cotton corduroy, black overdye and Western details. Shop now.

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.

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