Samurai - "Year of the Horse" Slim Straight Selvedge Jeans [S210XJ17oz-26U]

The Samurai S210XJ17oz-26U is the 2026 entry in the brand’s annual Zodiac series, celebrating the Year of the Horse with a model rooted in the history of Western denim and cowboy clothing. The theme works particularly well with Samurai’s S210 silhouette, a slim straight cut influenced by vintage Western jeans, bringing together Japanese denim production with details drawn from the American frontier.

The foundation is Samurai’s 17oz “Zero+” selvedge denim, an evolution of the brand’s original Bushido fabric. It is woven in Japan on vintage shuttle looms from heavy No. 5 slub yarn, with a harder yarn twist and deeper indigo dye than the earlier fabric. The warp is rope dyed with indigo while the natural cotton weft remains undyed, producing the rough, uneven surface and pronounced vertical texture associated with Samurai’s Zero series.

That irregular construction is a major part of how the denim will age. Slub and nep are visible throughout the surface when new, and as the jeans soften, the raised sections of yarn will take abrasion more quickly than the recessed areas. Over time, expect strong vertical character, defined creasing and the high-contrast fading Samurai’s heavier denim is known for.

The Year of the Horse theme continues into the construction. Rope-pattern metal buttons reference traditional Western detailing, while flat copper rivets and an oversized scoop-shaped watch pocket give the front of the jeans a noticeably different character from Samurai’s standard five-pocket models. The pocket bags are made from a dense cotton fabric known in Japan as bafu, or “horse cloth,” a name historically associated with the durable cloth placed beneath a horse saddle.

Additional details include Samurai’s red and silver lamé selvedge ID, selvedge detailing at the coin pocket, raised belt loops, contrast stitching and an exclusive Year of the Horse leather patch and flasher. The silver lamé running through the selvedge is a longstanding Samurai detail intended to evoke the edge of a samurai sword.

The S210 uses a medium rise with a trim top block and slim straight leg, giving the jeans a cleaner profile than Samurai’s fuller straight cuts without becoming aggressively tapered. Private & Co.’s version is supplied raw and unsanforized, allowing the wearer to handle the initial shrinkage and break-in from the beginning. Our stock is also supplied without the decorative Hisho arcuate stitching on the back pockets.

A limited release that ties the Horse zodiac theme directly into the history of Western denim, while still delivering the heavyweight fabric, texture and long-term aging potential that define Samurai.

Made in Japan.

Key Features

• 100% cotton

• 2026 Year of the Horse limited Zodiac edition

• 17oz Samurai “Zero+” Japanese selvedge denim

• Heavy No. 5 slub yarn

• Hard-twisted yarn construction

• Deep indigo rope-dyed warp

• Natural cotton weft

• Woven on vintage shuttle looms

• Pronounced slub and nep texture

• Designed for strong vertical and high-contrast fading

• Slim straight S210 silhouette

• Medium rise

• Trim top block

• Rope-pattern metal buttons

• Flat copper rivets

• Wide scoop-shaped watch pocket

• High-density bafu “horse cloth” pocket bags

• Red and silver lamé selvedge ID

• Selvedge coin pocket detail

• Raised belt loops

• Custom Year of the Horse leather patch

• Limited-edition Zodiac flasher

• Raw and unsanforized

• Private & Co. stock does not include back-pocket arcuate stitching

• Made in Japan

• Style S210XJ17oz-26U

• Shop more styles from Samurai Jeans

Fabric & Care

100% cotton, 17oz raw unsanforized Japanese “Zero+” selvedge denim.

The heavily slubbed No. 5 yarn gives the fabric an uneven, textured surface from the beginning. Rope-dyed indigo sits primarily around the exterior of the warp yarn, allowing the lighter cotton core to gradually emerge through friction, washing and wear. Expect the denim to become softer while developing pronounced creases, vertical fading and greater contrast over time.

Because Private & Co.’s stock is raw and unsanforized, expect approximately 8 to 10% shrinkage after the first wash. Actual shrinkage can vary depending on water temperature, soak time and drying method.

We recommend checking the pre-wash measurements carefully before choosing a size or hemming. Wash or soak cold and hang dry to keep shrinkage more controlled. Indigo transfer is expected when the denim is new.

Fit

Samurai S210 Slim Straight fit.

The S210 has a medium rise with a relatively trim seat and thigh before continuing into a clean slim straight leg. It is noticeably neater through the body than Samurai’s Regular Straight models while still leaving more room through the lower leg than a true tapered cut.

Because this version is raw and unsanforized, sizing should account for the expected shrinkage after the first wash. We strongly recommend viewing the listed pre-wash measurements rather than relying solely on the tagged size.

Samurai S210XJ17oz-26U Year of the Horse jeans, made in Japan from raw 17oz Zero+ selvedge denim in a limited slim straight Zodiac edition.

Raw unsanforized denim. Expect roughly 8 to 10% shrinkage after the first wash.

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.