From River Spirit to Raw Denim: Kawataro Selvedge Unleashed

Meet the Kawataro Selvedge, a new denim inspired by a Japanese river god with a mischievous side. Kawataro, also known as Kappa, is a mythical creature known for its scaly, green skin. This was the perfect inspiration for our green cast denim. The result is a beautiful, mid greenish-blue that's reminiscent of its namesake.

The Kawataro Selvedge isn't just about its color; it also features a slubby texture that mirrors the god's scaly skin. This low-tension denim is made on vintage machines, fabric which is becoming increasingly rare, making this a truly special piece. The jeans are a comfortable 14.5oz weight, a great middle-ground for everyday wear, with a clean white and pink selvedge edge and the signature golden-brown chain stitch hems. This is a durable denim that's ready to be broken in and worn hard. Over the years, we've found that green cast denim fades beautifully, and we can't wait to see how these wear over time, aging just like the denim's accompanying wax leather patch.

Beyond the fabric, the folklore of the Kawataro is a tale of its own. This river god loves cucumbers and sumo wrestling, but is also a bit of a trickster, known for getting into all kinds of trouble. One of the more bizarre tales is that they're accused of assaulting humans and removing a mythical organ from their victims. Despite their strange habits, the Kawataro has a secret weakness: a water-filled plate on its head. If you bow politely he will bow back and when the water spills out, the god becomes powerless. However, this story was likely a way to teach children to be respectful and careful near rivers.

The Kawataro Selvedge is available in several fits: Super Guy, Weird Guy, Easy Guy, and True Guy. A denim jacket will be released at a later date. This is a rare, low tension green cast denim that's not to be missed.