Jeans to wear with your flight jackets ...

[33-1729]

Just ordered me a pair of these Lee Japan 1948 beauties! Love that yellow stitching! Can't wait to get them!


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How do you like the Lee Japan denim?

I got a recent pair of 1955 LVC and noticed the Japanese denim is sourced from Kaihara Mills and they’re now made in Bulgaria. I understand Lee Japan denim can be sourced from the same Kaihara Mills, but I can’t reasonably compare the denim as they have right hand twill versus left hand twill, differing weights et al. Can you compare the Lee Japan fit to 1947 LVC’s (Turkish or the earlier USA made)?

 

[33-1729]

I wasn’t certain the denim “Triscuit” slubby texture of the 18oz Pure Blue Jeans (PBJ) was going to grow on me, but I must admit they’ve become one of my favorites (post #23 above). With that in mind I just got another pair of low tension slubby jeans. They’re not as crazy slubby as the PBJ, but I’m looking forward to find out how they do.

 

[bn1966]

Heavy denim early loose fit by Pike Bros here..made in Turkey

 

[33-1729]

Heavy denim early loose fit by Pike Bros here..made in Turkey

Thanks. Yes, I’ve heard they are good, serviceable jeans though the denimheads I know don’t speak about them. They’re really focused on the fabrics (such as slub), dramatic fades, incredible construction level, details, etc. And I must admit going down the same road. Isn’t it amazing how the simplest of items, like pants, can be made into such a complicated hobby with so many paths?

 

[Cocker]

Heavy denim early loose fit by Pike Bros here..made in Turkey

Exactly what I wore today, PB 1936 Chopper pants:

 

[33-1729]

Exactly what I wore today, PB 1936 Chopper pants:

You absolutely nail the "serviceable" look. The A-2 is a nice touch too. PB needs to put you in their ad campaign.

 

[PADDY_M]

Ken at Aero was selling off Lees and Levis (including raw denim 501s ) for between £20 (GBP) & £35. Aero sale day!

 

[stanier]

How do you like the Lee Japan denim?

I got a recent pair of 1955 LVC and noticed the Japanese denim is sourced from Kaihara Mills and they’re now made in Bulgaria. I understand Lee Japan denim can be sourced from the same Kaihara Mills, but I can’t reasonably compare the denim as they have right hand twill versus left hand twill, differing weights et al. Can you compare the Lee Japan fit to 1947 LVC’s (Turkish or the earlier USA made)?

The '48 Lee's I got are stunning in every way. In honesty I don't know where Lee sourced the denim, but its beautiful, dark indigo and very slubby and the yellow thread really looks fantastic. All the details are finished beautifully from the rayon labels to the lined back pockets and superbly finished rivets.

LVC Japan is infinitely superior the the EU / US stuff, but sadly almost impossible to source now.

 

[Thomas Koehle]

Exactly what I wore today, PB 1936 Chopper pants:

Sharp lookin’ man ...

Seems you still love your USN boots

 

[Cocker]

Sharp lookin’ man ...

Seems you still love your USN boots

I most certainly do! Wear 'em on a daily basis almost, when it's not too hot. They're comfortable and tough.

You absolutely nail the "serviceable" look. The A-2 is a nice touch too. PB needs to put you in their ad campaign.

Thanks, good sir! Now I'm counting on you to go tell it to PB...

 

[Grant]

Fair warning Paddy, the Lee Europe that Aero mostly offers on their site these days doesn't come close to the Lee Archive Japan denim. They still offer two types of the Lee Archive Japan, but in limited sizes.

 

[stanier]

All ready for the first proper wearing out today of my Lee Japan ‘48’s to see a great band tonight.

And yes there’s a combo going on here of my short legs, love of a decent cuff / turnup and wanting to show some engineer boot buckle. Turn up and show some selvedge Cats!

 

[Carl]

Where did you get the belt !!

 

[Thomas Koehle]

All ready for the first proper wearing out today of my Lee Japan ‘48’s to see a great band tonight.

And yes there’s a combo going on here of my short legs, love of a decent cuff / turnup and wanting to show some engineer boot buckle. Turn up and show some selvedge Cats!

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That belt!

Simply awesome!

 

[Bombing IP]

Thomas here is a company I can recommend that makes custom belts and ships overseas ,and has a nice blog .

http://warpathleathergoods.blogspot.com/2017/p/miscellaneous.html

All the best Jeff

 

[Grant]

Stanier,
Those '48 Lee Japan's will break in and fade beautifully! Here's my old '32 Lee Japan denim after many years of wear.

 

[stanier]

Hi guys, thank you for the compliments about the belt. I’d love to say I picked it up in America somewhere, but I got it from Ace Western belts in Japan. They are high priced but imho much better done than any of the cheaper options I’ve seen. I’ve had mine about 5 years now and is my go to belt for vintage denim. It is a style no 100 early and is a reproduction of a Montgomery 1930’s design.

There’s a link to their page here http://acewesternbelts.cart.fc2.com/

And an interview with Ace Western here https://medium.com/@grade_co/son-of-the-golden-west-interview-with-ace-western-belts-e66d49a7e0de

Cheers

Chris

 

[stanier]

Stanier,
Those '48 Lee Japan's will break in and fade beautifully! Here's my old '32 Lee Japan denim after many years of wear.

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Beautiful fades Grant, really very nice. Vintage Lee from Japan is lovely. I really enjoyed wearing the ‘48’s yesterday. I’ll be getting some more pairs without doubt!

I do have a question about the sizing tag hanging out of the edge seam on the waist on a small piece of white cloth. Should I leave it there or cut it off?

 

[Grant]

Hey Chris,
I've both cut them out, and left them on, tucking it under the belt or waist. I know I'm a denim freak, but I appreciate the lengths they went to in reproducing the exact weave of these tags compared to originals. Here's the tag on my old '47 Lees.

 

[stanier]

Hey Chris,
I've both cut them out, and left them on, tucking it under the belt or waist. I know I'm a denim freak, but I appreciate the lengths they went to in reproducing the exact weave of these tags compared to originals. Here's the tag on my old '47 Lees.

View attachment 24472

Hi Grant, yes I’ve left mine on and tuck it in or under the belt. But my wife told me I’ve left a tag on when it pulls out!