The Japan Olive has been one of our most popular and spectacular indigo denim alternatives ever. I think it's plain to see that it not only works brilliantly in denim form but also as the foundation for our vintage workshirt. It's finally here - the Japan Olive Workshirt.
Our work shirts remain one of the truest vintage workwear garments we make, right up there with our selvedge denim. They are intricately constructed right in the USA by a factory that specializes in this style. From the triple need work to the gussets to the chain-stitch run-off, these are painstakingly detailed garments. To us, honoring that effort with special fabric is a must and we searched deeply to find a selvedge denim that would instantly call back to the old-world spirit of this style.
Color is transformative in this selvedge denim and it creates a totally fresh workshirt look. An olive warp is crossed with an even darker olive weft. This creates an intensely rich and earthly color where the light and dark olives play off each other. To us, it has the character of a vintage military inspired fabric. The feel is all raw selvedge -- starched, crisp, and rugged. The perfect base to put your daily wear into.
There are a number of construction details that define our workshirt. The first is ample triple needlework with a classic chain stitch runoff. The triple needle is a specialized stitch not found on a standard button down and that serves as the heart of any good work shirt. Ours gets triple need flat felled yoke and side seams with chain stitched bottoms. We also allow the side seam chain stitch to “runoff” the end giving you three chain stitch ends on each side. We bar tack to ensure the runoff can’t compromise the security of the side seam. The second detail is double chest pockets. We keep ours a bit cleaner, without flaps, but use button closures and double bar tacks in each corner for added strength. The left chest pocket gets the addition of a small pen slot. The third detail is the side hem gussets. It’s a small functional element and looks absolutely great. On our selvedge styles we incorporate the selvedge on the bottom. Finally, we love the chin strap. Ours is small enough to be tasteful while still reminding you of the workwear roots of the garment. We created new custom Corozo buttons specifically for our work shirts. They’re a deep navy shade with a slightly domed top and two holes for securing. Overall, this is one of our most intricately constructed garments and one of the most costly to produce.
For production on these, we're teaming up with a small shop that exclusively sews reproduction workwear for Japanese brands - always above $300 per shirt. Their work is immaculate, and we're excited to be partnering with them.
Our workshirts will be available in our Classic and Slim fits. The main differences in details between our workshirts and our other shirting come down to construction - no back box pleat, and differently shaped side scoops. The Slim fit has a more tailored body as compared to our Classic fit. Chest and waist come in to provide a more fitted option. Details are in our fit guide now.