Ooe-Yofukuten & Co.

[Double 0 Soul]

14 minutes ago, indigoeagle said:

What is the tomodachi tour?

Digital pet from the mid-90s.. everyone gets two weeks to try and keep it alive..

[reallypeacedoff]

I was thinking about going to that. Only $10 for the Saturday afternoon. 

[Broark]

2 hours ago, indigoeagle said:

Looks good.

What is the tomodachi tour?

It was referenced in the recent email from S&S, I think they’re doing a tour around the US and visiting their 3 locations to celebrate their 10 years of working together.
 

@reallypeacedoff let me know if you end up going and are willing to proxy. 

[indigoeagle]

4 hours ago, Broark said:

It was referenced in the recent email from S&S, I think they’re doing a tour around the US and visiting their 3 locations to celebrate their 10 years of working together.
 

@reallypeacedoff let me know if you end up going and are willing to proxy. 

I see. Thanks

So in the US, not in Japan.

I'd be also interested in a pair via proxy.

[reallypeacedoff]

9 hours ago, Broark said:

@reallypeacedoff let me know if you end up going and are willing to proxy. 

 

5 hours ago, indigoeagle said:

I'd be also interested in a pair via proxy.

I'll probably go, so we can work something out if pairs are left.

I see S&S took down the page for the pair that's going up tomorrow...they looked good!

[reallypeacedoff]

Does anyone want to give me a quick rundown of Ooe? Denim used, fit/style codes, etc. Looking more for the last few years for denim/fit but a brief history lesson would be cool. 

[Alec Leamas]

I'd be interested in seeing this - I know next to nothing about them but the brand has drawn my interest a few times recently!

[wmb]

I bought a pair -- I have the last WW model and really like the cut.  Will compare denim when I get these.

 

[julian-wolf]

Do the last 140 pages of the thread really leave that many gaps??

[crownzip]

S&S released the 

14 hours ago, reallypeacedoff said:

 

I'll probably go, so we can work something out if pairs are left.

I see S&S took down the page for the pair that's going up tomorrow...they looked good!

They listed them at 9am PT / noon ET and they're already sold out of most sizes. That was fast!

[shredwin_206]

36 minutes ago, julian-wolf said:

Do the last 140 pages of the thread really leave that many gaps??

I think they’re hoping for a nice infographic similar to what @Duke Mantee made for the Freewheelers cuts. Where it breaks down a quick summary of the models. 

[Double 0 Soul]

Maynard could do a PowerPoint..

[scooby]

No need for that

Theres some great influencer short form content coming down the pipeline!

[beautiful_FrEaK]

We could ask ChatGPT to do a summary 

[Maynard Friedman]

I get perplexity.ai to create all my PowerPoints these days!

[ATWM]

I’m gonna pass but S+S still looked to have the smaller sizes. 

Brief run down

001 - straightish

002 straight with slight taper (60s)

003 - straight (wider hem)

top blocks all pretty similar. 

If you don’t like the top block of one pair for your waist size, time better spent moving on to a different brand most likely, or trying  that size up sloppy waist deal. 

Edited 20 hours ago by ATWM

[MJF9]

54 minutes ago, Maynard Friedman said:

I get perplexity.ai to create all my PowerPoints these days!

... how did perplexity.ai do?

(PS I had to instruct it to use Sufu as a source as it didn't in it's initial response... pfff)

Ooe Yofukuten is a highly respected Japanese denim brand known for its meticulous reproduction of vintage-inspired jeans and workwear. The brand is run by husband and wife team Ryo and Hiro Ooe, who operate out of a small workshop in Aichi, Japan.

History

Originally starting as a custom denim maker, Ooe Yofukuten gained a strong cult following, eventually transitioning to producing limited-run series of jeans and other products4. The brand has evolved from making well-made but unremarkable jeans to becoming one of the most respected denim makers in the market, known for their quality, fit, and innovative designs.

Denim and Construction

• Ooe Yofukuten uses various denims, including:

  • 13.5oz unsanforized raw denim with grey weft yarns1

  • 10oz duck canvas cloth for certain historical reproductions3

  • 14oz unsanforized broken twill selvedge denim4

• The brand is known for its "time wash" process, a unique aging technique that gives the denim the appearance of deadstock jeans from decades ago4

• Construction details often include:

  • Iron buttons and copper rivets1

  • Hidden back pocket rivets2

  • Period-correct details like unfinished seams and cotton stitching3

Fit and Style Codes

• OA02: Their most popular fit, known for its slim cut with a high rise and gradual taper24

• OA01: A classic straight-leg cut with a medium to high rise1

• S03XX: A new fit inspired by 1940s WWII-era jeans, featuring a high rise and wide straight leg

Notable Products

• 1870s Tailor Made Waist Overalls: High-waisted jeans inspired by 1870s designs3

• OA01XXS Jeans: Collaboration with Standard & Strange, based on mid-century styles1

• 1906 Sleeveless Outing Coat

• The Boss Pants: Made with 12.5oz Khaki Selvedge Duck

According to discussions on Superfuture's Superdenim forum, Ooe Yofukuten is highly regarded in the denim community. The brand has an extensive thread spanning over 130 pages, indicating a strong following among denim enthusiasts56. Forum members consistently praise the brand for its quality, craftsmanship, and comfortable fits.

Ooe Yofukuten's commitment to historical accuracy and vintage-inspired designs has earned it a respected place in the world of artisanal denim. Their attention to detail, from the use of period-correct materials to their unique aging processes, sets them apart in the market.

Citations:

1. https://www.heddels.com/2018/07/ooe-yofukuten-x-standard-strange-oa01xxs-jeans/
2. https://indigoveins.com/ooe-yofukuten-oa02xx/
3. https://www.heddels.com/2019/02/ooe-yofukuten-ducks-1870s-tailor-made-waist-overalls/
4. https://almostvintagestyle.com/2018/02/14/one-man-denim-brand-battle-ooe-yofukuten-x-standard-and-strange-x-1966-time-wash-denim-review/
5. https://supertalk.superfuture.com/topic/64585-ooe-yofukuten-co/page/2/
6. https://supertalk.superfuture.com/topic/64585-ooe-yofukuten-co/page/119/
7. https://denimbmc.com/what-are-historical-reproduction-jeans/
8. https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/s-s-x-ooe-yofukuten-oa-lot-soa03xxd-0823-jeans-1940s-wide-straight-fit-size-36.114195/
9. https://supertalk.superfuture.com/topic/64585-ooe-yofukuten-co/page/124/
10. https://www.heddels.com/brand/ooe-yofukuten/features/
11. https://www.heddels.com/2012/04/raw-denim-in-japan-a-photo-tour-of-ooe-yofukuten/
12. https://almostvintagestyle.com/2020/07/25/ooe-yofukuten-moleskin-cossack-jacket-review/
13. https://www.ironheart.co.uk/forum/topic/424/ooe-yofukuten-co/11
14. https://standardandstrange.com/collections/ooe-yofukuten
15. https://www.reddit.com/r/malefashionadvice/comments/8k55ex/brand_spotlight_ooe_yofukuten/
16. https://supertalk.superfuture.com/topic/64585-ooe-yofukuten-co/page/125/
17. https://supertalk.superfuture.com/topic/160236-ooe-yofukuten-x-ss-official-contest-thread-2016/page/21/
18. https://ironheart.co.uk/forum/topic/424/ooe-yofukuten-co/109?page=2
19. https://supertalk.superfuture.com/topic/134802-ooe-yofukuten-co-denim-contest/
20. https://supertalk.superfuture.com/topic/64585-ooe-yofukuten-co/page/132/
21. https://indigoamateur.com/2021/09/10/the-waist-overall-and-my-ooe-yofuketen-mechanic-overalls/
22. http://mohsinsajid.blogspot.com/2012/06/continuous-fly-by-david-neustadter.html
23. https://standardandstrange.com/products/oa-lot-soa03xxd-0125-jeans-1940s-wide-straight-fit
24. https://almostvintagestyle.com/2019/08/08/the-top-ten-best-denim-brands/
25. https://www.grailed.com/designers/ooe-yofukuten
26. https://supertalk.superfuture.com/topic/64585-ooe-yofukuten-co/page/123/
27. https://supertalk.superfuture.com/topic/64585-ooe-yofukuten-co/page/120/
28. https://supertalk.superfuture.com/topic/64585-ooe-yofukuten-co/page/115/

---

Answer from Perplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai/search/1a7d0e28-e6d3-4a75-8733-46825f4889c6?0=r&login-source=visitorGate&login-new=true&utm_source=copy_output

Edited 20 hours ago by MJF9

[yung_flynn]

33 minutes ago, MJF9 said:

According to discussions on Superfuture's Superdenim forum, Ooe Yofukuten is highly regarded in the denim community. The brand has an extensive thread spanning over 130 pages, indicating a strong following among denim enthusiasts56. Forum members consistently praise the brand for its quality, craftsmanship, and comfortable fits.

Shh... Perplexity.ai is listening

[shredwin_206]

Like @ATWM said the top block can be a bit wonky. I grabbed a couple pairs wanting to dip my toes into some OOE. Found out that I can’t stand the top block. They just collect dust in a drawer. 

[chicote]

@shredwin_206 what’s different about them from other pairs you have, like your fw or sugar canes? I was looking at the new release and thought the top block looked pretty uncomfortable on the s&s model.. but could just be he is wearing them tighter than maybe we would…

[reallypeacedoff]

Perfect, saved me 140 pages!

To add (for more detailed history):

Ooe Yofukuten is a Japanese denim and heritage clothing brand with a rich history rooted in family tradition and a passion for vintage garments. The brand is owned and operated by the husband-and-wife duo Ryo (Ryohei Ooe) and Hiro (Hiroko Ooe).

The Ooe family's connection to clothing craftsmanship dates back to Ryo's grandfather, who was a tailor operating under the family name Ooe. Ryo's father continued the family's manufacturing tradition as a boxmaker.

Ryo initially worked at an engineering firm but harbored a deep passion for vintage clothing. His endless search for the perfect pair of jeans eventually led him to start Ooe Yofukuten with his wife Hiro.

The couple began by producing small-batch denim that they sold in vintage denim markets in Japan. Their success in these markets allowed them to expand production and open their own workshop.

Ooe Yofukuten's workshop is described as a "living sewing museum," featuring an impressive collection of pre-1930s sewing machines. This unique setup allows them to create garments using techniques and equipment from the industrial era, resulting in products that are deeply rooted in historical authenticity.

The brand is known for its meticulous attention to detail, period-correct designs, and exceptional quality. They produce not only jeans but also a wide range of handmade goods including jackets, bags, and accessories.

Ooe Yofukuten has gained a cult following in the denim and heritage clothing community, with their products often selling out quickly due to high demand. Their commitment to craftsmanship, historical accuracy, and quality has positioned them as one of the most respected brands in the Amekaji-heritage world.

[MJF9]

Why the red rep @julian-wolf?? Do you prefer ChatGTP?

I'm only messing around with the above test of perplexity.ai, of course. I'm sceptical - everyone's using AI and I'm seeing loads of rubbish being written, and used, in different settings. Many seem so ecstatic with the time and effort savings, they are indifferent to the inaccuracy and formulaic nature of the output.... that indifference no doubt exacerbated as a result of living in this post-truth era. 

[ATWM]

51 minutes ago, chicote said:

@shredwin_206 what’s different about them from other pairs you have, like your fw or sugar canes? I was looking at the new release and thought the top block looked pretty uncomfortable on the s&s model.. but could just be he is wearing them tighter than maybe we would…

Could be a leap but I think you’re around my waist size(?). I’d think you’ll be aces. 

I wear a 31 in my current pair of 01’s - which translates to an 29 normally, and usually I’m better off with a 30 for thigh clearance in most brands. My 01’s are slim up top, but not in a remarkable way. I actually like the cut, I just know it’s not worked for everyone. My old Mister Freedom lot 64s in 29 are tighter everywhere above the knee. My Warehouse DD1003xx (their looser 46 cut) in 29s are similar feeling up top. I did buy my 003’s in a size 32 because I did want more room ultimately, but that was a while ago and they haven’t touched water. 

I do think S+S models them in a way they wouldn’t be worn, plus that dude is wearing raw sized to fit snugly which you would not do.

Edited 18 hours ago by ATWM

[okimoto]

I'll be at Inspiration both days likely, already spoke with some folks but anyone else that is planning to go, I'd love to connect and try to say hi in person.

[julian-wolf]

24 minutes ago, MJF9 said:

Why the red rep @julian-wolf?? Do you prefer ChatGTP?

Far too big a chunk of the internet already comprises pages primarily populated by and (increasingly) consumed by AI. This adds nothing in the way of original content, and makes it significantly more difficult to filter out trustworthy info when searching. The last thing we need is for real human contributors to begin actively helping add to the noise.

I’m certainly not fundamentally against this style of AI assistant tool. If someone wanted a quick summary of the first 130 pages of this thread without all the banter, the prompts you entered would be a great way to achieve it. The (rather big) problem arises when the output of the AI models gets posted straight back to the same pages that the models are using for training in the first place. Now, in five years, when someone wants to ask their AI assistant to summarize the first 230 pages of this thread, the model isn’t likely to appropriately distinguish between original human-generated content and amalgamated machine-generated content when building its impression. The feedback loop that this generates doesn’t have any happy endings.

Use AI all you want to help with your personal or professional life, but keep whatever it outputs away from any information aggregates like forums or social media. (I know it’s all in good humor and no real harm’s being done, and I hope the neg rep isn’t taken personally—that’s what the rep buttons are for, right?)

Edited 18 hours ago by julian-wolf

[Broark]

Some things I'd like to point out about the AI summaries:
-The 03 cut is not new, but the pair released last year was the first time they had offered it (outside of one Barnstormer pair) in 10+ years.
-I'd argue that they don't use "grey weft yarns" on their jeans, the only pairs that had this was the S&S contest, LHT from years ago and the DB01s from Denim Bruin.
-They only ever used the "time machine" finish on one pair, this isn't something they've used widely.
-The boss pants were also made in a 10 oz. denim.

The problem with a lot of AI summarization tools is that they'll try to pass off bits of interconnected information as undeniable fact, often times without any sense of contextual understanding. This is popularized by the RAGs technique (retrieval augmented generation), interlacing variable sources from across the web. But the downfall is that at the end of the day, ML is just a series of yes / no or 0 / 1 relationships layered on top of linguistic interpretation, and will never be able to fully replicate our own understanding of a niche topic like this. This is all coming from someone who's company is pushing AI garbage down our throats, it's interesting technology but the way people (read: CEOs) are convinced that it'll replace us measly humans is laughable.

[ATWM]

I take the effort heuristic pretty seriously when I recognize AI content in most cases.

That is, I skip right over that shit. It could be 100% accurate (it isn’t, usually), but when a real human isn’t taking the time to make it - it’s just not where I want to put my attention. I mostly encounter this in creative mediums, where AI, to me, has produced a gigaton of positively boring digital nonsense. I try to stay open minded and I know there are practical applications but if I were all that practical I probably wouldn’t be on a denim forum either. There are exceptions but the people I see perpetuating the technology and the places I see it coming from in general do no favors for my attempt at open-mindedness. 

Edited 18 hours ago by ATWM

[MJF9]

^^^ when I said I was only messing around with the AI tool - I meant I was joking around, tongue-in-cheek.... as was my reference to ChatGPT.  Just playing Julian.  

As I said, I see too much rubbish being produced generally.  Many use it at work for stuff they used to use their brain for... fine as an accelerator for output but without the accuracy check, it's lazy.  I've used it twice, ever... funnily enough both here!!

Dear Mods... should the AI banter be moved to the Nonsense thread to avoid clogging up this otherwise fine Ooe thread?

Edited 17 hours ago by MJF9

[julian-wolf]

^ I say we keep the banter spread across as many threads as possible: Make the future AI summarizer bots work to earn their keep!

[ashgiovanni]

Thanks everyone for the helpful info yall; been recently familiarizing myself with Ooe’s products  (I only own one pair of the 02 cut). I’d def be interested in  a pair via proxy as well if anyone is planning to go to Inspiration LA; wish I could attend!