Chimala

Noriko Machida's Chimala, another important Japanese denim company that should be on your radar, is arguably the best-kept secret in the business. Chimala is the last company on this list of the best Japanese denim brands. Japanese apparel brand Chimala creates styles that are reminiscent of old industrial clothes. Only using genuine selvage denim from a Japanese mill, each item is made by regional craftsmen.

Each pair is hand-washed and given distressed treatments, giving them their true individuality. Chimala is renowned for its flawlessly tailored jeans as well as a wide selection of shirting, knits, and other non-denim clothing that is produced using conventional techniques on pre-World War II vintage shuttle looms. Each piece is handcrafted in small amounts at a specialized Japanese workshop using natural fibers and traditional looms.

Chimala is a brand favored by true denim lovers. Only a small number of stores worldwide carry the brand, which creates handcrafted items from fabric that go through a meticulous production and design process. In recent seasons, Chimala has produced some stylish overshirts that have become essential must-haves. Its somewhat oversized shape is ideal for layering and would look fantastic in contrast to indigo denim to create a tonal style.

Founded: 2005

Headquarters: New York, US

Instagram: instagram.com/chimala_nyc (4.8K followers)

Website: http://chimaladesign.com/