Why Japanese Americana Fashion is SO MUCH Effing Better than American | THECASUAL

[@colmcgillveray1010]

I know one of the folk form one of the Scottish families that own a cashmere business. Their sweaters were worn by JFK and were an Ivy League staple. He states that without the Japanese market recognising the quality of the garments and buyers from Japan sourcing them, they would have went under in the 90's.

[@rhino5100]

JFK?

[@bryanflo4500]

Oh wow, what an interesting anecdote. Thanks for sharing, Col!

[@colmcgillveray1010]

@@rhino5100 Ha! Yep, him too! :)

[@HotDilf]

Thank you for sharing Col. I have huge respect and admiration for Scottish cashmere. Is the gentleman you're referring to from William Lockie?

[@hansmemling7605]

I have been hunting for high quality wool at an affordable price for years. Sadly I didn't find much affordable (to me at least) wear. I do however have a wonderful, but small (unfortunately) list of makers that sell 100 percent wool sweaters. Perhaps your folk is on that list.

[@RichRayEML]

A tiny detail, that typically has no effect whatsoever to the wearability or structural integrity of a piece, that I've come to appreciate from the few Japan-made items I've purchased is the absolute lack of any loose thread whatsoever. Every single one has arrived completely pristine. It's just something I've come to expect and often just trim off and clean up myself on other newly-bought clothes from elsewhere.

[@colmcgillveray1010]

Unless it has a chain stich detail!

[@RichRayEML]

@@colmcgillveray1010 That's one thing I didn't specifically elaborate on, but ironically, my pieces from Kapital and other brands that specialize in 'worn' or 'unfinished' looks are just as clean as the minimalist and more formal brands in this department. Aside from the intentional chain stitch runoff, of course.

[@mundie33]

This is why Veilance is so popular. Lots of English brands have this level of attention as well

[@romeoiipunzalan1079]

Except if their denim jeans, or is that deliberate...

[@susanstewart1402]

Japanese are true artisans. They have a deep love and respect for craftsmanship.

[@redbluebae4397]

This is so true

[@marzbitenhaussen]

i lived in japan for 6 years, the clothes I bought even from Amazon japan were way better quality than anything you can find here for the same price, but not only quality, the style the details is second to none, now I usually buy clothes directly from Amazon Japan and ship to US. Japan takes whatever they absorb from the world and they make it x100 better, for example the best hamburger I have ever eaten was in this American style hamburger place in Jiyugaoka Tokyo (Bareburguer)

[@yiddotrenda35]

could you share some brands or links?

[@USandGlobal]

They should of made their country better cause they still have the same gdp since 97😂 while still needing an American military base

[@marzbitenhaussen]

@@USandGlobal that is not the point of these conversation, America is the largest economy in the world no question about this, we are talking about fashion, relative price and quality of goods here

[@Kitajima2]

@@USandGlobal You guys only need another place to park aircraft carriers for sphere of influence. And we get along a lot better with China nowadays. With the un-prosecuted rapes committed by American soldiers, make no mistake, Americans are tolerated, not needed.

[@Kitajima2]

@@USandGlobal Also, if by "growth", you mean valuing Facebook as a trillion dollar company, I think we'll pass

[@m.halcyon5772]

One of the best written and delivered scripts I've seen in a long while; eloquent, interesting, informative, well paced, impressive.

[@czxr_8]

That point you made about Japan not claiming to be originators, I think really helps the titled statement's case. In the west, specifically the US, we seem to always credit famous people as originators. Then a famous brand picks it up and instead of knowing the history and context because celebrity x "originated" it, they don't know where to go from there. "Can't know where you're going, if you don't know where you come from"

[@lekisha48]

Excellent conversation Sir! Japan has always expressed tremendous quality and detail in their tech, fashion and automobiles! As one who lives in america, superior brands like Roland, Yamaha, Toyota and Honda users are everywhere over here. The people of Japan should be applauded for their consistency and continued success in all the goods they skillfully create. It does speak loud when you see americans utilizing more Japanese goods over american goods...they know the quality and attention to detail fully outways the american experience. I like the recognition of their fashion designers too! Considering all the attacks Japan has endured they still bloom and their seniors live very long lives in the 100s! Keep up the great work, thanks for the video!

[@HypeStrike]

Where the Japanese excel is the styling and quality of the classic Americana aesthetic. This brings them to the next level and like you said create something "truly special."

[@JoeyLevenson]

Now, this is my kinda topic! I have had (and still do)several pieces of Japanese denim, but I don’t have the “lifestyle.” I actually lived in Okayama and it was always around. Momotaro, Kojima, Big John, even some Edwin. Japan quality and styling. I have a small collection of American Indian jewelry and I always wear it when I’m in country. Always starts the conversations.

[@JAG214]

This goes deeper then just Classic Americana it tells you aspects of Japanese Culture

[@soniang156]

I have observed this Japanese Americano fashion style in Japan… which I love…and you have articulated that so well. The way they wear the Indian jewelry, the Indian style vest (if I described it correctly), the cowboy boots, denim… vintage America sweaters, military jackets…etc. it’s just soooo cool. I would say personally I love the Japanese Amercano style more 😉because of that Japanese characters in it 😊

[@ke6367]

Great video my man. There are two brands worth mentioning within the amekaji/ Americana community. Buzz rickson and The Real McCoys. Arguably two of the best vintage repro Brands from Japan.

[@ulrickts]

I keep things very basic, but I've been doing my best to grab up secondhand Japanese cottons (sweaters and jeans, especially). The textile weight, feel, and quality is completely on another level than any of the other clothes I have.

[@Sturnburn772]

what such brands and where do you look?

[@ulrickts]

@@Sturnburn772 Naked & Famous Denim (and their shirts). New at Tate & Yoko but I get secondhand on eBay or Poshmark.

[@jn9251]

@@Sturnburn772try looking for vintage/secondhand The Real Mccoys and Warehouse items.

[@blacktokyo]

On point! A well-articulated insight on Japanese Americana fashion. Quality control, attention to detail, fabrics, dedication to their craft, and a true nod to "the old" are some elements that will keep Japan ahead of the game. It has been interesting to see how Japanese Americana has evolved. I remember many of my Japanese friend's fascination with Americana when I was a young Marine in Okinawa in 1981. During the '90s and 2000s, their fascination evolved into devotion. Recently, I had a chance to source Japanese Americana fashion items that were on display last week at the Fashion Week Tokyo 2022 trade show. The quality, detail, and passion of the maker's were on full display.

[@Naminorite]

Nailed it. However it is hard to express Japanese culture and style to non-Japanese or those who live outside of Japan. It is a wonderful place and experiencing it over a period of time allows for the person to truly absorb

[@djmikio]

I'm gonna double down on your insane craftsmanship and quality control point. Just looking at stitching, fabric, and fit, the only gear in my closet that is tailored as well as my off-the-rack Yohji Yamamoto pieces are traditional Italian men's wear such as Canali and Kiton that don't consider fashion at all.

[@phillip_reynolds]

It seems like the Japanese fashion scene just cares more. It’s not all about “fast fashion”.

[@jonaspete]

And loud obnoxious logo put on an overpriced simple t shirt like supreme and street fashion trends.

[@claudelk1719]

This has been ringing true for me during my vacation here. “Refined” is the one word that comes to mind when I think of Japanese

[@nj2mddude205]

The Japanese own J. Press, a traditional men's clothier established in New Haven, CT. more than 100 years ago.

[@origamiXcore]

I’ve thought this for a long time and I’m glad it’s being represented. They also create and rework the wheel in a more effective, efficient and sustainable way.

[@marosuke139]

Ooohh I love the way you brought in the Antwerp influence!!! Can’t agree more!

[@kp.co.6074]

I try to buy any new cloths that is made in America and there’s been a few newer companies that have started making really good stuff but it’s not cheap. Japan is probably the only other origin cloth I’ve bought from, their quality is superb and no one disputes that.

[@melcatuncan9807]

Found out about Japanese Americana fashion a couple years ago reading Clutch magazine.

[@no_guarantees]

I believe another attribute to Japan style is theor inherit stature. It's something about theor height and body proportions that allows them to wear items distinctively. Compare that to the somewhat average westerner where the length is totally different bodily wise.

[@DocBuzzkill]

Great observations. I agree 100%. I would like to add Sweden as a country that has started to interpret Americana in a similar way. Indigofera is making americana/western/native american/workwear designs with an incredible eye on quality and detail. Although it's not manufactured in Sweden, they're having their work made in Portugal with the highest durability and quality. Sweden has for a long time been "little America" and inspired in a cultural way.

[@matthewwelch849]

Great topic! you, sir, have framed the discussion well.

[@themysteriousdomainmoviepalace]

They have a great fashion sense.

[@bigwildonion]

Classic Americana belongs to the whole world. Many thanks to anyone who recognizes quality and artisanship, then works to keep it alive.

[@BudoDave76]

Awesome video! I experienced a of the Japanese Americana while in Japan. The explanation was really helpful, thank you.

[@88thCompany]

😮it’s the first time I watched a video that made total sense to me. Japanese are so passionate abt things that they go beyond its creators. They add their own history, knowledge, perfectionism and PASSION! I learn so much from them and will always learn! The Japanese made me rethink my brand and my love for Americana/militaria. I see things with their eyes now and it’s has been a beautiful trip…and still traveling! They are “nerds” in such a positive way, that the results are just outstanding. Finally, what I appreciate is their respect of the true origins/history of things. If it’s made in the USA, from the 60s, it’s a treasure! Thanks for this video and I subscribed! I have so much more to learn from your videos! Sonia 😊

[@MagashiSaizen]

In a general sense and not just Americana, its hard to tie American fashion to quality control and consistency, America its gotten so hyper focus on pushing out fashion from a purely commercial stance at the cost of not only its quality but also everything else that doesn't get them consistent fast money.

[@winthorpgredig4764]

Intelligent peoples,therefore will recognize quality easily.

[@freshdotdaily]

read "Ametora" by W. David Marx which explains this 100% in a great way.

[@smedlybop]

Surprised David hasn't chimed in on the thread yet. I'lll try emailing him the link....His new book on Culture overall was reviewed on the front page of The New York Times recently.

[@petersullivan3012]

I buy a lot of Japanese Americana, the quality and detail are just a level above anything else. Japan also does British 1960s Mod fashion extremely well too, there's a big Mod/Northern Soul scene there.

[@umyum1895]

Isn't it true that most of the American shuttle looms used to make selvedge denim are now in japan and used by these artisan brands

[@Bowie250Gto]

Woah, surprised to see a clip from Kazuo Hara's "The Emperor's Naked Army Marches on" in the vid!

[@calebgasca]

Overall I would say I agree. However I talked with you in your live streams before Reggie about how frustrating it can be trying to look for americana clothes from Japan with an authentic cut. I think since the Japanese already didn’t fit the body shapes of classic cuts they were okay with changing them. The issues comes then people like me look for true vintage cuts don’t feel satisfied by many Japanese options. Objectively they meet many of the needs and details perfectly. I just often feel disappointed by the change in the cut that often takes place. I feel that cut and pattern is so often neglected since such a large portion of the population( even true fashion fans) all wear the same medium low rise in their pants. This stops the proportions from truly being the same as they truly were back in the day. Specifically a proportioning where the torso is 1/3 of the proportion with the legs being 2/3. I know this is a specific knit pick but for me it’s personally make or break.

[@JvariW]

when i lived in JP this was a constant issue for me and alot of my American friends

[@steampunkvampyre]

I never understand what you are talking about....but........its so damn watchable dude!!!!!

[@chroma-agogo]

There’s a great Japanology episode on Hawaiian shirts and the ways Japan has been involved with them since their inception

[@_JOMOMA]

Great video, but I realized there was no mention of how Japanese Americana also incorporate and have a true appreciation of vintage US Military style boots and Pacific Northwest boots. Such Clinch who is a well sought after boot brand in Japan with their Yaeger boot which is inspired by the U.S. Marine Boondocker boot and their famous engineer boots inspired by what was worn by the likes of Marlon Brando and James Dean. Not to mention Stumptown and other brands getting a license to make their own custom White’s boots which are a famous Pacific Northwest boot brand and made the first and best work and casual boots. All of these are still using the classic designs of the boots, but with a little innovation and constant focus on the craft along with a huge admiration of the past which are great points in your video.

[@126868]

MCS (ex marlboro classics) fan here , and i understand now what the intention of the video was. thank you and BRAVO

[@shnwll1756]

Can you tell me about similar brands to that I only know ababout RRL

[@126868]

@@shnwll1756 i dont really know any other than MCS , i live in greece and we dont have a huge collection of brands . ralph lauren and mcs are reliable clothing brands that lasts for life . mabe in a collection of lacoste for instance try a western style , its not worng to try that .

[@jeromecruz2588]

Ahhh. Just in time. Here we go!

[@choongching]

Also, the japanese deep appreciation to the US military wear, such as from OrSlow, Corona Utility to name a few.

[@yueminwang3551]

The Japanese took a culture and improved it soo much that the originators prefer the Japanese version. As Chinese, this sounds too familiar....

[@zinknot]

I love the Japanese for their quality control. They were the only ones smart enough to buy the old looms for making quality denim.

[@Devananta-Rafiq]

American so called "heritage" brand like Levis, Ralph, Hilfiger, etc. fall into the need of profit rather than prioritizing quality.

[@USandGlobal]

And yet they still dominate meanwhile Japanese is just a knock off😂

[@et4344]

Spot on bro! 👏👍🙇

[@suanchim4147]

Love your shirt!

[@donaldyoung2983]

Craftsmanship!!!!!! Knowledge!!!!!!! Admiration!!!!!!!

[@Noon_00Nz]

Right? A lot of RRL fans are Japanese and Korean. Could you do video related to Ralph Lauren RRL please?

[@investigate711]

def my favorite style of fashion

[@ghostqueen2082]

I love the Japanese attention to detail they are the cutting edge of modern classical fashion; I believe Manga also influences fashion just love their interpretation of period fashion and European styles.quality over quantity in everything they make

[@BadgerBJJ]

This is also why Japan has so many Michelin starred restaurants

[@leebishop7591]

I think it goes both ways in appreciation. How many Americans love asian food, anime and get Chinese and Japanese dragons and characters tattooed. We love Japanese denim and labels. The appreciation and love is mos def reciprocated.

[@USandGlobal]

Yeah but America still dominates

[@therealbs2000]

The answer is pretty obvious...americans do things first better and japanese cultivate better. Different strengths. The pioneer and the gardener.

[@JDMiyagawa]

please do an episode on Hysteric glamour ive been dying for one

[@ericlam3136]

Great episode. I've been telling my Hong Kong friends for years. They always tell me Japan is the design industry leader. When I tell them, when I was in design school, the Japanese students look up to America for inspirations. They need to rethink this model a bit. I'm glad you finally put this out in the open.

[@MNkno]

The thing is, the Japanese students may look up to America for inspirations, BUT ALSO to the Scottish AND to the French AND to ... everything else they can find, without letting go of their own traditions - the complaint I got from Americans in Japan was that Japanese were too stubborn in their insistance that everything in their history was relevant to today. They may not wear the court robes from the 9th~12th century Imperial Japanese court, but the color combinations prescribed for court robes in that period today find their way into their modern color combinations and coordination... not just because their grandmother's dictionary of classical Japanese language had pages and pages of prescribed color combinations and the name for each of them in the back appendix, but because it's a cool idea and great look.

[@ilovedipela]

Always spittin 🙌🙌

[@sergioramirez1693]

Thank you Man, a video i been waiting on you to talk about this more and go more into detail. I just have a hard time getting American pieces from Japan. Like i need a plug man haha.

[@donskidarko]

Amekaji?

[@lordbeaky3496]

Me personally I'm not into fashion at all. But, I heard Japenese fashion brands who got inspired by American fashion brands would fly to America and go into vintage shops de-construct the material and pretty much made their clothes with material much better

[@SUSHI_CHAMPLOO]

Japanese fashion is so fun, but unique to even Japan in the Okinawa fashion. with heavy influence from modern American trends due to the over abundance of young military members. The Ryukyu island take what’s new and hip now and amp it up to the Japanese level. Plus with the tropical hawaiian influence the Okinawa is where to look for new and emerging trends.

[@lauranceboyd6365]

Another interesting thing is that since there’s so many here there’s a ton of “peacocking” where dudes try to have the best fits to pick up girls on the weekends in the southern part of the island.

[@SUSHI_CHAMPLOO]

@@lauranceboyd6365 big facts

[@lazyreuvin]

What an awesome topic to discuss. thank you for sharing these super interesting perspectives on men's fashion. I love Japan's fashion and subcultures and have always wondered what made them so unique when they were clearly borrowing from other cultures and countries. So cool. 👏

[@hohojinyi8282]

Classic is the best

[@winthorpgredig4764]

Thank you Japan,much respect.

[@joesouriyaseng5807]

Thank you for this video 🙏🙏🙏

[@joannwolf4980]

Yes

[@emilyonizuka4698]

I thought this was gonna be about japanese american fashion (as in japanese diaspora living in america) and got excited as a japanese canadian person. this is cool too though.

[@QuickQuips]

I found it hilarious especially in kyoto is how hard it was to get Japanese brand denim especially secondhand. They really love Levi's and the denim jackets there even secondhand could be easily 200k yen.

[@devenscience8894]

I would love a pair or two of the baggy Japanese bibs that I get ads for often, but I'm a tall, big dude, and I'd be something like Asian size 5X, which I never see. haha

[@adambayacal3110]

Yo Reggie, what brand is your button up? Love the style

[@reinhartgregory]

I'm not the biggest fan Fashion, its all trendy and not timeless. However I can definitely say that Japanese people are masters of perfecting almost anything when they put their minds to it. They make the best cars, the best porn, the best swords, the best food, have the hottest women, make the best games, best comics, etc.

[@dotdotdotdotdotdotdottod]

gen z is defintly reviving old americana trends and aesthetics on there own. but japan defintly has taken classic americana and ran with it. plus japanese know how to texturize and layer

[@nny2055]

we love Americana style fashion...and love creation....its simple desuyo...

[@hakimsarray2659]

Your shirt is absolutely awesome, where does it come from?

[@Frank-ro5bp]

There are a LOT of us who have very little interest in Americana from America and only appreciate the Japanese take on Americana. For those fans, there's no point comparing the two.

[@jordinhocharles]

Lol 🙋🏾‍♂️

[@sf2explus184]

Levis recently discontinued their LVC 501 line which were the last real quality denim that fit truely like how denim used to be made in the past. with these 501 quickly dissapearing. i have to say to get that level of detail i have to buy japanese denim. I still think lvc501 straight leg fit better but the japanese wharehouse brand fit pretty close

[@LeadLeftLeon]

Not a workwear person. But I’ll only go Japanese for jeans. Their horsehide leather jackets look great too

[@allflowersintiiime]

hey can you drop the links for the videos you all referenced in this video? Would love to see the Japanese style timeline one!

[@arsm6982]

are those glasses Moscot?

[@tris10dm]

That knowledge you hit us with, about how Japanese source authentic indigenous jewellery, is some real f***ing irony.

[@wealllame]

Why

[@clobberonline6812]

BEST DENIM !!!!! PERIOD !!!

[@worstchoresmadesimple6259]

I am shopping in Japan.

[@krispeekornflex]

I have a question, are the trends and/or styles in Japan are the same for Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Nagoya, Sapporo, etc. or they have different trends and styles altogether?

[@THECASUALco]

Each area has variations but share commonalities. One thing is to consider is that weather is different in those areas leading to different styles. Social media also plays a role as fashion has become smaller as a point of style.

[@lepracybabe]

Can anyone point me in the right direction to purchase some of these goods?

[@monamillions]

I suppose is the distancing that allows them to capture the essential silhouette whilst if you ask an american to do americana, everything just seems normal and you end up with a suit made of a flag thinking "but will they get this is american?"

[@justaordinaryguy]

What's the store at 3:24, please?

[@TheGrifhinx]

The degree of laziness (or lack thereof, in Japan's case), basically

[@CAxALLDAY]

japan for sure does it better and has such expansive choices but there are dope american americana brands not to be overlooked.

[@stormhawk31]

Bro. When I was living in Japan, one thing I most definitely learned is that Japan does EVERYONE'S fashion better than they do; it's not just American fashion. And this goes doubly for the girls! Any fashion you see out there, there's a Japanese person doing it, and doing it better than its native people. Japanese girls do black girls better than black girls, white girls better than white girls, Latinas better than Latinas, Grunge, Hip Hop, 80s, 90s, 2000s, EVERYTHING better than where and with whom it originated. I think it has to do with what I like to call "ganbaru spirit". Whatever the Japanese set their minds to do, they do with excellence. Otherwise, it's not worth doing. And so they boil a style down to its core elements - what makes it what it is - and then they did THAT with dedication and excellence that is virtually unmatched in the world. And in the process, they often actually IMPROVE on people's native styles. Honestly, I understand why you're in Japan if you love fashion. You can find anything there, and find it done WELL. And you'll find endless inspiration for your own style as well. It's a constant feedback loop of sheer excellence and genius. The ONLY problem is, it's not for men MY size. I'm literally twice as big as most Japanese men. When I lived there, I had to order my clothes online from America. But talk about inspiration? DAMN!!!

[@matthewmagda4971]

I just found this channel. I'm not familiar with some of the terminology like Visual Kei. Is there a glossary for this??

[@dreamsOnDemand777]

I have a question...from your video about brand philosophy years ago, When im doing research, what exactly am Im looking to find out about each word?

[@justinarabit]

The Flat Head makes the highest quality loopwheeled shirts! Oh and look at Conners Sewing Factory.

[@JoeyLevenson]

Every time I popped into the FlatHead store in Fukuoka , the staff swarmed me and wear super aggressive trying to sell me stuff. Put me off the brand. Good quality and their other label stuff (can’t remember the name now) were super pricey.

[@charlesteraoka1109]

FACTS

[@dixiecyrus8136]

Always looking for the next best thing🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ yes, no appreciation for the classic or something we'll made.

[@motherfocaccia]

I’ve lived in Japan for nearly a decade and I agree with your assessment. Perhaps you missed the Japanese love for “uniforms”. So the vintage guys would ask themselves “what is the Americana uniform?” And they get redwing boots and selvedge denim and they look great - but it’s treated like glam clothes and not work wear. I’ve often been looked down on by these dudes coz my boots are old or my jeans are worn. I say with love that the Japanese have a poser problem

[@Newtypenewtype]

It's not even a contest really. Heritage American brands have fallen behind due to mass industrialization, and newer startups are trying to catch up (sourcing Japanese fabrics, etc. but the fits are never on point).

[@efk6956]

interesting

[@Reanimator999]

I'm not into fashion, but I love the fact that Japanese have "quality over quantity" mindset on things they buy and make. They appreciate quality over mindless wasteful consumption that US people have. Even their quality used items are in far better quality than brand new cheap knockoffs sold in Ebay and Amazon US, in my opinion.

[@chaptermillion675]

my fathers cody sanderson we do extremely well in japan