Our Story

OrSlow was founded in 2005 by Ichiro Nakatsu in Kobe, Japan, with a simple belief: clothing should be made to last, not to be replaced. Frustrated by the disposable nature of modern fashion, Nakatsu set out to create garments that honor traditional craftsmanship and stand the test of time.

Today, OrSlow is recognized worldwide for producing authentic, heritage-inspired clothing that gets better with age.

Our Philosophy: Slow-Made Clothing

In a world obsessed with fast fashion, OrSlow takes a different path. We produce smaller collections with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every piece meets our exacting standards.

What “slow-made” means to us:

  • Quality over quantity: We’d rather make 100 perfect jackets than 10,000 mediocre ones
  • Timeless design: Our pieces work season after season, year after year
  • Built to last: With proper care, OrSlow garments can last 10+ years, reducing waste and saving you money

We don’t chase trends. We create clothing that remains relevant and beautiful for decades.

Our Inspiration

Every OrSlow piece draws inspiration from vintage workwear, military uniforms, and classic American denim from the 1940s through 1970s.

Specific influences include:

  • 1940s U.S. Navy deck jackets and sailor pants
  • 1950s factory workwear and railroad overalls
  • 1960s Levi’s 501 denim construction and fit
  • Military fatigue pants and field jackets

We study original vintage garments, then recreate them using period-accurate patterns, fabrics, and construction methods. The result is clothing that feels authentic because it is.

How We Make It

Made in Japan
All OrSlow products are manufactured in Japan, primarily in small factories in Okayama and Kobe regions known for exceptional textile production and garment craftsmanship.

Traditional techniques:

  • Selvedge denim woven on vintage shuttle looms from the 1950s and 60s
  • Natural indigo dyeing for authentic color and fading
  • Chain-stitch hemming using antique Union Special machines
  • Hand-finishing on buttons, rivets, and bar tacks

Quality materials:

  • Premium Japanese and American cotton
  • Durable twill, canvas, and chambray fabrics
  • Military-spec hardware and trim
  • Natural materials that age beautifully

Each garment requires significantly more time to produce than mass-market clothing—but that’s exactly the point. You’ll feel the difference the moment you put it on.

What We Make

OrSlow creates a focused collection of wardrobe essentials for men and women, designed to work together and worn for years.

Our signature pieces:

  • Denim: 107 Ivy Fit jeans, 105 Standard Fit jeans, denim jackets
  • Workwear: Fatigue pants, painter pants, coverall jackets
  • Military-inspired: USN deck jackets, field jackets, sailor pants
  • Everyday basics: Chambray shirts, sweatshirts, button-downs

We don’t release dozens of new styles each season. Instead, we refine and perfect our core collection, making small improvements based on wear and feedback.

Why Natural Aging Matters

Unlike clothing designed to look perfect on day one and deteriorate quickly, OrSlow garments are meant to evolve with you.

You’ll notice:

  • Denim develops unique fading patterns based on how you move and live
  • Fabrics soften and conform to your body over time
  • Natural wear creates character, not damage
  • Colors deepen and gain complexity with age

This isn’t a flaw—it’s the beauty of well-made clothing. Your OrSlow pieces become more personal and distinctive the longer you wear them.

Our Commitment to Responsibility

Slow production isn’t just about quality—it’s about respect. Respect for the people who make our clothing, respect for the materials we use, and respect for the planet.

What we prioritize:

  • Fair labor: All factory partners meet Japanese labor standards and treat workers ethically
  • Reduced waste: Small-batch production means less overproduction and excess inventory
  • Longevity over disposability: Durable clothing worn for years has far less environmental impact than cheap clothing replaced every season
  • Repairable design: Our garments can be mended, altered, and repaired to extend their life even further

We believe the most sustainable garment is one you never throw away.

For You

When you choose OrSlow, you’re not just buying clothes—you’re investing in a different approach to fashion.

You’re choosing:

  • Craftsmanship over mass production
  • Timeless style over fleeting trends
  • Quality that lasts over quantity that fades
  • Clothing that tells your story

Whether you’re wearing our 107 jeans on a Saturday morning or our USN jacket on a cool evening, you’re wearing something made with care, designed with purpose, and built to be part of your life for years to come.