Momotaro x Flâneurs : 2nd collaboration

A little over a year ago, we had the pleasure of launching our first collaboration: Momotaro X Flâneurs.

This was the first time the Japanese brand teamed up with an independent French store.

This partnership marked the culmination of a long-standing relationship, symbolizing the friendship and collaborative work developed over more than 10 years.

To say the result exceeded our expectations would be an understatement. Just a few days after the initial launch—originally intended as a one-time release—we had to produce a second edition, slightly modified to meet the unexpected demand.

This marked a turning point for the store, thanks to the generosity of Momotaro, but most of all, thanks to the support and enthusiasm of our customers.

Other collaborations followed, including with FOB Factory, Kardo, and Japan Blue.

Building on that experience, we got back to work to imagine what the next chapter of this project could be.

1 / Fabric and Variants:

With the first collaboration centered around denim—the core specialty of Okayama prefecture—we wanted to offer something different this time, especially for those who already owned the first version.

A fabric with character, inspiring ruggedness and suited to a more voluminous cut. We found exactly what we were looking for in fabrics offered by Collect, the parent company and manufacturer of Momotaro and Japan Blue.

Called "Heavy Oxford", this is a 13oz canvas with a highly textured weave. The low-tension weave combined with cotton fibers of varying thickness gives it a unique grain—both soft and rough. The "One Wash" pre-wash process not only sets the size but also brings out all the subtleties of the texture, making it supple from the first wear.

"Heavy Oxford" fabric before washing

"Heavy Oxford" fabric after washing

The great news: this fabric is available in 4 color variants:

- Indigo: traditional rope-dyed indigo

- OD Green: sulfur-dyed in classic military Olive Drab

- Brown: sulfur-dyed in a brown with camel tones

- Natural: undyed, the natural color shows the raw cotton’s nuances and imperfections

2 / Design and Inspiration:

For this second project, we wanted to preserve the overall silhouette from the first collaboration.

A relaxed cut, easy to wear year-round, with a high waist and narrower leg opening to create an oval silhouette, commonly seen in Japanese wardrobes.

Original sketches

This shape was a reinterpretation of a cut already offered by Momotaro, but redesigned at our request and named "Flâneurs Original Fit".

However, using this fit with a completely different material led us to rethink the waistband and the rear structure of the trousers.

We had also received feedback on the elastic waistband, which had no belt loops and was sometimes too loose for those wanting to size up.

Pattern and assembly guidelines

After extensive research and sketches, we opted for a waistband inspired by Japanese Army trousers from WWII.

The offset belt loops at the back allow for a more comfortable and evenly distributed fit around the waist.

The distinctive waistband features a rigid back panel and an extra-long tie belt, allowing for a variety of knot styles (see photos below).

Lastly, the back waistband has a V-shaped notch for comfort and is lined inside with the same jacquard fabric used in the pocket bags, adorned with the Momotaro logo.

Inspiration – WWII Japanese Army Trousers

As with our previous collaboration, the two white "Battle Stripes"—iconic among Momotaro fans—are embroidered (not screen printed) on the right back pocket. This results in a subtler look and adds texture, which will become more pronounced over time with wear and washing.

Back pocket being prepared with embroidery

"Battle Stripes" embroidered with indigo thread

Another signature detail of Momotaro: the inside leg seam is sewn with a chain stitch in pink thread, symbolizing the peach color from the Japanese folk tale. This signature detail is subtle but adds a pop of contrast against the otherwise tone-on-tone stitching.

Signature pink inseam stitching

Final touches: a welted coin pocket was added above the right pocket, along with two small pleats extending from the front belt loops for added comfort.

Coin pocket and comfort pleat

3 / Fit and sizing :

Different types of knots

BROWN

OD GREEN

NATURAL

INDIGO

In the photos, Quentin is 1.74m (5'8.5") tall, weighs 69kg (152lbs), and is wearing size M. He usually wears size 30.

Unlike what one might expect from Japanese brands, we wanted this model to be "true to size", meaning more adapted to our local body shapes, with more standard sizing. So you can choose your usual size, or at least the closest to it, or size up for more comfort and to get a deliberately "loose" silhouette. For a more precise idea, here are the measurements in centimeters: How to measure your jeans.

Size guide:

Discover all the photos of the collection, fabric details, and inspirations on our website.