ONI Denim 222-LWD 12oz Loose Weave Denim Super Wide Straight

With the 222-LWD, ONI Denim once again pushes the boundaries of Japanese denim by pairing its Super Wide Straight fit with an all-new 12oz Loose Weave Denim. Behind its relatively lightweight construction lies a remarkably rich fabric, woven at an exceptionally low tension to preserve the cotton's natural loft. The result is a highly textured denim that feels supple from the very first wear and develops a unique character over time, revealing deep, high-contrast fades with age.

Features

• 100% cotton / 12oz
• One Wash / Pre-washed to eliminate further shrinkage
• Relaxed Super Wide Straight fit
• Exclusive Loose Weave denim
• Traditional indigo rope-dyed warp yarns
• Low-tension Loose Weave construction
• Non-selvedge denim
• Highly textured fabric with a dry hand
• Button fly
• Hidden back pocket rivets
• Reinforced stress points
• Raised belt loops
• Natural leather patch
• Made in Japan

Description

ONI Denim remains one of Japan's most elusive denim makers. Behind the name stands Oishi-san, a master craftsman who has spent more than sixty years developing some of the industry's most distinctive denim fabrics. Eschewing conventional marketing altogether, the brand has neither an official website nor a social media presence, choosing instead to devote its energy entirely to fabric development. This uncompromising philosophy is one of the reasons why ONI remains something of a cult favourite among denim enthusiasts worldwide.

The 12oz Loose Weave Denim showcases another facet of ONI's expertise. Rather than relying on extremely irregular yarns to create texture, the mill focused on the very structure of the fabric itself, weaving it on vintage shuttle looms set to low tension. This method allows the yarns to retain their natural loft while creating more space between them, resulting in a remarkably airy, lively and three-dimensional fabric. Despite weighing just 12oz, the denim offers exceptional visual depth and the dry, rugged hand that has become a hallmark of ONI. Unlike the vast majority of ONI Denim collections, this fabric is intentionally non-selvedge. Rather than being a compromise, this is a deliberate technical choice that allowed the mill to focus entirely on the weave itself, creating a fabric that is softer, airier and exceptionally expressive.

The warp yarns are traditionally rope dyed, allowing the indigo to penetrate only the outer layer of each yarn while leaving the core untouched. As the jeans are worn, the indigo gradually fades along areas of friction, revealing sharp, high-contrast fades. Combined with the open structure of the Loose Weave Denim, this construction allows the fabric to develop even greater depth, texture and character over years of wear.

Fit & Sizing

The 222-LWD features ONI's Super Wide Straight fit, the roomiest silhouette in the brand's lineup. Generous from the hips all the way down to the leg opening, it maintains a clean, straight profile inspired by vintage workwear jeans while delivering a thoroughly contemporary look. Its ample proportions perfectly showcase the natural drape of the Loose Weave Denim. Thanks to the One Wash treatment, the fabric will stretch with wear and return to its original dimensions after washing, with virtually no shrinkage to expect. We nevertheless recommend choosing one size up from your usual size.

Why we selected it

With its 12oz Loose Weave Denim, ONI Denim once again demonstrates its ability to explore territories rarely ventured into by other Japanese denim makers. By deliberately moving away from selvedge construction in favour of a weave engineered to maximise texture, comfort and flexibility, the brand offers a fresh perspective on what premium Japanese denim can be. Combined with the Super Wide Straight fit, this fabric creates a jean that is both exceptionally comfortable and full of character, designed for those seeking a bold silhouette and a fabric that will only become more beautiful with time.