Orslow
Japan
Orslow is a Japanese heritage clothing brand founded in 2005 by Ichiro Nakatsu, a vintage clothing collector. It is known for denim and workwear that reinterpret American military and outdoor garments, with most production in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture. No parent group could be verified.
| Founded | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Ichiro Nakatsu |
| Based | Nishinomiya, near Osaka, Japan |
| Production | Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture |
| Segment | Denim and casualwear |
| Website | orslow.com |
What is Orslow?
Orslow is a Japanese clothing brand built around denim, workwear and reproductions of mid-century American and military garments. According to Heddels, it was founded in 2005 by Ichiro Nakatsu, who is described as a vintage clothing collector with an archive of American denim, military, outdoors and workwear pieces. Nakatsu's home and office are reported to be in Nishinomiya, near Osaka.
History
The brand grew out of Nakatsu's collecting. Heddels reports that his interest in denim goes back to dungarees his mother bought him as a child in Osaka, later found to be made from 1960s Cone Mills selvedge denim. He also frequented America-Mura, the American Village district of Osaka, where he collected clothing. That archive became the reference library for the label's designs.
Products and positioning
Orslow is positioned in the premium end of Japanese heritage fashion. Its core is denim, but the range extends to military-inspired outerwear and shirts. Examples named by Heddels include:
- 105 Jeans (Two Year Wash): a relaxed straight-leg jean in 13oz selvedge denim, described as the brand's answer to mid-century 501s.
- US Navy Salvage Hooded Parka: a lightweight denim piece based on the WWII US Navy Gunner Smock.
- US Army Fatigue Shirt and Pants: made from Japanese sateen cotton and based on the OG-107 fatigue shirt, with slim and vintage fits.
Most garments are reported to be made in Kurashiki, in Okayama Prefecture, on vintage Reece, Singer and Union Special sewing machines. This pairing of old machinery and archive-led patterns is central to how the brand presents itself.
Business model and distribution
Public sources on Orslow's commercial structure are limited. Heddels notes that retailers such as The Bureau have commissioned exclusive pieces, including a Climbing Pant, Mill Pant and Service Pant, which indicates a wholesale and collaboration channel alongside the brand's own online presence. Store counts, revenue and ownership were not found in the sources consulted.
Why it matters
Orslow is one of the Japanese labels that helped define the global reputation of Japanese selvedge denim and reproduction workwear, a niche that depends on craft, archive knowledge and limited runs rather than scale.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Orslow from?
Orslow is a Japanese brand. Its founder Ichiro Nakatsu is based in Nishinomiya near Osaka, and most garments are reported to be made in Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture.
Who founded Orslow?
Orslow was founded in 2005 by Ichiro Nakatsu, a vintage clothing collector whose archive of American denim, military and workwear garments informs the designs.