The MIJ17 Chairo No Kitsune Selvedge is a 13.5oz Japanese selvedge denim built around rare materials and traditional dyeing methods. As the 17th edition in the Made in Japan series, this release focuses on depth of color and natural variation, combining Tokushima natural indigo with Foxfibre® organic cotton in a fabric designed to evolve over time.
Tokushima Natural Indigo
The fabric is dyed in Tokushima, on the island of Shikoku, using natural indigo, a process practiced for centuries and recognized as an intangible cultural heritage. Unlike synthetic indigo, Tokushima indigo is made from fermented sukumo. Indigo leaves are cultivated, composted, and aged over time before being used in dye vats, creating a living dye process that requires constant care and expertise.
This method produces a softer, more complex indigo with a subtle earthy cast. Rather than a flat, uniform blue, the color has depth and variation, with a slightly warm tone that sets it apart from modern indigo dyeing.
Foxfibre®: Naturally Brown Cotton
The denim is made from Foxfibre® (FOX-80) organic cotton, developed by Sally Fox. In the 1980s, she revived naturally pigmented cotton by selectively breeding varieties that grow in shades of brown without the need for dyeing.
Unlike conventional cotton, which starts white and is dyed to achieve color, Foxfibre® carries its pigment directly within the fiber. This removes the need for dyeing that portion of the yarn and results in a color that behaves differently over time. Instead of fading, the tone often deepens and warms with wear and washing.
In this fabric, the Foxfibre® brown sits beneath the indigo-dyed yarns, creating a subtle undertone that adds depth. As the denim ages and the indigo begins to wear, this natural brown becomes more visible, contributing to a unique and evolving appearance.
Chairo No Kitsune
In Japanese, “chairo” (茶色) means “tea color,” the standard word for brown, while “kitsune” (狐) means fox. The name reflects the warm brown tone introduced by the Foxfibre® cotton beneath the indigo surface.
Tenpi: Stabilized Without Compromise
To ensure stability while preserving the fabric’s character, the denim undergoes a Tenpi treatment. This process removes shrinkage while maintaining the integrity and texture of the material. The result is a fabric that retains the look and feel of loomstate denim, without the uncertainty typically associated with shrink-to-fit.
Construction & Details
The MIJ17 is finished with classic Made in Japan construction details, including 100% iron buttons and 100% copper rivets. It features an embossed Flower of Carnage logo on a Shinki Hikaku horsehide leather patch, known for its dense grain, rich tone, and exceptional aging properties.
Additional details include two-tone stitching, a maple leaf embroidery on the back pocket, a micro-busted brown selvedge edge that reveals the Foxfibre® cotton, and natural organic cotton pocket bags.
MIJ17: A Limited Edition
Woven and sewn entirely in Japan, the MIJ17 marks the 17th edition in the Made in Japan series. Built around Tokushima natural indigo and Foxfibre® organic cotton, it is a rare and limited release that emphasizes natural materials, traditional processes, and long-term evolution through wear.
Release Information
Releasing May 7th at 11am ET in Weird Guy, Strong Guy, True Guy, and Heritage Jacket
Available at Naked & Famous Denim Montreal, Naked & Famous Denim NYC online and in-store.
