True Japanese Workwear: A Tribute to Toraichi

Workwear.

Heavy duty clothing designed with the most durable materials for physical and manual work in mind.In recent times, it has had its moment in the spotlight as a global style movement. With multiple brands at the helm of the movement, one Japanese brand is a major pillar in the game.

 
 

Founded in 1959, and headquartered in Okayama, Toraichi have been the OG members of the workwear scene. Straight from the source is their yearly "Tobi Catalog" Focused exclusively on their ‘Tobi’ line of workwear. The name derived from “Tobi Shokunin” the high-rise construction and scaffolding tradesmen, hawk-like in their precision translating to their agility and craft.

 
 

Highlighted within the pages; their signature 'Tobi Trousers" are a stand out. Comfortable, free flowing with a wide fit, a tapered cut at the calves [allowing for smooth placement into boots]. The lack of a form-fit may seem like a hazard, but workers swear that the wider-cut work similar to a cat’s whiskers by brushing against obstacles and alerting them to possible dangers, proving a greater degree of safety.

 
 

Complimenting the trousers, are a range of inner and outer tops designed for all seasons. The 2530 series features a carefully developed and patented material that offers deep durability in sweat, wrinkle, dust and stain resistance. The fabric also provides one of the most important details that fully reflects Toraichi's vision by emphasizing not only innovative technical features but reliable functionality that can be trusted time and time again.

Of course, the items aren’t just reserved for the work site, maintaining a cult following among streetwear fans, and even collaborations with big name brands; WTAPS and Blackmeans. Yohji Yamamoto himself is also said to have taken inspiration from the trousers for his own designs.

 
 

The Sabukaru team recognizes that trends come and trends go, but the timelessness of Toraichi workwear is forever.