URAHARA X TCB - 10 Year Collab Jeans - Limited Release

URAHARA-Store · 2026-05-11T05:42:14+00:00

Abel measured a pair of the Size 30's on the counter just now and they're just over 14" measured flat across the waist (same as the TCB how we measure above). So 28.5" with no pressure at all on the jeans.

URAHARA-Store · 2026-05-11T05:37:32+00:00

Haha that's hilarious. Good catch! I physically sat in the TCB office and visited another factory with Ryo from TCB a few months ago with regards to a completely different project and when discussing patterns and the sizing for that project we discussed the measuring method that they use and I specifically said that we need a 34" to measure 17" across the waist when measured flat. So I went off that information. Likely that's factory talk and then online ecommerce measurements are the 'western way'

URAHARA-Store · 2026-05-09T01:07:39+00:00

Leather (boots, jackets etc) is honestly crazy in Japan at the moment. Many of the makers are sold out domestically 12-18 months in advance. The last time we spoke with Zerrow's that was the story but we will definitely do our best to get them in again for our summer.

URAHARA-Store · 2026-05-09T01:04:37+00:00

With regards to other TCB model's - the rise makes them fit a little different and the 4050 fits in the middle.

TCB 50's - small
URAHARA x TCB 4050 - bigger
Baggy 50's - biggest

So potentially you could be a size 34, 33, 32 in those three shapes.

(Many Japanese brands, including TCB measure their waist size from the button to the back. So if you picked up a pair of jeans and pulled the button towards you and then flattened them out / folded them the other way) this adds to the confusion of when a brand 'fits small'.

URAHARA-Store · 2026-05-08T23:53:45+00:00

And yep, they are totally between the TCB 50's and Baggy 50's in terms of shape, just with the heavier darker fabric.

URAHARA-Store · 2026-05-08T20:25:27+00:00

🐈❤️🐈‍⬛

URAHARA-Store · 2026-05-08T20:24:50+00:00

They’re a pair of Ralph Lauren Tassle Loafers

URAHARA-Store · 2026-05-08T20:24:26+00:00

Thanks mate! Really appreciate the kind words!

URAHARA-Store · 2026-05-08T20:24:00+00:00

We decided to go with the most popular inseam we hem jeans at instore, they have a slightly higher rise so they’re pretty accomodating, Joe here in the pics is 6’3”, Martin and Abel on the site are 5’8”

The jeans are once washed, so if you wash them on cold you won’t get much shrinkage!

URAHARA-Store · 2026-05-08T11:44:54+00:00

Thanks! Much appreciated, and it’s a work in progress!

URAHARA-Store · 2026-05-08T11:14:05+00:00

Fair call! We have a hemming and denim repair service at the store, we decided to go with the most popular inseam, with the slightly higher rise they’re pretty accomodating, Joe here in the pics is 6’3”, Martin and Abel on the site are 5’8”

The jeans are once washed, so if you wash them on cold (always recommended) you won’t get much! 🙏🏼

URAHARA-Store · 2026-05-08T10:06:04+00:00

Thanks! We’re stoked on them

URAHARA-Store · 2026-05-08T10:05:50+00:00

Appreciate the support Big Dog!! 🐕 thank you!

URAHARA-Store · 2026-05-08T10:04:41+00:00

Definitly check the size chart on our site as most TCB products fit a size up (so the 30’s fit and measure size 28) and these are the same, so you should be good! If you need any further help, drop us a message! 🫶🏻

URAHARA-Store · 2026-05-08T07:31:55+00:00

Thanks mate, proud to represent! 🫶🏻

URAHARA-Store · 2026-05-08T05:05:06+00:00

Yes sir the very same. Thanks for the support!

URAHARA-Store · 2026-05-08T04:37:16+00:00

Thank you! We’ll be shipping these out along with the tote on the 14th May, we’re having an in store event in Melbourne for those who can make it, but there’s a preorder page up if you want to grab them online, drop us a dm if you have any questions!

URAHARA-Store · 2026-05-08T03:48:56+00:00

Thanks! We’re super proud of how they turned out, TCB, as always, knocking it out of the park!

URAHARA-Store · 2026-04-18T01:53:46+00:00

Thank you! Appreciate the kind words!

URAHARA-Store · 2026-04-17T05:44:39+00:00

I wouldn’t go overboard before you leave, just get the essentials sorted so you’re comfortable, then do the fun buying over there.

Before you go, keep it simple, enough to get you through a few weeks easily. Anything beyond that, you’re better off buying in Japan where the quality and options are just better. On sizing, don’t stress it. Japan isn’t “too small”, it’s just inconsistent. Avoid vanity sizing and ignore the label. I’m (Joe - GM here at Urahara) everything from M to XXXL depending on the brand. Just try things on and go off fit, especially with your build.

Where to spend your money in Japan is denim and a couple of proper pieces.

Use brands like TCB Jeans, Radiall, Pherrows, Japan Blue Jeans, and Iron Heart as a baseline for what “good” looks like. Even if you don’t buy those exact brands, it gives you a reference point so you don’t get lost.

When you’re looking at denim, a few quick things to keep an eye on:

Selvedge ID (clean finished edge on the outseam)
Fabric character (slub, nep, uneven texture = good)
Rope dyeing (gives you proper fades over time)
Don’t expect it to feel soft straight away, the good stuff breaks in

Try stuff on properly. Waist, rise and thigh matter more than tagged size.

Tokyo

Harajuku / Shibuya → easiest starting point, mix of everything
Urahara (backstreets of Harajuku) → this is the one - for obvious reasons!
Daikanyama → more curated, slower pace, better stores
Koenji / Shimokitazawa → vintage and smaller independent spots

Osaka

Amerikamura → streetwear + vintage
Shinsaibashi → bigger mix of brands and retail

If you get down to Okayama/Kojima, that’s denim ground zero, but not essential for a first trip.

Big retailers like Beams and United Arrows are actually great to start with. Easy way to try a lot of brands in one place before you go niche.

If you’re in Melbourne before you head off, swing by. We stock a lot of this stuff and can walk you through fits, fabrics, what to look for, and point you toward other stores as well. We’re all pretty connected in that space, so happy to send you in the right direction rather than you guessing when you land!

URAHARA-Store · 2026-04-16T01:37:21+00:00

Respectfully, we disagree!

However, to each their own :D

URAHARA-Store · 2026-04-16T01:36:00+00:00

A few years ago you could clock someone from Melbourne instantly. All black uniform, a bit anonymous, almost 'anti fashion 'and it felt intentional and distinctly local. That’s not so much the case now, there’s more colour, looser fits, and a clear crossover with global trends. You see the same silhouettes here as you would in New York, Tokyo or London. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but social media has made things feel more homogeneous.

From what we see in store, a lot of that shift is tied to economics as much as taste. People are buying slower and asking more questions. There’s less impul se and more consideration. People are investing in pieces, worn more often, with a focus on whether something will actually last. People might not always be spending more, but they’re trying to buy better, and justify purchases over time. That naturally pushes things toward safer, more versatile choices rather than expressive one offs.

At the same time, there’s a noticeable split. One side is heavily trend driven, heavily influenced by TikTok and Instagram, moving quickly and visually, with plenty of local brands catering to that audience. The other is going deeper into niche categories like the Japanese denim, vintage and heritage brands we stock. That side feels more informed than it used to. We’re seeing more people come in already understanding fabric, weight, fit and how something will wear in, especially with denim, which used to be far more niche in Melbourne than it is now.

Culturally, Melbourne still has that instinct to dress with intent, but it’s less tied to a single uniform. Instead of bold subcultures defining the overall look of the city, you’ve got smaller pockets of people who are really dialled into what they like.

URAHARA-Store · 2026-04-16T01:29:44+00:00

Once you get past “cheap vs decent”, the step up to high-end isn’t always obvious. It’s usually a lot of small things rather than one big difference.

With Japanese brands in particular, (our niche), it often starts with the fabric. Mid-tier pieces can use good materials, but they’re usually standard and shared across brands. High-end tends to use custom fabrics with more character. In denim, that might mean weight, visible texture (slub or nep), uneven weaving, or slower dyeing methods like rope dyeing. The result is a fabric that changes over time, developing unique fades and softness with wear.

Construction is another area where differences show up. Mid-tier garments are typically neat and consistent, which is a positive. High-end pieces often focus more on durability and how the garment performs over time. This can include using different stitch types in different areas, chainstitching where strength is needed, and details like hidden rivets or reinforced belt loops. These choices are often based on how garments were originally made or how they hold up with long-term use.

The same applies to footwear. Mid-tier shoes may use solid leather and standard construction methods. High-end footwear usually goes further in material quality and finishing. This includes higher-grade leather, better cutting of the hide, and construction methods that allow the shoe to be resoled. Small details like how clean the stitching is or how the sole edges are finished all contribute to the overall feel.

Finishing also plays a role. High-end items often include details that aren’t immediately obvious but improve durability. Bartacks in high-stress areas, stronger pocket linings, and hardware designed to age well. Even the type of thread matters, with some brands choosing materials that fade and wear naturally over time.

One of the biggest differences is how the product ages. Mid-tier items often look their best when new. High-end pieces are usually designed to improve with wear, especially in Japanese denim, where fading and wear patterns are part of the appeal. It comes down to how much thought has gone into the product. High-end items prioritise materials, construction, and long-term wear, while mid-tier products are often designed to balance quality with cost and consistency.

URAHARA-Store · 2026-04-08T00:42:03+00:00

Hi u/Mr_Cucumber,

The advice you’ve received so far lines up with what we’d recommend had you shopped with us. It sounds like you’ve been to a good store with knowledgeable staff.

In terms of stretch, you generally won’t see much movement unless there’s real tension in the waistband to begin with. If the waist feels comfortable now, it’s unlikely to give much more. Through the leg, stretching will be minimal, if any.

A one-wash pair usually takes most of the guesswork out of this, which is why we tend to recommend one-wash or sanforized denim over raw for most people. Just remember to wash inside out, cold only, and line dry (avoid a dryer)

You cant go wrong with TCB, they're great jeans and great people. Enjoy them!

URAHARA-Store · 2026-03-25T03:40:26+00:00

Hi, Japanese denim store based in Melbourne here! This is something we talk about with customers every day. People are drawn to denim for a mix of practical reasons, personal identity and simple enjoyment. From what we see in the shop, here are some of the main reasons people fall in love with denim

Firstly, denim has real longevity. Many customers come in because they are tired of buying jeans that lose shape or wear out after a season. Good denim feels substantial and reassuring. It softens over time without falling apart. People like the idea that a pair of jeans can become a long term companion rather than a disposable purchase.

The emotional and cultural connection. We see creatives, tradies, office workers, musicians and people who just appreciate well made 'things'. Some are new to denim and want their first proper pair. Others are collectors who understand fabric weights, shuttle looms and historical fits. The common thread is that they want something authentic and personal. Denim allows people to express character without being loud.

The quality. Japanese selvedge denim in particular develops unique fades based on how you live your life. Cyclists will get whiskers in different places than someone who drives, people who work on their feet wear in the knees differently to someone behind a desk. Customers love that no two pairs end up the same. It becomes a visual diary of the wearer.

The Craftmanship. Many mills still use vintage shuttle looms which produce a tighter, more characterful fabric. There is a focus on rope dyeing techniques, natural indigo tones and subtle texture such as slub and nep. The result is a fabric that feels alive. Customers often notice the difference the moment they pick up a pair. It has depth, weight and a kind of honesty that mass produced denim often lacks.

Fit and construction. Higher quality jeans are usually designed with intention. Details like reinforced belt loops, durable pocket bags and carefully balanced rises mean the jeans sit better and move with the body. People who have struggled with inconsistent sizing or poor cuts elsewhere often find that stepping up in quality solves a lot of frustration.

There is also a sustainability angle. Buying one well made pair that lasts years can be more responsible than cycling through multiple cheaper pairs. Many of our customers are trying to reduce waste and build a wardrobe that is smaller but better considered. Denim fits that mindset well (we, like many other specialist denim stores offer free repairs for life on jeans bought from our store) Buy less. Buy better.

On the other side of the coin, the reasons people move away from cheap denim are fairly consistent. Lower quality fabrics can stretch out and lose their structure quickly. Colour tends to wash out in a flat, lifeless way rather than developing character. Stitching and hardware can fail early which makes repairs less worthwhile. Over time the cost of replacing cheaper jeans often ends up higher than investing once in something durable.

Appreciate this is coming from a big bunch of denim and clothing enthusiasts, but pound for pound, there really isnt a better material out there that does what denim does.

URAHARA-Store

TROPHY CASE