In the 150th anniversary year of 501 jeans, TCB faced a pivotal decision: whether to follow the industry trend of reproducing Levis or embark on a distinctive path. This choice was influenced by a video featuring Viktor Fredback, who unveiled a rare vintage discovery - non-riveted jeans from the era when Levis held the rivet patent. Inspired by this unique piece, TCB decided to create non-riveted jeans during the rivet patent's anniversary year. With Viktor's assistance and the discovery of an antique pair of jeans, the project took shape.
The Good Luck jeans from TCB are a remarkable reproduction of 140-year-old denim. They meticulously replicate various unique features, such as dart stitches for reinforcement, pocket shapes, flat felled seams, and a uniquely faded 2-by-1 fabric. This exclusive pair, the only one under the Good Luck brand, dates back to the late 1870s or early 1880s, evident from several clues, including hand-sewn buttonholes and the absence of rivets due to Levis' patent. TCB's dedication to accuracy extends to replicating dart stitches, which had slight variations in shape and stitch count. The jeans also feature a distinctive back pocket arch shape. TCB collaborated with Viktor to ensure precision in details like belt loops and the cinch strap. They also painstakingly replicated unique features, including the distinct folding of the selvedge part and defects such as loose threads. TCB's exclusive sewing thread was crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring authenticity in color and fading. The jeans boast three-part buttons, uncommon in modern designs, and TCB employed a special washing process to preserve their vintage character. The 9oz fabric, likely Indian cotton, features irregular threads for an authentic vintage look. This outstanding reproduction showcases TCB's commitment to historical accuracy and craftsmanship, all with a touch of good luck!
Like many other TCB jeans, the Good Luck model runs slightly small. In general, we recommend choosing one size larger than your usual, as is common with many Japanese one-wash models. However, as always, we recommend checking the size chart first to find your perfect size. It is unsanforized but one washed, so there will be no shrinkage.
TCB (which stands for Two Cats Brand) is a Japanese label founded in Kojima by Hajime Inoue in 2012. It specializes in reproductions of the classic American denim icons produced from the 1920s to the 1960s. Among his garments, we can find some of the highest-quality reproductions we have ever seen, made in his own workshop on sewing machines more than a hundred years.