Restocking DC4

Slowly but steadily, we're getting new stock in again to cater your Japanese denim needs. It's been two months since the robbery (the investigation is still going on, by the way) and we're getting back on track. Some of the items are already available in the online store.

First up are two Iron Heart items: the slim but extremely heavy (25oz) Devil's Fit. Oh, and prepare yourself for some bruised legs in the first days of wear with these, especially when sizing down. Wearing 25oz cloth is for veteran raw denim fans only.

Another heavy piece is the 12oz "Johnny Cash Works Too" black denim shirt. Naturally, it's a selvage fabric (shown on the gussets and the cuffs) and it sports metal buttons. Available in sizes M - XXL.

Last up is a true eye-catcher: the Toys McCoy C-3 sheepskin vest. This beautifully detailed vest is inspired by pre-WW2 emblems from the US army. Pair it up with a Type II-denim jacket for a classic look.

DC4 featured in Men's File/Clutch Magazine

Japanese magazine Clutch and British magazine Men's File teamed up and created a special edition together. The result is a bi-annual issue, only released in Japan, and we're very proud to have been featured in it! The article is - of course - written in Japanese and features pictures from the store and some Samurai, The Flat Head and our own Iron Heart DC4002 jeans.

A little update: the shop is open

Although most of our stock has been robbed in the night of January 14th, the store at the Torstrasse 95 is open for business. We really appreciate all the kind words and compassion that has been shown to us over the last two weeks.

We're waiting for new stock to arrive from Japan. First up, The Flat Head and Toys McCoy will be restocked as soon as possible - of course we'll keep you updated on the blog and on Facebook. Drop by for a chat, a beer and walk out with a fresh pair of denim. Of course you can also bring us your worn in jeans if they need some fixing or a fresh hem from our Union Special. Please note that the online store is still closed.

See you soon!

We've been robbed.

On Tuesday night the 14th of January around 3 to 5 AM, DC4 has been robbed. Culprits have broken into the store and taken most of the items in our store at the Torstrasse. The police are currently investigating the case.

Important: DC4 stamp 
All the jeans from our store have been stamped 'DC4 Berlin' on one of the inner pockets. If you come across a brand new pair of jeans with this stamp, get in contact with us as soon as possible! Please keep an eye out for any of the goods that might come from our store. Many brands are hardly available outside of Japan, like Toys McCoy and Samurai Jeans.

Help us find stolen items and get a reward!
Do you spot a stolen product on websites like eBay or on a forum? Send the link to contact[at]dc4.de and you'll receive a FREE pair of jeans, and a discount on your next 3 orders.

Don't place online orders until further notice
Naturally, this means that orders placed online cannot be processed right now, we hope for your understanding. The shop will be closed until further notice. We're shocked and outraged about the whole event and can't wait for the criminals to be put to justice.

Schooling up on denim: natural indigo

While most jeans (including most pairs at DC4) are dyed with synthetic indigo, this wasn't always the case. Back in the days natural indigo, harvested from plants like the classic 'Indigofera Tinctoria' or woad ('Isatis Tinctoria'), was the only available option. Natural indigo was widely used countries like Japan, China and India.

Different results
When jeans are dyed with natural indigo, they usually don't fade the way you're used to. Don't expect high contrast lines and noticeable results after just a couple months of wear. Natural dye takes years and years to fade, and the result will be a lot more subtle. A proper dye can hold its colour very well.

Indigo plants
Natural indigo dye can be harvested from different plants, resulting in different shades of indigo. The amount of dips also has influence on the hue. Also notice that natural indigo is usually more 'green cast' instead of the 'red cast' you've seen on synthetic indigo. Sometimes sulphur is added to the dye to make the result a bit darker. Synthetic indigo has been around since the late 19th century, first released by German company BASF.

Jeans dyed with natural indigo at DC4
We just got a pair of 24oz (and a brutal 27oz after soak!) Samurai S5000AI hand-dyed with 100% natural indigo. 'Ai' is Japanese for indigo (藍), but also for love (愛). The S5000AI is a straight cut with a medium rise, and made in a very limited batch.

These Samurai jeans are also hand-dyed. A very time consuming process, but the indigo is able to penetrate deeper into the fibers. Also, the fibers are less agitated because fewer chemicals are involved in the dyeing process.

Natural indigo doesn't come cheap, but you'll have a very special pair of jeans that will take years and years to fade. Samurai Jeans isn't the only brand that makes outstanding jeans with a natural dye though. Studio D'artisan, Momotaro, The Flat Head and Pure Blue Japan are known for their natural indigo jeans too.

Introducing: the DC4 Forum!

We're proud to show you our latest addition: the DC4 Japanese Denim Forum. Discuss anything related to denim, and show off your worn in pairs and collections! Tell us what you think which brands we need to add to our portfolio and share tips 'n tricks about sizing and washing. Of course joining the forum is free. Start posting today!

Sign up for the DC4 Forum »

Denim jackets - a look at the evolution of style

Denim jackets have been around since the late 19th century. The most iconic denim brands have put out several types of denim jackets over the past decades. And just like a classic pair of jeans, like the Levi's 501 or the Lee 101, those jackets have evolved over time. Let's have a look at the archetypes of jean jackets.

Type I
The jacket where it all started. Pleated fronts, one pocket on the left side, and a very typical boxy fit. The earliest models came without a pocket flap, and Levi's iconic red tab wasn't added until 1936. At the back you'll find a cinch to give the jacket a bit of a taper. The model number of these jackets at Levi's is 506XX.

Type II
The successor is called, surprisingly, the 507XX. A pocket was added on the other side and the cinch was replaced with two flaps to adjust the waist. This classic makes up for our personal favourite.

Type III
Now for the most well-known denim jacket style we'll take a look at the Type III, or 557XX. The boxy fit is replaced by a more flattering cut, with two pointed flaps. The Type III is also known as the 'trucker jacket'. It came out in the 1950's for the first time, and it's still made today.

Naturally, DC4 Berlin carries some jackets as well. The Japanese have taken these all-time classics and made their own versions of it. Expect wear and tear like you get on your Japanese jeans - high contrasts, crazy fades and that feeling that every single detail has really been thought through. For instance, check out this Type II jacket by Dry Bones or super-heavy Type III by, who else, Iron Heart. They'll accompany your life for many years to come.

In the coming weeks we're expecting more denim jackets to arrive from Japan by The Flat Head and Samurai Jeans.