Compelling quality and impeccable design are just a few of the traits with which the Japanese clothing brands enriched the fashion industry. Even though the top Japanese brands are working in the significant traces of Japanese minimalism into their collections, one of the traits that keep reappearing especially with the modern Japanese brands on the market is the fusion of colours, ornate and bright clothing and bold use of patterns, bringing a new form of complexity into Japanese aesthetics.

No wonder, the best fashion trends and modern ideas come from the Land of the Rising Sun. Japanese culture is well known for its impeccable craftsmanship, that influences not only the art industry but, needless to say, the fashion industry from its core.

Let us introduce you to 6 of the best Japanese brands that you can now experience at HANSEN Garment stores! ;

KAPITAL

Starting with a brand that could be used as a perfect representation of modern Japanese clothing, we are going to look at Kapital, a Japanese brand that found its purpose in playful design and over the years managed to build an almost religiously loyal group of merchants and customers. This iconic brand closely works with only 60 retailers around the globe, and HANSEN is one of them.

Kapital, founded in 1984 as a simple manufactory and originally focused solely on denim, elevated their brand in 2000 when they designed their own collection.

Nowadays, expanding their product line as well as the style of their garments, the Hirata family is focusing on perfecting the clothes with traditional sashiko and boro stitching techniques and using natural dyes for their collections.

The vibrant colours and unique patterns can only be created by the most skilful craftsmen. And Kapital is definitely the brand to go for if you want to enrich your outfits with beautiful pieces that combine old-school American style with a modern twist of Japanese craftsmanship, creating unique, yet familiar garments.

One of the most coveted products by Kapital is their stylish bandanas, that literally are the canvas for Kapiral designers to create breathtaking patterns. But Kapital can transform any piece of clothing into an eye-catching marvel. Just have a look at their Hibiscus Ortega Aloha Shirt or the Brush-Camo Alpine Ring Coat made from ripstop fabric that is resistant to ripping or tearing.

MOUNTAIN RESEARCH

A bit edgier style you can experience with Mountain Research, Japanese brand inspired by mountain outdoor clothing. Mountain Research is bringing anarchy- inspired look into your casual outerwear.

The main designer of the brand, Kobayashi Setsunasa decided to narrow his focus on a particular type of clothing and transform the style into casual wear. This successful idea turned the brand into the exact opposite of stereotypical fashion. Their groundbreaking designs dominate Japanese outdoor fashion and rapidly expand all over the world.

We are proud to have the best of Mountain Research in our collection, including treasures like the Fisherman Trousers with multiple pockets, H. P. Padded Utility Vest or Patched Shorts made in traditional Japanese stitching method boro.

To say the least, Mountain Research definitely is one of the most rule-breaking brands you can find on the market right now. Nevertheless, the brave of us love this brand and its unconventional designs.

What makes the brand unique is that while designing the collections, Kobayashi never follows trends. He sources inspiration from his surroundings and action-packed outdoor activities, as well as from the culture of freedom of the 60s and 70s. All this is tied into exceptional designs that completely transform how we experience fashion.

DANTON

Maybe an unexpected result, to see Danton among the top Japanese brands. Despite the long-running history as a French brand, founded as early as 1931, Danton has left behind its 20th-century philosophy and moved on to the new era under the auspices of Boy's Co., Japanese agency looking after several huge clothing manufacturers.

Under the new leadership, Danton has evolved and took on a new dimension. The quality and diversity of their clothing has been only pushed forward, as well as the creative designs that have been enriched by the traditional Japanese craft.

Danton's workwear represents all the qualities of Japanese manufacturing, the precision and detailing, the sense of originality and their capability of transforming simple ideas into creative designs, as a well-known trait of Japanese aesthetics.

As one of our newest additions, HANSEN is proud to bring you unique pieces from Danton, such as Danton Down Proof Light Jacket in two different styles, with rounded collar in a light tan colour or collarless in dark navy. Perfect for spring to summer or summer to autumn transition is Danton's Nylon Taffeta Light Coat in warm camel colour. You can also pick up accessories from the Danton SS20 collection, like Danton Utility Bag made of 100% cotton in dark navy colour.

PAIKAJI

Our last brand is an example that Japanese traditions and lively design can go hand in hand. Jumping from workwear to men's brand that designs more than colourful shirts, even though we believe those are the crown jewel.

Despite the ongoing minimalism trend, traditional Japanese clothing is known for its floral patterns and bright colours. Paikaji is sticking to the traditional process of manufacturing clothes, especially when it comes to the dying technique and tailoring, and on top of that raising the bar a bit higher.

HANSEN is bringing you their vibrant summer shirts that you can check out in our Paikaji collection. Our all-time favourite Floral Short Sleeve Shirt in the combination of minimalistic white, subtle orange and navy blue is just some of the best Paikaji garments we collected for you.

And even though aloha shirts might be a speciality for Paikaji, the brand is so much more than that. They design floral tunics, stalls and expand into women's wear, also summer dresses. The signature pattern, however, makes Paikaji clothing so easily recognizable and compelling.