What UES is known for

Osaka-based Japanese workwear and denim label; the manufacturer began as a 1967 babywear maker, relaunched its heavyweight denim and tee line under designer Chuji Matsumoto, opened a Kobe flagship in 1997, and has been based in Osaka since 2014.

UES's corporate roots go back to 1967, when the company began as a manufacturer of baby clothing in Japan. It was later redirected toward heavyweight denim and workwear by designer Chuji Matsumoto, whose name for the line - UES - reportedly derives from 'waste,' reflecting his stated intent that garments be worn hard and used up rather than treated precious. The brand opened its first dedicated flagship store in Kobe in 1997 and has been headquartered in Osaka since 2014. UES works with Japanese mills that still run vintage shuttle looms, producing selvedge denim and heavyweight jersey tees using older, slower production methods.