Blogs and Articles

Announcing EL Canek’s "Made-to-Order" system We are pleased to introduce our new pre-order system from AW 2024 at EL Canek. This initiative marks a significant advancement in our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, sustainability, and responsible consumption.The Rationale Behind Pre-OrderAt EL Canek, our guiding principle is clear: "Handmake and deliver only what is needed, to those who need it." By adopting a fully made-to-order model, we ensure that each piece in our collection is tailored specifically for you. This approach not only minimizes waste but also supports the preservation and continuation of artisanal craftsmanship. What You Can Expect Customization and Craftsmanship: Our made-to-order system allows for customization, enabling you to own a truly unique piece. Whether it involves a subtle design adjustment or a special request, each item is meticulously crafted to meet the highest standards.Sustainable Practices: Our commitment to sustainability is at the core of our operations. By producing only what is necessary, we minimize our environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. Each piece is created with a focus on quality, durability, and responsible production. Pre-Order Process Overview Delivery Timeline: Upon placing your order, you can expect to receive your item within approximately 4-10 weeks. We prioritize ensuring that each piece meets our rigorous quality standards, which may require additional time for completion.Order Changes: To maintain the integrity of our production process, we are unable to accept changes to a preorder after 48 hours. We encourage you to carefully review our sizing charts prior to placing your order to avoid any discrepancies.Delivery Information:- Delivery dates may vary depending on the item, and while we strive for accuracy, the estimated delivery date may be subject to slight adjustments.- For orders containing multiple items, delivery will be based on the latest item to be completed. We are unable to accommodate requests for individual deliveries within the same order number.- Additionally, we cannot accommodate specific delivery date and time requests for pre-ordered items.A New Chapter in Responsible Fashion Our pre-order system represents a commitment to fostering a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry. By choosing EL Canek, you are not merely purchasing a product but investing in a piece that reflects exceptional craftsmanship and mindful production.We are excited to embark on this journey with you and look forward to delivering pieces that you will value for years to come.For further inquiries regarding the pre-order process, please do not hesitate to contact us. info@elcanek.jp

The Art of Ironing in Denim Making - The Unseen Craftsmanship Greetings to you. As the cherry blossoms beautifully bloom this spring, painting Japan, particularly our town Kurashiki, in breathtaking shades of pink, we invite you to appreciate the meticulous art of denim making. Every piece of clothing we wear is a result of countless hours of meticulous workmanship. In the world of denim making, one process often overlooked is the ironing of the fabric. This seemingly simple task plays a vital role in ensuring the perfect fit and a refined look of each pair of jeans. Fabrics are created by weaving warp and weft threads at right angles. Even though the fibers may seem to be straight vertically and horizontally, they can often be distorted during the manufacturing process or when folded. This is where ironing comes into play. Ironing helps correct these distortions and control shrinkage, smoothing out the fabric for a more beautiful finished product. At our atelier, every single pair of our jeans is meticulously hand-ironed. This is not just to ensure the quality of our final product, but also a testament to our commitment to craftsmanship. It's these details that make our jeans not just a garment, but a work of art.   Your browser does not support our video.

Music and Productivity: Routine in our Jeans Making At EL Canek, our love for music goes hand in hand with our passion for handcrafting jeans. Our president, Mr. Canek, is a true music aficionado, indulging in genres ranging from jazz, R&B, vintage J-pop, to vintage soul music. According to Mr. Canek, listening to good music while working allows him to focus more and be more productive. In fact, we even have record music playing in our store to set the perfect ambiance.   The relationship between music and productivity is a fascinating one. Many studies have shown that listening to music can enhance concentration, improve mood, and boost creativity[^1][^2]. It serves as a powerful tool to create an immersive and inspiring work environment. For our team of skilled artisans, music has become an integral part of our jeans-making routine.   As we meticulously handcraft each pair of jeans, the rhythmic melodies and soulful harmonies guide our hands, infusing our work with passion and artistry. The soothing tunes create a sense of flow, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the creative process. Whether it's the smooth jazz melodies or the vibrant energy of vintage J-pop, the music fuels our imagination and enhances our craftsmanship. We believe that music not only enhances our productivity but also adds a touch of magic to the jeans we create. Just as every song tells a story, every pair of EL Canek jeans carries the essence of the music that accompanied its making. It becomes a harmonious blend of art forms, where the melodies in the air intertwine with the fabric in our hands.   Now, we invite you to be a part of this harmonious journey. We would love to hear your music recommendations for making jeans. Share with us the songs and artists that inspire you, that ignite your creativity, and that make your hands dance as you work on your own projects. Let's create a playlist that celebrates the union of music and craftsmanship.   At EL Canek, we believe that music has the power to elevate our work and enrich our lives. So, let the melodies fill the air as we continue to handcraft our jeans with love, dedication, and the perfect soundtrack.   Stay tuned for more enchanting updates from our brand. Follow us on social media to stay connected with our captivating world of Japanese handmade denim. Happy listening and happy jeans making!   Reference: [^1]:“Don’t Stop the Music,” Please: The Relationship between Music Use at Work, Satisfaction, and Performance Domenico Sanseverino, Andrea Caputo,* Claudio Giovanni Cortese, and Chiara Ghislieri Scott D. Lane, Academic Editor : [ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9855069/ ] [^2]: :The effect of music on creative cognition By Lama Issa [https://www.cornerstonelondon.com/2020/11/01/the-effect-of-music-on-creative-cognition/#:~:text=Ritter ]

The Significance of Record Patch in Denim Jeans Denim jeans have always been more than just a piece of clothing. They carry stories, memories, and a sense of personal history. EL Canek, a handmade unisex denim brand, understands this sentiment and has come up with a unique way to help you create your own personalized jeans. Introducing the Record Patch, a special feature found in every pair of EL Canek denim jeans and coveralls. This patch provides a space where you can engrave significant dates, such as the day of purchase, to mark important milestones in your denim journey. And the best part? It's absolutely free. Why is the Record Patch so special? It's because it allows you to document the evolution of your denim over time. As you wear and cultivate your jeans, you can write down the dates of washing or any thoughts you have at that moment in the RECORD space provided in the front pocket. This creates a personal history that adds depth and character to your denim. EL Canek believes that the changes and experiences your denim goes through should be cherished and celebrated. That's why they offer this engraving service to their valued customers. It's an invitation to leave your mark, to create a garment that tells your unique story. The Record Patch is more than just a decorative element; it's a symbol of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the passion that goes into creating each pair of EL Canek jeans. It's a testament to their commitment to providing you with a truly personalized and meaningful denim experience. So, the next time you slip into your EL Canek denim jeans, take a moment to appreciate the Record Patch and the potential it holds. It's a small feature that can make a big difference, transforming your jeans into a cherished item that reflects your journey.

Care Instructions for EL Canek Denim Products   For those who want to enjoy quick colour fading: Wash the jacket every two months in your home washing machine, without turning it inside out. You can choose to use a laundry net or not.   For those who want to minimize colour fading: Wash the jacket every 2-3 months, turning it inside out and placing it in a laundry net before using your home washing machine.   Proper care is essential to maintain the quality and appearance of your EL Canek denim products. Choose the washing method that aligns with your preference for colour fading, and remember to follow these guidelines to ensure your denim stays in top condition.   エルカネックデニム商品のお手入れの方法について説明させて頂きます。   色落ちをなるべく早く楽しみたい場合: 2ヶ月に一度ジャケットを裏返さずにジャケット単体でご自宅の洗濯機でお洗いください。(ネットに入れるかはどちらでも構いません。)   色落ちをなるべくさせたくない場合: 2-3ヶ月に一度、ジャケットを裏返した後ネットに入れてご自宅の洗濯機でお洗いください。  

The back pocket is reinforced with a patch for durability. Decorative stitching adds style and represents EL Canek. Inspired by gentle waves, the stitch pattern reflects a relaxed atmosphere. The pocket is intentionally stitched on one side for a rugged look. We take pride in these details and our commitment to quality.

Introduction to Japanese Working Culture and Craftsmanship: A Japanese Jeans Brand Perspective - reflecting the interview with @sprouht. picture from Sprouht-YouTube Channel Earlier this year, our founder Kanatani Masayuki had the pleasure of being interviewed by Mr. Will Rossy (sprouht), a content creator and entrepreneur. The interview was released on his YouTube channel (Watch here). Today, we would like to provide you with a more in-depth understanding of our unique working culture and the evolution of craftsmanship in Japanese society. It is widely acknowledged that the issue of overworking and its negative impact is prevalent in our society. We fully understand the significance of this problem and are committed to making improvements in the areas that require attention. The Japanese work reform movement has gained momentum, especially among the younger generation, and we are optimistic about future enhancements. Within our denim brand, Founder Kanatani has dedicated over 30 years of his life to pursuing his passion. Through his unwavering commitment, Japanese craftsmanship has transcended mere labor and evolved into an exquisite art form that represents utmost dedication and skill. We channel our passion into the meticulous creation of handcrafted denim pieces that embody the essence of our brand. Japanese working culture and traditional craftsmanship share values of dedication, attention to detail, and collaboration. While traditional craftsmanship emphasizes hierarchy, Japanese working culture prioritizes teamwork and achieving shared goals. These values have helped establish Japan as a global leader in craftsmanship and innovation. In conclusion, we acknowledge the issue of overwork and excessive working hours in our society and actively participate in work reform efforts. We are encouraged by the progress being made, particularly among the younger generation, and eagerly anticipate further advancements in the near future. Within our denim brand, President Kanatani's three decades of unwavering dedication to his passion exemplify the transformative power of Japanese craftsmanship as a true art form. Through our handcrafted work, we not only express our passion but also contribute to the preservation and promotion of this esteemed tradition.

Okamoto Textile: Where Our Denim Fabric is Made At EL Canek, we take great pride in the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating our handmade jeans. Central to this process is the fabric we use, which is made at Okamoto Textile in Ibara Okayama, Japan. The Production Process Okamoto Textile follows a meticulous production process to create high-quality denim fabric. It all begins with the weaving process, where vertical and horizontal threads are combined to create the fabric. The dyed threads undergo sizing treatment to make them easier to weave. Each thread is carefully passed through a series of droppers, wires, and reeds to ensure smooth movement during the weaving process. There are different types of weaving machines used at Okamoto Textile. The shuttle loom, for example, carries the horizontal threads in a wooden shuttle, while other machines like the rapier loom, air jet loom, water jet loom, and gripper loom utilize different mechanisms to carry the horizontal threads. To ensure the highest quality, Okamoto Textile has made improvements to its shuttle looms. While older looms tend to produce fabric with higher defect rates, Okamoto Textile's shuttle looms have undergone structural improvements to create fabric that meets the current quality standards. The result is fabric with a unique, untreated texture that is not subjected to excessive tension. In addition to shuttle looms, Okamoto Textile also utilizes rapier looms and has a total of 10 shuttle looms and 20 rapier looms in its production facility. These machines enable the production of original and distinctive fabrics. Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail At EL Canek, we believe that the foundation of exceptional jeans lies in the fabric. That's why we have chosen to work with Okamoto Textile, a company that shares our commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail. Every step of the production process, from choosing the fabric to pattern-making to hand-sewing, is carried out with meticulous care and precision. Okamoto Textile's use of vintage machines adds to the uniqueness of the denim fabric we use for our jeans. These machines, known for their quality and reliability, produce fabric that embodies the essence of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Preserving Tradition and Creating the Future The partnership between EL Canek and Okamoto Textile is a testament to our shared values of preserving tradition while embracing innovation. By combining handcrafted techniques with modern manufacturing processes, we create denim fabric that is not only of the highest quality but also tells a story of Japanese craftsmanship and heritage. At EL Canek, we are proud to collaborate with Okamoto Textile and to bring you jeans that are made with love and attention to detail. The fabric from Okamoto Textile forms the foundation of our handmade jeans, and we are excited to share this exceptional fabric with you. Experience the craftsmanship and quality of EL Canek jeans, made with fabric from Okamoto Textile. Step into the future of denim with us and embrace the legacy of Japanese craftsmanship. Find out more about Okamoto Textile

In conclusion, minimalism offers a path to happier and more sustainable lifestyles, and Japanese denim is the perfect fit for a minimalist wardrobe. By embracing the principles of minimalism and curating a wardrobe with a minimal amount of clothes that bring joy, individuals can experience the benefits of a clutter-free, stylish, and environmentally conscious lifestyle. Japanese denim, with its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal, effortlessly integrates into a minimalist wardrobe, adding a touch of elegance and understated sophistication. Discover the timeless charm of Japanese denim and embark on your minimalist fashion journey today.