The ONI Denim 222 “Ishikawadai” is a striking example of traditional Japanese craftsmanship applied to a modern, oversized silhouette. Combining historic production methods with contemporary proportions, this model offers a unique take on heritage denim.

At the core of the fabric is the legendary Ishikawadai spinning machine, a rare piece of equipment dating back to 1953. Operating at a much slower speed than modern machines, it places minimal stress on the cotton fibers, resulting in yarns with a natural, hand-spun character and subtle irregularities. This gives the denim a depth and softness that is difficult to replicate with modern production.

The fabric is made using 6-count yarns spun on the Ishikawadai and woven on vintage shuttle looms from the 1950s, creating a 15oz selvedge denim with a refined yet organic texture. It offers a more understated slub compared to ONI’s heavier fabrics, while still delivering rich character and evolution over time.

Dyed using ONI’s secret indigo recipe, the warp displays a distinctive greencast indigo tone that fades beautifully with wear, developing nuanced highs and lows that highlight the unique structure of the yarn.

The 222 fit is ONI’s widest silhouette—a super wide straight cut with a relaxed rise and a full leg that flows cleanly from hip to hem without taper. Despite its volume, the proportions remain balanced and wearable, making it a standout option for those looking to explore more progressive fits while staying rooted in classic workwear aesthetics.

Fit Notes: This model fits true to size for ONI, meaning the tagged size closely matches the actual waist measurement. Compared to most global American brands, sizing is similar or slightly smaller, so you may take the same size or one size up. As always, we strongly recommend checking our size chart to find your perfect size. The denim is unsanforized but has been one-washed, so no further shrinkage is expected. With regular wear, the waistband will stretch approximately 1 inch, allowing the fit to settle comfortably over time. That said, we don’t recommend sizing down, as starting too tight may cause discomfort and alter the intended fit of the garment.