TYPE333

Hello, this is Nishioka from THIRD PLACE.

 

Today, I'd like to introduce the custom-made slacks that ISSUETHINGS specially created for us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until now, we have strongly recommended "denim," which we are particular about, but the next item we want to propose is "slacks."

We asked ISSUETHINGS to create the ideal slacks for us.

For these finished pants, we requested a fabric image, size pitch, and style that matched our preferences. With Mr. Watanabe's input, they became a completely custom-made item exclusively for THIRD PLACE.

Before delving deeper into this topic, there's something I want to convey.

That is about "trousers" and "slacks."

While "trousers" and "slacks" are often used interchangeably, they generally mean the same thing.

The strict difference is that "trousers" is British English, and "slacks" is American English.

However, in the Japanese fashion industry, "trousers" often refers to "formal pants," while "slacks" refers to "somewhat casual pants."

In today's blog, I will proceed with the discussion of pants based on this definition.

 

 

 

What we had made this time were "slacks."

However, the key point is that they are slacks that retain elements of trousers.

When I first saw ISSUETHINGS' collection, I was struck by the abundance of "trousers." I thought they were very skillful in their use of high-quality materials and their ability to combine a classical feel with modernity, all while maintaining a beautiful tailoring.

I've always had a complex about my height and don't often wear jacket styles, so I rarely chose trousers.

If I were to choose neat pants that suited me, it would be easy slacks with an elastic waistband that blend well with casual styles. This has been my go-to for the past few years.

However, as I've gotten older, I've recently become interested in slightly more streamlined pants.

At that time, when I saw ISSUETHINGS' trousers, they had exactly the vibe I was looking for.

I actually tried on some inline items, and they were really good. However, with the balance of my current style, not everything blended perfectly, and there were still some parts I wasn't used to.

 

So, I wanted an item that firmly retained ISSUETHINGS' elements but also blended a bit more with our current style.

I made this rather selfish request.

When we saw the finished pants, all three of us were deeply moved.

That's because the finished product was even more wonderful than we had imagined.

 

First, the fabric we wanted to choose was a herringbone pattern.

The reason is that it's classic and elegant,not easily swayed by trends, and a pattern that's easy to wear as you age.

And unlike plain fabrics, we wanted something with character.

 

From the several herringbone patterns that Mr. Watanabe proposed, we chose one whose pattern wasn't too prominent when worn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available in two colors: beige and black.

 

For beige, I personally wanted a color that would break away from the mundane, similar to the ecru of WELCOME-RAIN denim.

 

It's bright but not offensive, and versatile enough to blend with both dark tones and colorful items.

 

And for black, since I didn't own any black slacks, I had them made on this occasion.

Its characteristic is that it's more like charcoal than pure black, making it "easy to use" for anyone, I think.

 

We also paid close attention to the fabric thickness, ensuring it's neither too thin nor too thick, so it can be worn comfortably for an extended period throughout the year.

 

 

And here's the silhouette when worn.

While retaining the clean waistline characteristic of trousers, we opted for a relaxed, mid-straight silhouette to give it the casualness of slacks.

We didn't want a wide silhouette like easy slacks, nor did we want overly tapered or slim-straight trousers. It's a delicate balance.

 

 

We also put a lot of thought into the rise, making it slightly deeper, and the width of the thighs.

First, we focused on setting the rise to a depth that would be most comfortable for us to wear in our daily lives, without feeling stressed.

This is based on my own feelings and experience, but as the pants we want to propose are fundamentally "easy-to-wear everyday clothes that can be cherished for a long time," when I imagine the lifestyle of our regular customers, a too-formal fitting might make them think, "These are pants I can only wear on formal occasions."

I didn't want them to feel that way, so we reflected the theme I'm aiming for and the necessary specifications that I understand from talking with our customers into the design.

And because the balance is slightly more streamlined than before, the thigh width has been carefully designed to enhance the appearance of the leg line.

I played sports in my student days, so I have muscular legs and bowlegs. Since I have many complexes that bother me when wearing pants, we created a design that has enough room to conceal the leg lines while still looking moderately streamlined overall.

Ultimately, Mr. Watanabe told me, "This silhouette is the widest pair of pants in ISSUETHINGS' history."

He added, "During production, we adjusted the drape of the fabric several times using actual fabric samples," fully understanding and bringing our specific desires to fruition.

 

 

 

If I were to highlight a key feature of these pants, it would definitely be this part.

 

From the cut-off sections, the interlining and lining fabric peek out, revealing the internal structure of the pants through a cut-off design.

 

This cut-off design, which is used in ISSUETHINGS' 26AW inline shirts and pants, was also incorporated into these custom-made pants.

 

Adding this detail to the design, which was based on the "herringbone" and "everyday wear" concepts we discussed earlier, became the "spice."

 

I'd like you to pay attention to this cut-off in the styling I'll introduce later, but you probably won't notice it from a distance. I really like how it subtly asserts itself when you put your hands in your pockets or tuck in your shirt.

 

Although these were custom-made at our suggestion, we cherished and enjoyed the process, emphasizing the meaning of collaborating with ISSUETHINGS and the expression that such a joint effort allows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next are the "length" and "hem width."

First, regarding the length, if we were looking at it from a trouser perspective, we'd typically want it tailored to ankle length, but for these pants, the image was to wear them casually with a single break.

We prepared three sizes: 1, 2, and 3. Size 1 was made to fit Miura, and Size 2 was made to fit Kubono and Nishioka.

Size 1 is for women between 150cm and early 160cm, or petite men.

Size 2 is for tall women from 165cm to 173cm, or individuals with similar height and body types to myself, Nishioka.

Size 3 is long enough to fit individuals over 175cm, even those exceeding 180cm, comfortably.

Since all three of us are short, we usually have to alter our pants, and we dislike that (laughs). So, we had them made in lengths that wouldn't require alteration for each of us. In a sense, this might have been the part we were most particular about.

 

 

 

 

And for the hem width, it was important that it could accommodate both "sneakers" and "leather shoes" well.

 

Some might wonder why hem width matters, but it's because the hem width can limit the types of shoes that can be paired with the pants.

That affects styling, and since I value "versatility" in my pants, hem width is crucial.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For example, when it comes to my footwear choices, it's something like this.

Rather than low-tech sneakers like Converse, I prefer high-tech sneakers with a classic look, such as ASICS or New Balance. Lately, I've been wearing my 992s a lot again.

When it comes to leather shoes, I love and use JM Weston's Yacht and bbblllaaahhh.

What both of my preferences have in common is that they are relatively bulky shoes, but the hem width was designed to accommodate them "as well."

 

The "as well" implies that the opposite is also perfectly fine.

 

Those who like loafers, and those who prefer low-tech sneakers, can rest assured that these will match well.

 

 

 

 

 

I've talked a lot, but I hope you'll keep our specific details in mind as you look at the styling we'll be sharing from now on.

 

 

 

 

 

I'll be the first one up, Nishioka.

 

 

 

 

 

JERZEES×THIRD PLACE "CREWNECK SWEAT"

 

 

 

First, an update to the classic sweatshirt style.

 

Until now, I've been relentlessly pushing denim with sweatshirts (laughs), but this autumn, I'm all about slacks!

 

The sweatshirt I'm wearing is JERZEES, which I introduced last year. I wore THIRD PLACE's custom sweatshirt again after a long time, and it's still great.

If you already own one, just adding these pants will complete your autumn wardrobe.

 

Sweatshirts are a representative casual item, but they are also a staple of our style, so their affinity was very important.

 

Personally, I recommend pairing gray with beige.

 

 

 

 

de dam foundation "Nepped Cotton Jacket(SUMI)"

 

 

 

 

Earlier, I mentioned that I "don't usually wear jackets," but the new de dam foundation easy jacket that arrived at the store is the item I want most right now. I've fallen in love with it so much...

 

The inner layer is James from Extreme. The relaxed jacket balances well with the beige slacks, creating a simple style that I want to wear this season.

 

 

 

ANOTHER ASPECT for THIRD PLACE "SHIRT 4.0"

MEIAS for THIRD PLACE "SILK CREW NECK PO"

 

 

 

Next up is the black style.

 

I styled it with items we've proposed since 2026, including our custom shirt with Another Aspect and our custom silk knit with MEIAS.

 

It finally all connected here.

 

Since all of these items were created because we genuinely wanted to wear them, I hope you'll enjoy experiencing the cumulative proposals that are characteristic of THIRD PLACE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, what I want to propose is a cardigan style that I've been looking forward to, which I can't talk too loudly about yet.

 

I'll only tell those of you reading the blog, so please keep it a secret.

 

The knit cardigan from Horses, which is scheduled to launch around September 7th (I'll announce it on Instagram once it's confirmed).

 

I hadn't worn a cardigan in years, but I've rediscovered them.

There's a lot I want to say, but I won't go into detail this time, haha.

 

However, I hope it conveys that we'll be proposing this kind of vibe from now on!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, that was a long one.

 

 

Both colors are great, so many of you might be struggling to choose. However, if you're undecided, I highly recommend boldly buying both colors.

 

I believe I've provided enough detail to confidently say that these pants will become an essential item for everyone!

 

 

 

ISSUETHINGS for THIRD PLACE
TYPE333
Color : BEIGE / BLACK
Size : 1 / 2 / 3
¥45,000+TAX

 

 

 

 

The custom pants with ISSUETHINGS will launch in stores on Saturday, September 5th at 1:00 PM.

 

Online sales are scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 6th at 8:00 PM.
(Please note that sales may not proceed depending on stock availability.)

 

 

I've talked a lot, but all three of us have already bought both the beige and black custom slacks and have been wearing them for about a month.

 

Each member will share their thoughts after wearing them.

 

 

So, Kubono's blog post is scheduled for tomorrow.

I'll hand the baton over to him!