CANTON DENIM

Originally established in 1899 as Canton Cotton Mills in Atlanta Georgia, the company was the first to supply premium denim fabric to Japan, leading to the country’s first domestic jeans brand, then known only as Canton. In 1963, Canton produced the very first pair of jeans made in Japan creating jeans that rivalled those made in the U.S.

In 2008 the brand was relaunched as Canton Overalls and continues to uphold the legacy of Japanese denim craftsmanship.

The MHL. collaboration with Canton Overalls began in 2013. The denim we use is rope dyed, a method that involves twisting warp yarns into a rope and repeatedly dipping them in an indigo dye bath, allowing the dye to only colour the outside of the yarn. This process creates a characteristic "ring-dyed" yarn, which over time results in the distinctive faded character that denim is known for, as the white core of the yarn is revealed. 

All our jeans are pre-washed, and we use two qualities of denim –

• Denim Twill – a heavier13.25oz denim woven on a traditional shuttle loom. It is selvedge, but the selvedge is not visible
  on all styles due to the pattern. Currently our Worker and Tapered styles have a visible selvedge.
• Lightweight Denim – a 9oz denim woven on an air jet loom. The warp yarn contains nep yarn giving a lightly slubbed finish that will become more visible over time.

Due to the dying process, during initial wear there is a higher risk of colour transfer onto skin, and light-coloured garments and surfaces if exposed to damp or friction. 

To best care for Canton denim –

• We advise to washing the garment before any making any alterations to the length.
• Wash garments as little as possible. Use brush or clean cloth to remove any dirt and hang up to air and refresh them by putting freezing for 48 hours to help eliminate odours.
• When washing for the first time, turn the garment inside out and wash
  separately on a cold cycle and slow spin. You can use a gentle detergent, but we advise not to use a fabric softener.
• For subsequent washes, avoid overfilling the washing machine to prevent friction, which can cause excessive dye fade and crease lines.
• Thoroughly flatten the garment before drying. Dry inside out to avoid potential fading.
• Do not leave wet or soaking for long periods.
• Do not tumble dry.
• Store separately from light-coloured items to prevent colour transfer.