For sale here is a pair of casual pants from the Spellbound label, another in a long line of Japanese “American casual” brands. That is, Spellbound is strongly influenced by classic American workwear, although they tend to release their interpretations of workwear staples rather than simple re-hashes. As always with these types of labels, production runs are very small, with limited distribution even in Japan. Availability outside of Japan is even tougher, where only a handful of specialists stock them. Quality, however, is quite high. These are definitely painstakingly-made garments, done to a very high standard.
This is Spellbound’s take on the classic khaki chinos. They are 100% cotton and fairly light in weight, ideal for the warmer weather. The is a straight fitting silhouette, pretty straightforward in design but with a few little twists. Pocket formation is a bit different from the classic chinos, where normally they have vertical side pockets, but these pants adapt the five pocket jeans set up and make it a bit different. Front pockets are diagonal, with a coin pocket hidden in the waistband on the right side. Rear pockets have flaps with buttons. All buttons are vegetable ivory, while there is a zipper on the fly.
In all this is a somewhat unassuming design – quality is definitely there, as are the details if you look for them. That is what Spellbound is all about: production runs are intentionally small with minimal advertising, but if you seek it out you can be sure you are getting a high quality, timeless piece. Retail is not cheap, especially outside of Japan, but get it here much more reasonably.
Size is labeled a 32 and fits true. I measure the waist at 32”, inseam at 26”, rise at 10” and opening at the bottom of the leg at 8”. The pants come in lightly used, very good shape with no holes, tears, stains or visible signs of wear. Made in Japan.
Shipping from Japan to anywhere will be $30.