FEATURES: By Way of Japan: The Garbstore Showcases the Best of Japanese Menswear for SS25

Japanese menswear has long operated at an intersection of tradition and innovation, balancing heritage craftsmanship with progressive design. For SS25, The Garbstore casts its lens eastward, curating a lineup that highlights some of the most compelling brands currently shaping Japan’s menswear landscape. The selection brings together storied names and emerging labels, each offering a distinct take on modern utility, technical refinement, and understated elegance.

Mizuno, a global force in performance footwear, leads the charge. Founded in Osaka in 1906, the brand's evolution from baseball equipment to high-tech running silhouettes is underpinned by its Wave technology—an innovation that delivers superior cushioning without compromising on structure. Their SS25 output continues in the same vein, offering a blend of functionality and streamlined aesthetics.

Porter Yoshida & Co., established in Tokyo in 1935, extends its reputation for meticulous craftsmanship with a range of luggage that prioritises utility. Its revered TANKER series, inspired by MA-1 flight jackets, exemplifies the label’s ability to merge military influences with everyday practicality. The result is a collection of bags that don’t just carry essentials—they become essentials themselves.

For those attuned to the nuances of wardrobe staples, ROTOTO refines an often-overlooked essential: socks. Manufactured in Japan using carefully selected yarns and intricate knitting techniques, ROTOTO pieces reflect a philosophy where even the most functional garments deserve meticulous attention to detail.

Nanamica, founded by Eiichiro Homma in 2003, continues its mission to create ‘standard wear for the current age.’ With silhouettes rooted in tradition and constructed from technical fabrics like GORE-TEX and COOLMAX, Nanamica’s approach is one of quiet performance—unassuming but undeniably effective.

Farah Japan offers a reinterpretation of the classic casualwear that made the original brand a household name. Drawing from an extensive archive of iconic silhouettes, the label infuses heritage styles with contemporary fits and textiles, ensuring its relevance within Japan’s fast-moving fashion landscape.

Batoner stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Japanese knitwear. What began as a knitwear factory has evolved into a fully-fledged label, producing pieces from wool and cashmere that are designed to last. Supported by artisans and a commitment to refined simplicity, Batoner ensures knitwear remains a cornerstone of the modern wardrobe.

Still By Hand rounds off the selection with a philosophy that prioritises quality over quantity. Rooted in local Japanese production, the label draws from classic European tailoring, reworking silhouettes in fabrics ranging from textured wools to Thinsulate™ Ex-Soft Insulated fabric. The result is a collection that sits at the intersection of craftsmanship and everyday wearability.

Now available in-store and online at The Garbstore, the SS25 selection is a study in Japanese design sensibility. Each brand tells a different story, but collectively they share a commitment to purpose-driven design, where form follows function and nothing is left to chance.