M101S(66) WAIST OVERALL DUCK kinari

Before the word “jeans” existed. BIG JOHN brings the roots of workwear back in natural kinari selvedge.

Inspired by the workwear worn around the 1880s, this model reimagines the WAISTOVERALL — a garment that predates the modern idea of jeans.

At a time when the words “jeans” and “jipang” had not yet come into use, work trousers derived from overalls, worn without the bib and held up with suspenders, were known as waist overalls.

This new model revives that early workwear spirit through the BIG JOHN perspective, combining a classic presence with a balance that feels natural in modern styling.

■ Concept — The origin of jeans, redefined by BIG JOHN
Rugged, honest, and deeply rooted in utility, the WAISTOVERALL represents one of the earliest forms of denim workwear.

BIG JOHN has reconstructed that historical garment with refined materials, careful detailing, and a silhouette designed for today. The result is not simply nostalgic. It is a new classic, made to be worn now and aged over time.

■ Material — American Sea Island Cotton
The material uses rare American Sea Island Cotton, a premium cotton harvested in extremely limited quantities worldwide.

Sea Island Cotton is known for its exceptional fiber length and fine texture, giving the fabric a smooth, supple, and refined hand feel rarely found in standard denim.

Its history reaches far back. Once cultivated only in the West Indies, the Caribbean region, Sea Island Cotton was so highly valued that it was said to have been reserved for the British Royal Family from the late 16th century, with export to other countries restricted.

Later, in the 18th century, it was brought to the Sea Islands of the United States, where it came to be known as Sea Island Cotton.

After devastating damage caused by pests, cultivation came to an end in 1922. Nearly a century later, in 2017, American Sea Island Cotton was revived.

The cotton used for this model is grown in BCI-member fields, with consideration given to traceability through to the final product.

■ Fabric — 13oz natural kinari selvedge
To express the neppy, uneven, and raw character found in denim from the 1880s, this fabric makes generous use of Sea Island Cotton waste fibers.

Woven slowly on vintage shuttle looms, the denim combines a distinctive irregular surface with the supple quality of premium cotton.

Color 66 is finished in kinari, a natural unbleached tone that makes full use of the original color of Sea Island Cotton.

Rather than the sharp brightness of pure white, kinari offers a softer, warmer natural shade. The 13oz selvedge fabric gives the pants just the right amount of weight, structure, and workwear presence.

Clean yet rugged, the natural color brings a lighter expression to classic waist overalls while keeping the honest atmosphere of old workwear.

With wear, the fabric softens, the surface texture becomes more pronounced, and natural puckering and creasing add depth to the garment.

■ Details — Classic waist overall construction
The waist is equipped with suspender buttons, allowing the garment to be worn in a traditional workwear style.

The construction carries the atmosphere of early labor clothing while keeping the overall balance clean and wearable for everyday use.

■ Styling — Natural tone, workwear character
Pair it with a simple T-shirt, chambray shirt, work jacket, or denim jacket for a straightforward vintage-inspired look.

Rolling the hem to reveal the selvedge edge also adds a classic denim detail to the styling. Compared with indigo denim, the kinari color gives the piece a lighter, cleaner, and more understated presence.

Rugged in origin yet refined in texture, this is a waist overall that carries the spirit of 1880s workwear into the present through rare cotton and BIG JOHN craftsmanship.

■ Product Details
• Style No.: M101S
• Product Name: WAISTOVERALL SEA ISLAND
• Color: 66 / Natural Kinari
• Material: 100% cotton
• Fabric: 13oz selvedge denim

*Suspenders are sold separately. Please choose your preferred color from here.

■ Key Features
• BIG JOHN’s modern interpretation of the original waist overall
• Inspired by workwear from around the 1880s
• Made with rare American Sea Island Cotton
• Natural kinari color that highlights the original tone of the cotton
• 13oz selvedge fabric with a balanced weight and texture
• Woven slowly on vintage shuttle looms
• Neppy and irregular fabric surface inspired by early workwear fabrics
• Suspender buttons for classic waist overall styling
• 100% cotton fabric designed to soften and age with wear
• A lighter alternative to indigo denim with authentic workwear character

■ Size Guide (cm)

■ Size Guide (inches)

■ Measuring Guide
For details on how to measure, please refer to the size guide.

■ Notes
Measurements are taken flat. Slight variations may occur.
Due to the nature of natural kinari fabric, cotton particles, neps, and weaving irregularities may be visible on the surface. Please enjoy them as part of the original character of the material.
Shrinkage and changes in texture may occur with wear and washing.
As this is a light-colored product, please be careful of color transfer from dark garments, bags, belts, or accessories.
If stains occur, please treat them promptly and avoid leaving them for a long period of time.
Please wash separately or with similar colors.
Please avoid tumble drying.
The leather label and attached parts may fade, transfer color, or change in texture with wear and washing.
Please check the care label before washing.

■ Out of Stock Items
For sizes currently out of stock, inventory may still be available at our directly managed stores.
Please feel free to contact us for availability or future restock information.
*When contacting us, please include the product style number, color, and size.
Contact us here

• WAISTOVERALL inspired by early 1880s workwear
• BIG JOHN’s modern reconstruction of the roots of jeans
• Made with rare American Sea Island Cotton
• Natural kinari color that highlights the original tone of the cotton
• 13oz selvedge fabric with a balanced texture
• Woven slowly on vintage shuttle looms
• Neppy and irregular surface inspired by early workwear fabrics
• Suspender buttons for classic waist overall styling
• 100% cotton fabric designed to soften and age with wear
• Suspenders sold separately
• A clean yet rugged new classic from BIG JOHN

Before jeans had a name.
Natural kinari selvedge with early workwear character.
A BIG JOHN waist overall made from rare Sea Island Cotton, built to be worn, aged, and made your own.