Double Front: The Work Detail That Doubles a Pant's Life

An extra layer of cloth across the thighs and knees. It's the least glamorous detail in workwear and one of the smartest — here's why.

Craft & Materials, denim, FabricJosh SirlinJuly 10, 2026double front pants, double knee jeans, workwear detail, double front cords, durable jeans, black bear brandComment

The Denim Jacket: A Century of the Most American Layer

From the boxy first "blouse" to the V-stitched trucker everyone pictures, the denim jacket is a century of American design. Its evolution — and what makes a great one.

denim, Craft & Materials, fabric guide, Fabric Guide, Heritage, Jackets, Style & HeritageJosh SirlinJuly 6, 2026denim jacket history, jean jacket, trucker jacket, type i ii iii denim jacket, selvedge denim jacket, denim jacket guide, black bear brandComment

Japan and Fashion: How a Nation Fell for Americana — and Made It Better

Some of the most American clothing in the world is now made in Japan — and made better. The Ametora story, the mills of Okayama, and Black Bear Brand's decade-long love affair with the country that saved American style.

Culture, Craft & Materials, Craft, Denim, Japan, Japan & Culture, Style & HeritageJosh SirlinJuly 2, 2026Japan, japan american fashion, ametora, japanese denim history, okayama denim, japanese selvedge, how japan saved american style, japanese craftsmanship, black bear brand japanComment

The Embroidered Flower Shirt: From the Aloha Shirt to Made in Japan

From 1930s Hawaii to Japanese needlework, the embroidered flower shirt is summer’s most iconic piece. Ours is wild, fully embroidered, and made in Japan.

Craft, Craft & Materials, JapanJosh SirlinJune 29, 2026embroidered flower shirt, floral shirt, made in Japan shirt, aloha shirt history, summer shirt, mens embroidered shirt, Japanese embroidery, Black Bear BrandComment

The Only Cloth Protected by an Act of Parliament

Handwoven in island homes, dyed in the wool, and guarded by law. I weave with it, and here's why I love it.

Craft & MaterialsJosh SirlinJune 28, 2026Harris Tweed, Outer Hebrides, Orb mark, tweed, virgin wool, Scottish craft, Black Bear BrandComment