brand comparison · japanese denim · raw denim · selvedge ·Jun 14, 2026

Warehouse vs Fullcount: Which Osaka Five Selvedge Brand Wins? (2026)

Warehouse & Co and Fullcount are both founding members of the Osaka Five, but they pull in different directions: Warehouse obsesses over faithful vintage reproduction and authentic uneven fades, while Fullcount pioneered soft, comfortable Zimbabwe-cotton selvedge with a cleaner, rounder fade. Choose Warehouse for vintage accuracy and texture, and Fullcount for comfort and a smooth break-in.

Warehouse vs Fullcount: The Overview

The Osaka Five — the group of Osaka brands that launched Japan's vintage-repro denim movement — includes Warehouse, Fullcount, Studio D'Artisan, Denime, and Evisu. Warehouse and Fullcount sit at two ends of the reproduction spectrum. Warehouse painstakingly recreates pre-war and mid-century Levi's down to the yarn irregularity and uneven fades. Fullcount, founded by a former Studio D'Artisan staffer, was the first to use luxurious Zimbabwe cotton, prioritizing softness and wearability.

For US buyers, the decision is about feel versus authenticity: Fullcount is the gentler, comfier ride, Warehouse is the purist's vintage statement.

History and Background

Warehouse & Co was founded in 1995 by the Shiotani brothers, who became obsessed with archiving and reproducing vintage American denim. Their fabrics intentionally replicate the slubby, uneven yarn of old looms, producing textured, vintage-accurate fades.

Fullcount was founded in 1992 by Mikiharu Tsujita, and made history as the first Japanese brand to use Zimbabwe cotton — a long-staple fiber prized for its softness and strength. This gave Fullcount denim a smoother hand and a rounder, cleaner fade than the rougher repro fabrics of its peers. At Japan-Denim.com, we consider both essential pillars of Osaka denim history.

Deep Dive: Head-to-Head

Cotton and fabric: Fullcount's Zimbabwe cotton is the headline — soft from the first wear, with a clean, even fade. Warehouse uses carefully sourced cottons chosen to mimic vintage irregularity, giving a slubbier, more textured surface and uneven fades.

Fades: Warehouse fades with vintage character — mottled, uneven, and authentic to old Levi's. Fullcount fades cleaner and rounder, with smooth transitions rather than sharp contrast. Both reach roughly 13.5oz to 15oz in their core models.

Fit and construction: Warehouse offers some of the most accurate vintage cuts in Japan, from the slim 1001XX to relaxed straight fits. Fullcount's cuts (like the classic 1108 and 1101) tend to run slightly relaxed and comfortable. At Japan-Denim.com, we steer comfort-first buyers toward Fullcount and detail-obsessed vintage fans toward Warehouse.

Japanese denim fades diagram comparing Warehouse and Fullcount Osaka Five selvedge fade patterns — Warehouse fades with uneven vintage texture, while Fullcount's Zimbabwe cotton fades cleaner and rounder.

Best Options: Which to Buy

Warehouse & Co Lot 1001XX

Best for: Purists who want authentic vintage reproduction and texture
Key specs: ~13.5oz–15oz unsanforized selvedge, slubby vintage-style yarn, slim-straight
Price range: $280–$360 USD
Why we recommend it: Few brands reproduce pre-war Levi's character as faithfully; the uneven fades look genuinely vintage.

Fullcount 1108 / 1101

Best for: Comfort-first buyers who want a soft, easy break-in
Key specs: ~13.7oz Zimbabwe-cotton selvedge, clean even fade, slightly relaxed straight
Price range: $250–$320 USD
Why we recommend it: The Zimbabwe cotton is noticeably softer than typical raw denim while still fading beautifully.

Factor	Warehouse & Co	Fullcount
Founded	1995, Osaka	1992, Osaka
Signature	Vintage reproduction	Zimbabwe cotton
Cotton	Vintage-style, slubby	Long-staple Zimbabwe
Fade character	Uneven, textured, vintage	Clean, round, even
Feel	Rougher, authentic	Soft from the start
Price (USD)	$280–$360	$250–$320

Warehouse and Fullcount Osaka Five selvedge denim compared side by side in indigo tones — Two Osaka Five legends: Warehouse (left) for vintage accuracy, Fullcount (right) for Zimbabwe-cotton comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Warehouse or Fullcount better?
A: Neither is universally better. Warehouse is best for authentic vintage reproduction and textured, uneven fades, while Fullcount is best for comfort and a clean, even fade thanks to its Zimbabwe cotton.

Q: What is the Osaka Five?
A: The Osaka Five are the five Osaka-based brands that pioneered Japan's vintage-reproduction denim movement: Warehouse, Fullcount, Studio D'Artisan, Denime, and Evisu.

Q: Why is Fullcount denim softer?
A: Fullcount was the first Japanese brand to use Zimbabwe cotton, a long-staple fiber that is softer and stronger than typical cotton, giving its denim a smoother hand and a cleaner fade.

Q: Which brand fades with more vintage character?
A: Warehouse fades with more vintage character. Its slubby, uneven yarn reproduces the mottled, authentic look of pre-war and mid-century Levi's, while Fullcount fades cleaner and rounder.

Q: How much do they cost in the US?
A: Warehouse typically runs $280 to $360 USD and Fullcount $250 to $320 USD, depending on model and fabric. Both are mid-to-upper-tier Japanese selvedge.

Q: Are both unsanforized?
A: Most core models from both brands are unsanforized and will shrink after a first soak. Check the specific lot number and size up accordingly for the best fit.

The Bottom Line

Warehouse and Fullcount are two cornerstones of the Osaka Five, and the right choice depends on what you value. Pick Warehouse if you want the most faithful vintage reproduction with slubby, uneven, authentic fades. Pick Fullcount if you want a softer, more comfortable pair with a clean, even fade powered by Zimbabwe cotton.

At Japan-Denim.com, we carry both Osaka Five legends and ship authenticated selvedge to the US and Canada. Browse our raw denim collection to compare Warehouse and Fullcount and find your ideal vintage-inspired pair.