Your favorite brand's favorite brand

A deep dive into the world of Khakis, an independent Korean label making some of the best menswear you can get your hands on right now.

This might be your favorite brand’s favorite brand

When it comes to clothing, attention to detail is everything. And one of the brands absolutely nailing that right now is Seoul-based label Khakis.

We’re talking asymmetrical chambray shirts, freaky garment-dyed HBT pants, thick waffle-knit zip hoodies; the kind of pieces that feel considered without trying too hard.

It’s all designed to mix into whatever obscure, seed-to-sewn labels you’re already rocking, without making you feel like you need to buy the entire collection to get the look.

Khakis technically operates as a multi-brand retailer, but their in-house line is going toe-to-toe with the third-party labels they carry.

Both the shop and the private label launched about six years ago, and since then, they’ve become a key player in Korea’s new wave of independent brands, alongside names like Document, Cayl, and Frizmworks.

They’re also part of the JKND Co., Ltd. umbrella, which includes a roster of heavy hitters like thisisneverthat, YESEYESEE, Sunlove, and Tune. So, you know the vibes.

We’ve been fans of Khakis for a minute over here, and honestly, this spotlight is overdue. Consider this an introduction to one of the best brands on the market right now as we dive into their well-curated shops, explore how they’ve leveraged smart, intentional collaborations, and check out some of our favorite pieces from their SS26 collection.

Khakis’ retail

Khakis, a first multi-brand shop, opened in 2020 on Yeonhi-ro 11-ra-gil, with a second location arriving four years later in Seongdong-gu.

Both spaces are intentionally stripped-down and minimal, letting the brands do the talking.

At Sprezza, we pride ourselves on the art of discovery, and Khakis absolutely delivers on that front.

From a ceramic label like Mt. Washington Pottery to Montbell, and even an independent magazine like Lightning, it’s the kind of place where you walk in to browse and somehow emerge three hours later, caffeinated, culturally enriched, and lightly considering a new hobby in ceramics.

Select brands they carry: Actual Source, Adsum, District Vision, Goldwin, Klattermusen, Last Resort, norda, Western Mountaineering.

Khakis’ collabs

One of Khakis’ brightest spots, and honestly, how a lot of people first got hip to the brand, is its run of meticulously executed collaborations. In an era where collabs can feel like little more than a logo slap and a press release, Khakis’ approach is a welcome palate cleanser.

At their best, collaborations should do two things: introduce the brand to a new audience (in this case, North America) and produce dope pieces both parties can stand behind.

From their take on New Balance’s 2010 silhouette, to a duffle coat with British stalwart Gloverall, Adsum team-up, and their most recent nine-piece collection with Japanese label nonnative, there’s always an element of surprise.

More importantly, the results actually deliver: wearable, considered pieces that don’t get lost in the usual collaborative-muddied waters.

Khakis’ in-house label

As we mentioned, Khakis’ in-house line launched in 2020, rooted in military gear and American staples—firmly sidestepping trends in favor of pieces that actually stick around longer than your latest style phase. While the brand is based in South Korea, most of the garments are made or sourced in Japan.

From dirty-washed painter jeans to striped, Kurt Cobain–inspired long-sleeve tees, plus slightly off-kilter denim shirts and outerwear, Khakis doesn’t pledge allegiance to any one lane.

Instead, it feels like the ideal amalgamation of skate subcultures, punk scenes, various military eras, and the no-nonsense utility of mountaineering gear.

Here are a few pieces we’re currently keeping an eye on.