We are thrilled to welcome Oketo to our assortment at Hill’s Dry Goods on an exclusive basis in Vancouver. Since Oketo is the new kid on the block we wanted to share a little bit about the label, the founder and what makes Oketo so unique and special, not just to us but to the denim industry as a whole.
The New Uniform
Why we’re talking about Oketo
There is something inherently appealing about a piece of clothing that has intention and makes a statement without becoming the centre of attention. At The Archive, we’ve always been drawn to the appeal of a "uniform," but rarely do we find brands that are this intentional about dressing.
Enter OKETO, the latest addition to our collection and the answer to our "perfect denim" prayers.
Restraint with Warmth
Founded by Natalie Armstead, OKETO is the result of over two decades of experience in the fashion industry, specifically designing denim and implementing sustainable design and supply chain practices. Natalie’s inspiration is her Afro-Caribbean heritage and the effortless style of her mother, who balanced cool utilitarian denim with the warmth of coral and gold jewelry.
That "restraint with warmth" is infused into every single pair of jeans OKETO develops. Natalie approaches each pair with an "anti-fit" philosophy. We’re talking engineered Japanese denim that doesn't just follow your shape but creates a new, architectural one. It’s grounded in a design process that puts the wearer at the center of it. It’s designed for the woman who invests in herself with total conviction.
Images sourced from OKETO
Oketo’s "Slow-Burn" Philosophy
In a world of "disposable" everything and fast fashion at your fingertips, OKETO is a breath of fresh air. They march to the beat of their own drum and follow their instincts. They’re building pieces with the intention of staying power. OKETO jeans are not only durable, they acquire a beautiful patina and only get better as they age with you.
Here’s why we’re feeling especially excited about this launch:
Small-Batch practices: OKETO rejects mass production in favor of limited runs, minimizing waste and maximizing wear.
Clean Chemistry: From regenerative cotton to solar-powered infrastructure and water-saving dye techniques, OKETO proves that luxury-tier textiles don't have to burden the environment.
Built for Life: These aren't "one season" jeans. They are designed to be your enduring uniform built by decisions made to outlast trends.
Integrity in Everything
The materials and chemistry OKETO utilizes in their supply chain achieves premium denim integrity with the lowest possible environmental impact.
Material Integrity: OKETO sources low-impact materials designed for longevity. Their cotton strategy is rooted in supporting soil health and circular agriculture through regenerative cotton initiatives. Furthermore, their manufacturing partner utilizes 100% Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) certified cotton.
Clean Chemistry & Water: They implement low-impact washing and dyeing techniques to drastically reduce water usage. Their partner facility maintains on-site wastewater treatment and uses exclusively ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) MRSL conformant chemicals. They are also an active part of the CleanChain community to ensure safe chemical management.
Energy Transition: OKETO demands modern infrastructure from their partners. Their primary manufacturing facility has eliminated coal boilers in favour of natural gas and utilizes solar energy to provide approximately 10% of its electricity.
Oketo Denim Fit Guide: Sizing, Cuts and What to Expect
Cut 101 - The Straight Jean:
Available in Vintage Light and Vintage Dark.
Made from 100% cotton Japanese Denim. Cut to sit at a mid-rise and fall over the hips and thigh, falling into a straight leg that hits just at the ankle for a classic straight leg jean. Assembled with a zip-fly, five pocket construction and double needle outseam stitching.
Tag Size |
Waist (in) |
Inseam (in) |
Rise (in) |
23 |
27.5" |
30" |
10" |
24 |
28.5" |
30" |
10.25" |
25 |
29.5" |
30" |
10.5" |
26 |
30.5" |
30" |
10.75" |
27 |
31.5" |
30" |
11" |
28 |
32.5" |
30" |
11.25" |
29 |
33.5" |
30" |
11.5" |
30 |
34.5" |
30" |
11.75" |
31 |
35.5" |
30" |
12" |
32 |
36.5" |
30" |
12.25" |
33 |
37.5" |
30" |
12.5" |
34 |
38.5" |
30" |
12.75" |
A Note on the Fit
You’ll notice the waist measurement is actually 4.5” larger than the tag size. OKETO recommends sticking to your true size to achieve their signature relaxed, structured look. However, you can size down if you prefer a more fitted look.
The Rise: The OKETO Straight Jean starts at a 10” rise meaning it’s meant to sit at or just below the natural waist.
The Length: The consistent 30" inseam is designed to hover around the ankle for a relaxed yet tailored look. These jeans are incredibly versatile and can be worn with heels, sandals, loafers or sneakers. Show off your favourite Bon Shoppe socks with a low profile sneaker.
Finding Your Number: You'll notice the actual waist measurement is approximately 4" larger than the tag size. We recommend measuring your favorite pair of mid-rise, straight leg jeans flat across the waistband to find your closest match.
Cut 102 - Tailored Jean:
Available in Rinse and Vintage Light.
Cut to elongate with a wide leg that drapes fluidly from hip to floor, slanted front pockets sit clean against the hip in 70% Lyocell / 30% cotton Japanese denim. These jeans sit just below the natural waist, as a mid-rise. These are an elevated take on a wide leg jean that emulates the composed look of a trouser without the formality.
Tag Size |
Waist (in) |
Inseam (in) |
Rise (in) |
23 |
27" |
31" |
10.25" |
24 |
28" |
31" |
10.5" |
25 |
29" |
31" |
10.75" |
26 |
30" |
31" |
11" |
27 |
31" |
31" |
11.25" |
28 |
32" |
31" |
11.5" |
29 |
33" |
31" |
11.75" |
30 |
34" |
31" |
12" |
31 |
35" |
31" |
12" |
32 |
36" |
31" |
12" |
33 |
37" |
31" |
12" |
34 |
38" |
31" |
12" |
A Note on the Fit
You’ll notice the waist measurement is 4 inches larger than the tag size. OKETO recommends sticking to your true size to achieve their signature relaxed, structured look. However, you can size down if you prefer a more fitted look.
The Rise: The OKETO Tailored Jean starts at a 10.25” rise meaning it’s meant to sit at or just below the natural waist.
The Length: The consistent 31" inseam is designed to sit or pool casually at the foot for a comfortable back yet elevated look. These jeans are incredibly versatile and can be worn with heels, sandals, loafers or sneakers.
Finding Your Number: You'll notice the actual waist measurement is approximately 3.5" larger than the tag size. We recommend measuring your favorite pair of mid-rise denim or trousers flat across the waistband to find your closest match.
Cut 103 - The Barrel Jean:
Available in Espresso, Vintage Dark and Black Denim.
OKETO’s Barrel Jean is a tailored take on a barrel silhouette. Available in size 23 - 34, The Barrel Jean is cut to curve through the thigh and draw in at the ankle, hem pleats release at the outseam to give the barrel its rounded, sculpted shape – in 100% cotton Japanese denim. They are mid-rise, sitting at the natural waist, creating a relaxed off-duty look.
Tag Size |
Waist (in) |
Inseam (in) |
Rise (in) |
23 |
26.5 |
29 |
10 |
24 |
27.5 |
29 |
10.25 |
25 |
28.5 |
29 |
10.5 |
26 |
29.5 |
29 |
10.75 |
27 |
30.5 |
29 |
11 |
28 |
31.5 |
29 |
11.25 |
29 |
32.5 |
29 |
11.5 |
30 |
33.5 |
29 |
11.75 |
31 |
34.5 |
29 |
12 |
32 |
35.5 |
29 |
12.25 |
33 |
36.5 |
29 |
12.5 |
34 |
37.5 |
29 |
12.75 |
A Note on the Barrel Jean Fit
The Rise: With a front rise starting at ~10", these sit comfortably at the natural waist. This provides a secure, "held-in" feel that pairs perfectly with a tucked-in cotton knit.
The Length: The 29" inseam is designed for versatility. On some, this will hit just below the ankle, perfect for showcasing a favorite boot or a clean sneaker. On others this will pool casually above the foot for a laid back look with loafers or sandals in the summer.
Finding Your Number: You'll notice the waist measurement is approximately 3.5" larger than the tag size. We recommend measuring your favorite pair of high-rise denim flat across the waistband to find your closest match.
Image Sourced from OKETO
Natalie's vision is rooted in the belief that the clothing we wear is an extension of who we are and not something that is disposable at the whim of a trend. OKETO denim lays the foundation for the rest of your wardrobe.