Eight years ago I bought a pair of jeans from Muji. They were cheap, straight cut, mid blue, finishing on the ankle, and looked great with a boot, ballet flat or heel – your perfect basic jeans. But what’s really remarkable about them is that I still have them and wear them regularly. They’re a little faded, a little saggy round the butt (though, aren’t we all?) but the knees and zipper are intact and they look good enough to wear to work, not just to slob round the house.
Every piece I’ve ever bought from Muji – and there are a lot – is still a core part of my wardrobe. That’s what the Japanese brand does best: non-fashion-y basics that are really good quality – the very epitome of slow fashion. The shopping experience is generally not frenetic or overwhelming; a sea of quiet beige, though the newly opened Metrotown branch is likely to be busy for a while. And the sales staff are polite and helpful, but put on no pressure.
Here are six pieces to buy now and wear forever.
