Today, it's OLDE HOMESTEADER.
Although it's already being sold at other stores that carry it, something of a very high level has appeared.
For many years, we've been handling OLDE HOMESTEADER products, and all of them were "100% COTTON."
The brand created "100% COTTON" underwear (which can also be called innerwear or base layers), and for a while, we introduced and showcased them to our customers.
However, even with OLDE HOMESTEADER underwear marked "100% COTTON," it gradually became more than "just 100% cotton."
There are countless "100% COTTON" clothes out there, and you can buy them anywhere, right?
That's why Mr. Fukuhara of OLDE HOMESTEADER, even if the label says "100% COTTON," has actually been making something completely different from other 100% COTTON items for several years now.
I think a pretty high percentage of people, including our customers, those who visit OLDE HOMESTEADER stores nationwide, and even store owners and staff who handle OLDE HOMESTEADER products, wear OLDE HOMESTEADER as underwear (base layers/innerwear).
From an observer's perspective, it might seem like attractive cost performance achieved entirely through Mr. Fukuhara's corporate efforts, but as someone who handles and introduces clothes, I definitely feel one thing.
That is, "repeat purchases."
No matter how high the cost performance feels, repeatedly buying an item from a brand you've purchased before - a second, third, and subsequent time - isn't a normal thing.
From a clothing brand's perspective, in a sense, it's an extremely difficult feat.
Once you make a purchase and wear that clothing in your daily life, the "buyer and the clothing" will confront each other head-on, to put it in extreme terms.
In other words, if the "actual feeling" after owning it doesn't surpass the "expectation" before buying it, then you wouldn't feel "it was a good purchase," right?
Working in the clothing business, I constantly feel that "the real work begins after a purchase is made." So, what I want to say most today is...
OLDE HOMESTEADER must have surpassed the "expectations" of many people with their "actual feeling."
Including me, that's right.
The reason for this, as mentioned earlier, is that even though the表記上 ("label") is the same "100% COTTON," the way cotton is used, or more specifically, the "blend (of multiple types of cotton)" has been constantly brushed up, and the actual "feeling" when worn has consistently and gradually "surpassed" expectations.
The brand's underwear is honestly so durable that one piece is almost enough not to have to buy more for a while, isn't it?
Still, the fact that so many people desire it again can only be attributed to the quality that the brand creates, which "exceeds" expectations.
By the way, the "New SLEEVELESS" that we released in early summer this year was also 100% COTTON on paper, but it wasn't a single type of cotton.
That's why it was a sleeveless top that felt very comfortable even in the summer.
Through such efforts, Mr. Fukuhara of OLDE HOMESTEADER has been researching the "blend" of identical materials and the way materials are used for many years.
And now, what has emerged this time.
A product boasting an unprecedented blend ratio of "Cashmere 53% / Cotton 47%."
OLDE HOMESTEADER "YOUTH"
CREW NECK LONG SLEEVE
CASHMERE INTERLOCK
material _ CASHMERE 53%,COTTON 47%
color _ ECRU HEATHER
size _ 42,44,46
OLDE HOMESTEADER "YOUTH"
CREW NECK LONG SLEEVE
CASHMERE INTERLOCK
material _ CASHMERE 53%,COTTON 47%
color _ BLACK HEATHER
size _ 42,44,46
This is it.
As mentioned earlier, it's something that can be said to have been reached after repeated research into the "blend (of cotton fibers)."
Also, a new series called "YOUTH" has been launched by OLDE HOMESTEADER.
Mr. Fukuhara said that the new "YOUTH" series introduced today doesn't carry an age-related meaning, but rather a more spiritual one.
I believe that the items appearing in this "YOUTH" line will likely be very difficult to achieve with other brands or other clothing in the future, and are very unique.
Well, the "YOUTH" series lineup from the brand has several variations besides the "cashmere-cotton" I'm introducing today, but I thought this was the best, so I only ordered what I'm introducing today.
So, feel its impressiveness.
First, can you tell from the photos?
The luster, fullness, suppleness, and color of the fabric itself.
This is the result of the "53% cashmere, 47% cotton" blend.
I think there are many things other than 100% cotton in the cut-and-sew genre, such as 100% cashmere, 100% silk, or 100% wool.
Especially after wool cut-and-sew became frequent in the market, it seems that 100% cashmere and 100% silk have been increasingly born next.
Of course, those are good, and there's no doubt about their high quality.
However, it's also true that this has gradually led to the kind of "specification-based differentiation" that is common in the market.
Is that really the "optimal solution"?
And also, I've worn such cut-and-sew items before, and while they are indeed smooth and comfortable against the skin, my current conclusion is that 100% animal fiber innerwear tends to feel "too stiff" against the skin.
Therefore, ultimately, for innerwear that touches my skin directly, I've always worn the 100% cotton "New SLEEVELESS" mentioned earlier in the hot season, and the 100% cotton "YE OLDE AND NEW MAN's UNDER" in spring and autumn.
That's my current innerwear situation.
In other words, I believe "100% cotton, a plant fiber," is ideal for innerwear because it's easy to wash, requires no special care, absorbs sweat, and maintains a comfortable internal environment.
However, I get quite cold easily, so in winter, I want something with a bit more warmth than just 100% cotton innerwear.
That's where Mr. Fukuhara's OLDE HOMESTEADER YOUTH comes in this season.
This is truly a magnificent hybrid.
As I keep saying, it's a blend of "53% cashmere and 47% cotton," but...
By the way, I really don't need to say this, it's truly insignificant, but let me just tell you...
The cashmere used is "Alashan cashmere."
It is the true king of cashmere.
Alashan cashmere is the "finest fiber and the highest-priced raw material traded" in China, the world's largest cashmere fiber producing country.
Strictly speaking, the blend ratio of this cut-and-sew is...
It's a blend of "53% Alashan cashmere and 47% Supima cotton."
And how those two are blended...
It's a no-go for this blog. (Laughs)
A fabric texture unattainable with 100% cashmere, 100% wool, 100% silk, or even 100% cotton.
The texture of the surface against the skin is "superb cashmere."
As expected, it's Alashan. Truly amazing.
However, in addition to that, the fabric itself is given a fullness, toughness, and body with thickness.
This is the effect of the "47% Supima cotton blend."
This is the biggest point of OLDE HOMESTEADER YOUTH cut-and-sew.
Because Alashan cashmere is such an excellent material, if it were used as "100% Alashan cashmere," I believe a product with an absolutely beautiful texture would be created.
However, the "pleasant touch would be too prominent," and it would inevitably turn out thin, not providing a reassuring feeling when worn, making it unsuitable for daily use as a cut-and-sew.
But the material developed by Mr. Fukuhara of OLDE HOMESTEADER this time is a "revolution."
Everyone will be surprised the moment they pick it up, even before wearing it - an unprecedented experience.
The moment you touch it, it makes you easily imagine the overwhelming comfort of wearing it, and on top of that, you can feel "the moist thickness of the fabric itself."
Only with "Alashan Cashmere × Supima Cotton" can something of this level be achieved.
That's why I believe it's valuable.
Come and see it in person, and be blown away.
We promise to exceed your imagination and "expectations."
The crew neck type is handled at our store.
The brand also had mock neck and henley neck options, but considering that this material is so versatile that one piece can handle everything, like innerwear for a crew neck sweater or the MOTHER HAND artisan cardigan released recently, we decided to only stock the CREW NECK LONG SLEEVE.
The specifications of the cut-and-sew are unchanged from the 100% cotton crew neck items the brand has offered before.
The armpit gusset design is all flat, and all the stitching on the inside that touches the skin is cotton thread.
The "outer stitching" of the neck, cuffs, and hem uses special material sewing thread. It's slightly shiny.
But the inside, which touches the skin, is cotton thread.
You probably can't tell from the photo, but is there any other brand that uses "different material stitching" on the front and back of the neck, cuff ribs, and hem ribs?
This is a specification unseen in any brand other than OLDE HOMESTEADER.
Only the vertical stitches are sewn with cotton thread on both sides, but the stitches in areas that "should not stretch too much" are sewn with different materials.
This is also a very important factor when continuously using it, and it's an OLDE HOMESTEADER specification implemented with durability in mind.
The back neckline has a vintage specification with double fabric, so bar tacks are added for reinforcement in areas subject to stress.
The ribs on the cuffs and hem of the body are also Alashan × Supima, just like the main body.
This is ECRU HEATHER.
This one has a stronger melange feel.
Also, in the photos, the ECRU HEATHER seems to have more luster, but in reality, there isn't much difference.
Both shine with an extraordinary sense of luxury.
Back.
All seam allowances are flat.
As I wrote earlier, all the stitching on the inside that touches the skin is cotton.
While the stitching is taut when new, if you give it one wash before wearing it for the first time, the cotton threads will absorb water and swell, then shrink when dry, resulting in a softer feel.
Also, this cut-and-sew is designed to be worn as a single layer directly against the skin, so it is, of course, washable.
Washing enhances the power of Alashan cashmere in the main fabric.
I've tried hand washing it first, but it seems it's okay to wash it however the owner prefers to wear it.
It's definitely a higher level than wearing any regular knit, and since it's a special item, if it's not too much trouble, hand washing it will probably allow you to enjoy its gradual changes. But for those who find it troublesome, putting it in a net and washing it in a machine seems fine too.
There seems to be data that it shrinks 3cm in length and 1.5cm in width when washed, but I personally don't notice any difference after washing it.
It was originally designed with shrinkage in mind to maintain balance, and the brand offers it in three sizes.
It's available in sizes 42, 44, and 46, and I, at 167cm tall, wear a size 42 with a loose fit.
I think you'll agree if you see it in person, but it's not meant to be worn in a tight size. So, if you consider 42 as roughly equivalent to S, 44 to M, and 46 to L, that's perfect.
Oh, and speaking of which.
Regarding the neck size, the circumference is softer than OLDE HOMESTEADER's previous 100% cotton cut-and-sew series.
Before, the neckline was firmly fixed, but due to the knitting structure and gauge, it feels a bit softer now.
But rest assured, it won't stretch out or lose its shape at all.
By the way, I haven't taken any photos of myself wearing this cut-and-sew, but I think you can catch a glimpse of me wearing the BLACK HEATHER color as an inner layer for the MOTHER HAND artisan CASANOVA BLACK cardigan that was released recently, so you can imagine it from that. (Laughs)
This is a super-flat design unique to OLDE HOMESTEADER, with all parts that touch the skin made of cotton thread, making it very comfortable.
The previous 100% cotton cutsew was very good for everyday use, and the brand continues to create products with that in mind.
However, through this cutsew, I felt a "realization" that was quite striking.
If you're going to use cashmere, 100% cashmere is the norm, and for Alashan cashmere, it's unthinkable to blend it.
But that's not the case.
As an inner layer, something to wear directly on the skin in cold weather, this is a garment that truly makes you want to wear it every day, and it made me realize how wonderful the combination of "cashmere and cotton" can be.
It's made with the idea of being able to use more than just a single material, and to create something even more comfortable.
This is the amazing thing about OLDE HOMESTEADER, realizing such a concept.
Without a doubt, only Mr. Fukuhara of OLDE HOMESTEADER could create a cutsew like this.
As for myself, while buying this garment, I learned things I didn't know before, and very good things, which I feel was a great learning experience.
In that sense, I think it's the "optimal garment" where excellent material has been expertly prepared.
It's not something worn on the outside, but something that touches the skin directly.
Whether indoors or outdoors, you can experience the quality of this cutsew all day long while wearing it.
For those who get their hands on it, especially those who are sensitive to cold, I think you'll get ultra-heavy use out of it this winter.
If you like this kind of thing, please consider it.