STORIES Vol.3 "It would be nice if something like this existed" - the beginning of the creation of hang-lined fleece sweatshirts
-This time, I would like to talk about TARROW's hanging fleece. Hanging fleece is a winter staple for TARROW, but I would like to know why you decided to create the hanging fleece series in the first place.
Taro A: I guess it started from the simple idea that I would be happy if something like this existed. There are a lot of sweatshirts (fleece) out there, but they aren't very comfortable to wear, the price isn't right, and I haven't found anything that I really want.
Anything that you think is good will cost a certain amount.
I understand the reason for this because I am the creator.
I knew that if I used hanger fleece, I could make something good, so I decided from the beginning that if I was going to make a sweatshirt, I would use hanger fleece. I really like that texture, the softness of the fabric, and the feel. It was a battle with the price, but I worked hard and put in the effort... (laughs)
-So you were particular about hang-knit fleece (laughs). If possible, could you tell me more about hang-knit fleece in a bit more detail?
Taro A: Simply put, hanging fleece is a fabric knitted using an old knitting machine, a hanging knitting machine.
As industry developed, there was a demand for productivity, and machines that could knit a lot in a short amount of time appeared, which have become the standard today. In the past, loopwheel knitting machines were the standard, but loopwheel knitting machines could only knit about 1m per hour, so they were poorly productive and their numbers dropped dramatically over time.
However, because the knitting time is long, air is also knitted into the fabric, making it fluffy and chewy, and because the yarn is less stressed during knitting, it results in a durable fabric that is less likely to wear out even after long periods of wear. There are many benefits other than productivity.
The reason it is more expensive is because, as I said before, production efficiency is low, which means the fabric is more expensive. Naturally, the price of the finished product is also higher. But the special feeling of the hanging fleece gives it a kind of adult romance (laughs).
- That's romantic (laughs)
Taro A: If I was just going to wear it, I think a normal sweatshirt would be fine, but I want to wear something that will last a long time and is comfortable to wear, and more than anything, it feels special. Like only I know about it (laughs).
As an aside, these days Wakayama is the only place in Japan where you can find hanging knitting machines.
It's something that's rare even around the world. That's what makes it so romantic.
--I see, hearing it like that certainly makes it seem romantic (laughs).
TARROW has two hanging fleece items, which one would you recommend?
Taro A: I recommend all of them, but I personally recommend the pullover. They have a casual look, but TARROW pullovers have a firm feel and don't look too casual even when worn for business.
--I see. It certainly looks like it would go well with a black pullover or some other casual office wear. As for the price, it's over 10,000 yen, what do you think about that?
Taro A: I think I did a great job! I think I was able to make it in a price range that everyone can easily get their hands on. So I hope everyone will pick it up.
