Internationally recognized craftsmanship

LOOPWHEELER was established in 1999. The brand name “LOOPWHEELER” was inspired by the loop wheel machines. The fabric knitted by loop wheel machines is a long-lasting material with a unique texture, softness, and thermal properties, much like cotton.

The loop wheel machines are widely used overseas. LOOPWHEELER has become an internationally renowned brand, having collaborated with Nike and been sold at Colette in Paris. The modest loop wheel factory and sewing factory have received high reputations and represent the bright future of Japanese craftsmanship. Created by LOOPWHEELER, a loop wheel manufacturer, and RUMORS, this special edition hoodie has much for us to explore.

The 3 standard types of LOOPWHEELER hoodie

──The hoodie is not just a rearrangement of details; are all the parts original?





The third hoodie is an authentic model, the LW09. With the original features of typical hoodies, both sides are seamless, forming a cylindrical body shape. For LW81 and LW190, they are made by combining the front and back parts cut from fabric knitted in a large caliber. You may find seams on both sides, which is a typical feature for hoodies.





The LW09 is a seamless hoodie available in 5 sizes from XS to XL. The cylindrical shapes of the knitted fabric (the caliber) represent different sizes. This is the first item for the “LW Basic” line. Without the seam, it fits the body better and feels more comfortable. However, we cannot adjust the sizes as they all depend on the diameters of the cylindrical shapes from the loop wheel machines.

A sophisticated hoodie for grown ups

We have MARUWA Textiles Industries in Aomori complete the sewing for us. Sewing machines with 4 needles, called “Flat Seamer,” are used at MARUWA. The sewing speed of the rarely used “Flat Seamer” is slower than normal machines. Commonly used machines have 2 needles; the fabric sewn by them seems perfect on the front side, but stitches on the back overlap, and the fabric becomes a bit uneven. However, the 4 needles of the “Flat Seamer” can achieve a flat surface. Certain parts of LOOPWHEELER items, including LW09 and LW81, are sewn by “Flat Seamer.”

A sophisticated hoodie for grown ups

──What is the design concept?





SUZUKIWe also have items with box pockets in LOOPWHEELER; it is the LW79. It has a ribbed pocket made from a different material, but the pocket of this edition uses the same material as the hoodie, giving it a fresh image.

A playful pocket with design and functionality

──What are the other details?

MATSUMOTOWe added stitches on both sides of the zipper. This is an authentic design for a hoodie to emphasize its vertical line. It also makes the zipper easier to slide with those stitches. As more people are riding bicycles recently, we placed another pocket on the back. The silhouette would be compromised if we put the pocket in the front. It is on the left for this special edition; LOOPWHEELER’s one is on the right, I believe.




SUZUKILOOPWHEELER produces a Back Pocket Hoodie every year; the pocket is on the right. The easily accessible slanted pocket is fairly large and very convenient. When riding a bicycle with the body bent down, the fabric stretches naturally with the curve, so the back silhouette still looks nice. The pocket is sharply closed for a clean look. It is not such a big deal, but a loose pocket can mess up the whole silhouette. Only MARUWA has the high sewing techniques to complete this shape finish.

The improved exclusive fabric just for RUMORS

──So the brand tag on the cuffs is in a different color.

SUZUKIThe brand tag color varies with different collaborations. RUMORS’ one is black with charcoal grey lettering. It is so chic. Usually, hoodies have a casual, American college-like image, but this one is a traditional style with a European touch.





MATSUMOTOWe want it to pair well with slim pants for a European style; the concept is to be casual yet smart. Looking good while also feeling comfortable. Even though we want it to be light and soft, we chose a firm fabric to achieve a more well-constructed shape.





Even for the same caliber, the more stitches applied, the firmer the fabric will be. Texture can be changed by adjusting the yarn and the number of stitches.

A continuous process of trial and error, finally this vintage white is achieved.

──I found the double white lines quite striking against the simple design.

Values are generated from sophisticated techniques that cannot be formulated.

──Tell us your thoughts on this collaboration.

MATSUMOTOI really wanted to use discharge printing for the lines, but I realized it was impossible. I am glad that LOOPWHEELER accepted our demanding requests and tried out many difficult techniques. Although Japanese techniques are praised for their precision, most are high-tech. Traditional craftsmanship should also be a source of pride and admiration worldwide.

Many factories have closed down because they cannot find successors. I used to work for “Mono Magazine” and learned a lot there. Now, as a member of the web magazine “OPENERS,” I am determined to promote the aesthetics of craftsmanship. I want my readers to see the future of Japanese traditions. It is our pleasure to create this hoodie together with the highly recognized LOOPWHEELER.





People who witness the craftsmanship can pass it down through generations by their hands, eyes, voice, and feelings. It is not something that can be done in one or two days; it takes time and patience for both the narrator and the learner. It is a tough process.

The same applies to sewing factories here. As you may know, sweatshirt fabric is flexible, which makes it different from normal cloth. When sewing flexible fabric, the movement may be controlled by the operator's brain, but how the fabric stretches can only be learned by their hands. These experiences can only be gained by feeling the process. I believe this kind of sensual technique could be lost forever with just a single pause.

The real truth we want to share!

──How do you envision creation and consumption in the near future?





I want the same for RUMORS. We created a new shop to fit the needs of today's market. We care not only about design and price but also about how to communicate with our customers about our products.

SUZUKIWe are niche retailers… People should have different opinions about our products. But with a strong tradition and origin of loop wheel sweatshirts, people should have a similar understanding of our goods. I want to talk to every customer, but it’s impossible. That’s why I want to take this opportunity to tell everyone about “the real truth I always want to share.”





*The original article in Japanese was published on February 28th, 2012.
*The RUMORS special hoodie will NOT be available at the LOOPWHEELER International Online Store.