FUTO Cut and Sew Long Sleeve TCO_M

Crafted on loopwheel knitting machines, a rare and time-honoured technique that is preserved in Wakayama, Japan, the KINTO FUTO Cut and Sew Long Sleeve TCO Knit Top is truly one-of-a-kind. Traditional loopwheel machines rely on the gentle pull of gravity to slowly knit fabric that is exceptionally comfortable and enduringly supple. To preserve the material's natural character, every FUTO Long Sleeve undergoes a careful series of processes before finally reaching you. It's a timeless piece of clothing, guaranteed to be an everyday staple in your wardrobe. Wakayama, famous for its Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, grew into a hub of knit production throughout the early-to-mid 20th century. Many of these factories used loopwheel machines, which overtime have been forfeited for the speed and automation of modern industrial sewing machines. In the traditional loopwheel method, each machine is suspended from the ceiling, allowing the knitted fabric to fall naturally into baskets placed below. The yarn is never forcibly stretched, instead slowly knitted in a relaxed state, yielding a fabric that is soft, supple, yet highly durable. While gravity does a lot of the heavy lifting, operating a loopwheel machine still requires years of training and expertise. It's also very inefficient, producing only about a meter of fabric per hour. Despite this, craftspeople in Wakayama still devote their lives to working with this technique, enamoured with the rich texture of its fabric (akin to hand knitting) and its distinctive quality. The creator of FUTO fabric is one of these admirers, who – in the interest of preserving tradition – sourced all loopwheel machines from across Japan into Wakayama, which remains the only place in the world where this method of fabric production is kept alive. Simple design The minimal, neutral long sleeve knit top showcases the fabric's naturally soft feel. Its simplicity brings out the comfort of wearing it, settling against your skin with natural ease. Attention to details With a wider body, a touch of extra length, and ribs finished to the ideal thickness, the piece achieves a refined balance, expressing thoughtful design in every detail. Labeling and name tag For a smooth, comfortable feel against the skin, brand and care labels are printed directly onto the fabric. Versatile colours Available in white, brown, and black, the fabric is knitted from white yarn and dyed with care to preserve its natural texture, offering timeless and versatile colours. Size variations Offered in Small, Medium, and Large, the relaxed silhouette provides a comfortable fit for a variety of body types.