The thermal shirt, a must-have item for any wardrobe, has evolved from its humble beginnings as a military and outdoor enthusiast's base layer into a versatile piece that can be worn in a variety of ways. But what exactly is a thermal shirt? Let's delve into its history, fabric, and styles to uncover the charm of this timeless essential.
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History
・The roots of Thermal Shirt
・Fashionable Evolution -
Fabric
・The reason for the waffle shape -
Diverse Styles and Coordination
・Casual Style
・Layered Style -
WASEW's Thermal Shirt
・Fabric with a retro charm that defies the trends of time
・Fusion of Roots and Modernity
1. History
The roots of Thermal Shirt
The origins of thermal shirts are unclear and there are various theories, but it is generally accepted that they began to be used by outdoor enthusiasts and the military around the early 20th century as functional underwear with excellent insulation properties for activities in cold climates.
Indeed, thermal shirts were actually issued to soldiers engaged in cold regions during wartime. Military items are required to have high functionality as they are used in harsh conditions. Various items have been developed up to now, and thermal shirts are a prime example of this.
Fashionable Evolution
Unlike trench coats and peacoats, which originated as military uniforms, early thermal shirts prioritized functionality as thermal underwear over design. Therefore, they had almost no fashionability and were simply considered underwear.。
Eventually, thermal shirts began to attract attention from the fashion industry due to their functionality and unique appearance. With variations in color and silhouette, they gradually evolved into a staple item in casual fashion. It goes without saying that they are also loved by vintage fashion enthusiasts due to their history of military use.
2. Fabric
The reason for the waffle shape
Thermal shirts are best known for their waffle-like textured fabric. This bumpy texture is the key to their warmth. The raised portions of the fabric come into contact with the skin, while the recessed portions that do not touch the skin create small air pockets inside, trapping the heat from the body inside the shirt. This allows for better heat retention by wrapping the body in warm air.
3. Diverse Styles and Coordination
Lightweight and thin high-tech thermal wear does exist. However, it is unlikely to be worn as a single layer. On the other hand, waffle-textured thermal shirts can be worn for a variety of occasions, from casual everyday wear to sportswear and layering.
Casual Style
Thermal shirts are a convenient wardrobe staple that can be used for everyday. Styling a thermal shirt with jeans or chinos for a relaxed casual look may most popular way to enjoy of it.。
Layered Style
Thermal shirts can also be combined with layered items such as cardigans and shirts to create an outfit for cold days. This allows you to fully enjoy the functionality of thermals as underwear.。
4. WASEW's Thermal Shirt
Two things stand out as the defining characteristics of WASEW: the exquisite craftsmanship of Japanese artisans and the seamless blend of traditional design with modern style.
And the "GENKOTSU THERMAL" is a product that fully embodies these characteristics.
Fabric with a retro charm that defies the trends of time
WASEW's thermals use a brand-original waffle fabric knitted on an old machine called "Genkotsu-ki" that has been around for over half a century.。
In recent years, this knitting machine has lost its place due to the aging of specialized craftsmen who can handle it and the wave of mass production. It is a precious fabric that we cannot know how many more years it can be made.
Despite these challenges, WASEW continues to use the Genkotsu-ki machine because the fabric it produces is incredibly soft, comfortable, and stretchable. Most importantly, they believe that the authentic vintage feel can only be achieved with a vintage knitting machine.
Fusion of Roots and Modernity
Expressing the good old days with a modern interpretation. WASEW creates clothing that embodies its roots. The GENKOTSU THERMAL is designed to fit the modern lifestyle, allowing you to wear it casually and go out. At the same time, it values the authentic vintage feel and realizes it in the fabric. This is the essence of WASEW's charm, which aims for something truly unique.
