OD+LW "Bengara" SZ Vintage Pinborder Knit Double V Sweatshirt

ODLW018

• Limited production run of 50 pieces
• 100% Cotton
• Natural Bengara dyed Japanese SZ Vintage Pinborder knit fabric
• Garment dyed
• 1960's sweatshirt motif
• Cotton thread sewing construction
• Slim fit silhouette
• Vintage-inspired double V gusset
• 4 needle Flat Seam construction
• Single red stitching accent featured on right side seam
• Washed fabric (to eliminate shrinkage)
• Vintage-inspired ribbed cuffs

This sweatshirt is made using an original brushed-back fleece fabric inspired by rare pin-striped sweatshirts from the 1960s, and is woven entirely in Wakayama, Japan. Unlike typical striped fleece fabrics, this material uses a special "SZ yarn" not only for the surface thread but also in the inner yarns. This luxurious touch prevents excessive twisting of the stripe pattern and showcases the fine stripe pitch beautifully. The fabric is densely knitted and features a brushed-back fleece, providing a smooth and plush texture while enhancing fabric stability and insulation.

The 4-needle seam stitching is executed with a special vintage machine, showcasing exceptional skill and attention to detail. The front and back body are cut and overlaid with a double-layer rib fabric stitched using a 4-needle machine, resulting in the double V-gusset feature. The sweatshirt also features a durable 2-needle binder neck, thick ribbed collar, cuffs, and hem.

The concept of Bengara dyeing is one of these borrowed cultural elements, tracing its roots to the state of Bengal in India, and brought over when the Portuguese first entered Japan. A mud dye directly derived from the Earth’s soil, the etymology of the word Bengara comes from the Bengal region of India, where this local natural dye was first discovered and eventually brought to Japan by the Portuguese.

An ecological & sustainable form of dyeing, the main element within Bengara dye is iron oxide, which is combined with water to create the dye that is hand-kneaded into this article of clothing to coat the fabric with the earthy rust-red color tone. With applications spanning well beyond apparel, Bengara was often used to color lacquerware, ceramics, and even the external wooden walls of traditional Japanese dwellings

The sweatshirt boasts a regular fit with the right amount of room and balance to allow for layering. With each wear, the fabric's character will deepen, allowing the details and color to shine through.

*Model is pictured wearing a size M. He weighs 59kg (130 pounds) and is 178cm (5’11”) tall.

**Considering the organic nature of Bengara dye, avoid using alkaline detergents or bleach when washing. As each piece is hand garment-dyed, there may be some slight variance between each sweatshirt. Given the garment-dyed nature of this piece, we would recommend washing this garment alone, or with similar colors.