Batoner is one of the newer, more up and coming labels operating out of Japan. The label started in 2013 as the house brand of the Okuyama Meriyasu, a clothing manufacturing company based in Yamagata with roots going back to the 1950s. Okuyama Meriyasu specialize in producing knitwear, providing clothing for a number of high profile Japanese labels such as Beams, United Arrows and Ships among many others. With Batoner the emphasis is squarely on producing high quality and often highly unique knitwear.
This shirt comes from Batoner’s 2021 spring-summer collection. It is a 100% cotton knit with long sleeves. Weight is not particularly light in my opinion, where this is more of a fall-winter-spring piece in my opinion and can easily be layered according to the season. Design is also timeless and can go with pretty much anything. The real appeal is unsurprisingly in the knit, where this is an intricate high quality weave. Texture is quite good here, and the striped pattern you can see throughout is actually woven into the knit. Neckline is done in a contrasting gray fabric, given a pleasantly uneven dye (this is likely yarn dyed, where the yarns are first colored before construction). Details are otherwise kept to a minimum, but you don’t really need much else either.
Batoner are one of those labels that has very limited distribution outside of Japan, but are well worth exploring in more detail if possible. They make some truly excellent knits for the colder and warmer seasons. Quality is excellent, although retail is not the cheapest. These shirts retail at about $150 in Japan and likely go for more abroad. Get it here in excellent shape and at the cheapest price around.
Size is labeled a 2, equivalent to a standard medium. I measure the chest at 21”, shoulders at 17”, length at 26” and sleeves at 25” from the shoulder. The shirt comes in lightly used, excellent shape with no holes, tears, stains or signs of wear. Made in Japan.
Shipping from Japan to anywhere will be $24.