For sale here is a part of the ongoing collaboration between the Beams select shop out of Japan and the Loopwheeler label. Loopwheeler is known primarily as a knitwear label, producing almost exclusively on vintage loopwheel machines. These kinds of machines produce tubular knits – that is, vintage style sweats characterized by their lack of side seams. Although a lot of knitwear makers used loopwheel machines in the 1950s and 60s they are increasingly difficult to come across. They produce less fabric than modern machines, but are very well regarded for their thick, high quality knits, their excellent textures, and the ruggedness of their products.
The Beams x Loopwheeler collaboration has been ongoing for a few years now, where you can only buy these pieces from Beams shops. This particular model is called the “boat neck sweater” and is a design exclusive to the beams x loopwheeler collaboration. The design is modeled after French Breton style shirts, remade in a sweater weight fabric. This is one of those pieces that is built very tough, made to take a beating, and will only get better with age. It should last a lifetime with proper care. Details include co-branded neck tag, logo tag on the left arm, and an additional Japanese logo tag on the interior.
As noted, these pieces are only available from Beams shops in Japan, and even then on a limited basis. Retail price is just a bit more expensive than regular Loopwheeler pieces, where this sweater goes for 19,800 yen in Japan and is from Beams’ current range.
Size is labeled a medium and fits true. I measure the chest at 20” / 51cm, shoulders at 18” / 45cm, length at 25” / 64cm and sleeves at 23” / 59cm. The sweater comes in lightly used, excellent shape with no holes, tears or stains. Made in Japan.
Shipping from Japan to anywhere will be $24.
