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 “sweat crew neck” and is a design exclusive to the beams x loopwheeler collaboration. It is pretty similar to Loopwheeler’s own crewneck sweaters, although has the additions of ribbed, underarm gussets intended to ensure a higher level of comfort and mobility, a double “v” on the neckline which is a hallmark of vintage sweater production, and the white Loopwheeler tag on the cuff. This white tag is exclusive to their Beams Plus collaboration items.
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 26,400 yen in Japan and is from Beams’ current range.
Size is labeled a large and fits true. I measure the chest at 21.5” / 54cm, shoulders at 17.5” / 45cm, length at 25” / 64cm and sleeves at 24.5” / 62cm. The sweater comes in lightly used, very good shape with no holes, tears or stains. Made in Japan.
Shipping from Japan to anywhere will be $26.
