Up for sale here is a pretty rare piece from the Full Count label. Full Count is another one of those Japanese labels that are heavily vintage-influenced, manufacturing clothes very much in the old-fashioned way but putting their own spin on classic designs. There are quite a few such brands operating in Japan, many of them independent, willfully obscure and pretty small. Full Count is one of the medium-size operators, not quite as big as Flat Head, Sugar Cane or Iron Heart, for example, but they have been getting increased exposure outside of Japan recently, as they’re starting to get picked up by more stores abroad.
This sweater is interesting in that it mines Full Count’s vintage inspiration, but the fabric is something a bit more modern. Design inspiration comes from 1950s and 60s era mohair cardigans, meant to be worn as an inner layer in the colder months. The difference here is that the fabric is 100% polyester rather than mohair or alpaca. This makes for a fabric that is very soft to the touch and also nicely insulating. One of the disadvantages of mohair or alpaca is that a good number of people are allergic to the hairs. No issue with that here. The design is rugged and thick, very much in line with Full Count’s emphasis on quality design and materials.
As you can hopefully tell there is quite a bit of work that goes in to these kinds of pieces, and full count are never ones to sacrifice quality in any way. These sweaters currently retail in the $280 range in Japan, and go for more overseas if you can find them. This particular model is now completely sold out though.
Size is labeled a 38 and fits between a medium well. I measure the chest at 20”, shoulders at 19”, length at 27” from the base of the neck, and sleeves at 23” from the shoulder. The sweater comes in lightly used, excellent shape with no holes, tears, stains or obvious signs of wear. Made in Japan.
Shipping from Japan to anywhere will be $26.