Available here is a t-shirt from Japanese label the Real McCoy’s. The Real McCoy’s label is another of those Japanese “American casual” brands, specializing in reproductions and reinterpretations of classic American military and workwear. To me they draw a lot of similarities to the Buzz Rickson label, although where Buzz Rickson is already really crazy about both their quality and authenticity of designs, Real McCoys seem even more so to me. They’ve got a number of sub-labels attached as well, including the Joe McCoy line, double diamond, Buco, 8 Hour Union, and probably many others. Quality is even higher than Buzz Rickson in my opinion, where when you get one of their pieces you can be sure you’re getting the real deal (hence their name).
So what we have here is a loopwheeled navy blue tee with printed graphics on the front. Loopwheeled construction is basically making a tubular fit-- there are no side seams which allows for a harder-wearing, more durable piece, a better fit, and no worries about any seams shifting or getting messed up. This was the type of construction used in 1950s-era American sports and causal wear, which is what the Real McCoy’s are referencing here.
Print here references vintage American PE (physical education) sportswear, where this is the type of shirt American kids would have to wear during their PE classes: Needham likely references the city in Massachusetts and the Phys Ed is clearly a PE reference. Of course, this is much higher quality than any real American PE shirt, and that’s very much for the better. This is heavier weight than your standard tee, well made and easily able to take a beating.
Like a lot of Japanese labels, the Real McCoy’s have pretty limited distribution outside of Japan. You can get them from a couple of retailers in the US and UK, but that’s about it. Retail is also considerably higher. This shirt retailed at about $75 in Japan. They never go this low second hand in Japan, especially in this size, but get it here at a good deal while you can.
Size is labeled a 40, fitting a somewhat slim large. I measure the chest at 21”, shoulders at 18” and length at 26.5”. The shirt 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 $24.