Up for sale here is a cardigan from the White Mountaineering label. White Mountaineering tends to run more toward the technical side of fashion, where as their name implies they often try to make functional clothes that also work outside of standard urban environments. The idea and execution are similar to what Nanamica or even the Arcteryx Veilance labels aim to do: creating functional clothing that both looks good and can perform well across a variety of situations.
Design and fabric are actually quite a bit more complicated than what immediately meets the eye. Fabric is a 40% rayon, 35% wool, 20% angora, 5% cashmere blend. This is a very unusual fabric blend to be sure, something you will not find elsewhere. What you get is a medium weight knit, similar in thickness and warmth to a woolen knit, but given a much softer hand. Fabric is luxuriously soft and very comfortable.
Pattern is also highly complicated. For one, you have a Nordic-style jacquard knit throughout. These are already complicated enough, but you also have the incorporation of other fabrics on the button placket, bottom of the sweater and tops of the pockets. In all, there is quite a bit going on here but at the same time it does not scream for attention.
As is often the case with these Japanese labels, White Mountaineering is produced in pretty limited quantities, with very limited availability outside of Japan. Retail on their sweaters is about $300 in Japan, and this will cost you quite a bit more to get them abroad.
Size is labeled a small and fits somewhat relaxed, working for a standard medium as well. I measure the chest at 20” / 51cm, shoulders at 17.5” / 45cm, length at 25.5” / 64cm from the base of the neck, and sleeves at 27” / 69 from the shoulder (which can be cuffed). The sweater comes in lightly used, very good shape. There is a very small stain just to the left of the left side pocket but otherwise no holes, tears or stains. Made in Japan.
Shipping from Japan to anywhere will be $26.
