We heard the first winter gale blew through yesterday. The season is shifting toward winter all at once.
It’s cold in the mornings and evenings but reasonably warm during the day, and your body heats up once you start moving, so I know many people struggle with choosing the right layers this time of year.
Technical apparel continues to evolve every day, with a variety of new materials being created, but what I’m introducing today isn't one of those new materials—it’s clothing made from a fabric we’ve long been familiar with.
PENDLETON, based in Oregon, USA, boasts a history of over 100 years. Born from the production of wool blankets, the wool shirts made by this manufacturer use only high-quality virgin wool (the first shearing from the sheep), thanks to close relationships with sheep farmers developed over their long history.
As often discussed regarding base layers, wool has excellent heat retention as well as breathability and quick-drying properties, making it a very reliable material for an activity like cycling where body temperature fluctuates significantly. And if you try one on, you’ll realize it’s as light as fleece.
Light and warm. That’s very important when riding a bike. I know perfectly well that a tight-fitting cycling jersey is great, but going for a ride in this wool shirt isn’t bad either. And I find that I want to keep using a wool shirt with a simple design that hasn’t changed in ages forever.
So, with a Circles-style interpretation, we’ve stocked up on plenty of gear that you can incorporate into both your cycling and daily life.
Used Remake Wool Shirts
¥4,800 (tax excluded)
Every year around this time, a ton of used Pendleton wool shirts arrive from the U.S.—some that have shrunk over long use, others that have been resized—in sizes that are easier for us to fit into.
Right now, it’s just right to wear one over a base layer. The compatibility with Deeper’s Wear / High Kick Jeans goes without saying. I went Bike To Fishing in this combination last week.
When it gets even colder, you can wear a nylon vest underneath or throw a jacket over the top.
Like Taka, I recommend pairing it with Deeper’s Wear / FastPass Baker, which creates a good balance. You could even wear padded pants underneath. Thanks to you all, many people are wearing these FastPass Bakers, and there is certainly a reason why everyone loves them. The quick-drying material is also useful for travel, it has great stretch, and you can enjoy both rides and hikes in this one pair. Please, try a pair on for yourself first.
Oops, I’ve gotten off track.
Wool shirts might seem "low-tech" in a general sense, but once you actually wear one, you’ll find it’s comfortable, and I’m sure we aren't the only ones who think "this is just right." I’d love to introduce these in the web shop as well, but due to the nature of them being resized used goods, please understand they are only available for in-store purchase. Do come in, try on a few, and find the one that’s just right for you!