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【Yamatomichi】Functionality within the universal

The UL Rain Hoody, perfected by Yamatomichi designer Natsume-san to meet the functional requirements of mountain activities, was born as a garment with a unique style by daringly subtracting the gimmicks that are usually added on. While the criteria for what is necessary or unnecessary may differ for everyone, there is a solid reason behind every choice made.

And, of course, the same can be said for the newly arrived Merino Hoody.

【Yamatomichi / Merino Hoody】

¥16,000 (excl. tax)


Material: Merino Wool(170-180g/m2, 19.5μ) / Yamatomichi Original Blend
Weight : 274g (Size S) / 9.7oz
Color : Navy, Espresso, Charcoal Marl, Gray Marl

 

At first glance, it looks like a universal hoodie-style cut-and-sew piece we have all seen many times before. Because the look is so familiar, you might slip it on without much thought, but this style, too, was reached through well-founded reasoning.

Of course, many of you may already be aware of this, but let's take another look.

A hood is excellent for regulating body temperature and keeping warm. Simply putting it up on a cold winter day or in windy conditions adds extra warmth. Even if you are wearing a hat, putting the hood over it makes it even warmer. Also, because the fabric of this Merino Hoody's hood is not too thick, you can wear it under a helmet when riding a bicycle. It keeps your ears warm, and the neck rises high to the nose, protecting your mouth and neck like a balaclava while also preventing annoying drafts from entering through your chest. It is also equipped with a stretch cord, allowing you to adjust the fit according to your needs or preferences.

Furthermore, the zipper running from the neck to the abdomen allows for smooth ventilation, so you can take in plenty of outside air at once when your body starts to heat up.

The ribbed cuffs, like those on a sweatshirt, not only prevent wind from entering but also serve to warm your wrists and improve blood flow. When you want to warm and protect your wrists more securely, you can use the built-in thumbholes. The cuffs are not overly tight, so they won't restrict blood flow, and it’s easy to pull up your sleeves to cool down.

The kangaroo pocket on the abdomen serves as a place to store supplies or as a handwarmer, but its primary purpose is actually to keep your stomach from getting cold. In harsh, long-term conditions—such as during an overnight trip—if your core gets cold, your physical performance drops significantly. It is not easy to warm up once you have become thoroughly chilled. The answer derived from harsh experiences in the mountains with low temperatures is this kangaroo pocket.

Even with styles we think of as "taken for granted," there is much to be discovered when we take a second look.

The fabric used is 100% merino wool, which possesses excellent characteristics such as natural moisture-regulating and deodorizing properties, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. Moreover, it is a Yamatomichi original, made with special technology for high durability. It maintains comfort in any situation and is made to be used for a long time.

With a thickness that works well not only as a winter mid-layer but also as a standalone top until early spring, there is no doubt this will be in heavy rotation for the coming season.

Customers who have been eagerly awaiting the arrival have already stopped by to check the fabric texture and sizing, as well as to consider various potential use-case scenarios. We also have a small amount of the UL Rain Hoody/Pants and Mini—previously introduced—in stock at the store.

As for Yamatomichi products, we do not offer mail-order sales, as we want customers to handle them in person, try them on, and decide whether they are truly necessary for them before purchasing. If you are interested, please visit us in person to confirm the quality of our products for yourself.