It is now mid-November, and as the trees in the city begin to change into their red and brown autumn attire, we can finally feel the arrival of winter just around the corner. Along with this, the mornings and evenings have become quite chilly, making us want to throw on a warm layer even during the day, when the sun is shining brightly.
Based on the idea that everything—from our work to our rides and hikes—is all play, we released the RAL meets holk / Player Shirt as a shirt we want to wear at any time, in any situation.
For us personally, it has become an indispensable shirt that we wear every single day, and we are now excited to introduce the Player Shirt Wool, which features a new wool fabric with a check pattern. Available in navy-based and gray-based checks, these two chic colors offer a perfect balance of versatility and sophistication, making them a great choice to slip on this season.
A light and durable wool-polyester blend shirt
The fabric used is a user-friendly wool and polyester blend with just the right thickness. It not only provides warmth, but also possesses the lightness and durability to excel in various situations.
A simple pattern designed for ease of movement
The pattern remains the same as our previous Player Shirt. Every detail, such as the body width, armhole size, yoke height, and the placement of darts, has been carefully adjusted to ensure complete freedom of movement.
Longer sleeves and rubber buttons
We paid special attention to the sleeve length; they are designed to cover your wrists well even when you stretch your arms forward, shielding you from cold winter winds. Additionally, the cuffs are narrow so you can easily roll up your sleeves when it gets warm or you're performing tasks. The buttons are made of rubber, similar to those used on rugby shirts, which prevents injury in the unlikely event that a button breaks.
A pattern that combines elegance with a rugged feel
Wool shirts, which evoke images of fall and winter workwear or casual attire, are staples of American casual style, famously represented by brands like Pendleton and Woolrich. They perfectly embody both an elegant, refined appearance and a down-to-earth, rugged charm.
An indispensable back pocket
Of course, this shirt is also equipped with a back pocket, a key feature of cycling apparel. It is very convenient for storing items you access frequently, such as keys or a smartphone. Because it is deep, you don’t have to worry about your belongings falling out.
【RAL meets holk】
Player Shirt Wool
Color: Navy, Grey
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Price: 19,800 JPY (excl. tax)
Character that emerges with repeated wear
We know that many of you might not have worn a shirt made of this kind of wool material before, but there is no need to treat it with special care. We hope you will wear it in heavy rotation, washing it just like a chambray shirt. The pilling and fuzz that develop on the surface of the fabric will serve as a badge of honor, and we are sure you will grow even more attached to it over time.
A shirt that can also double as a light outer layer
Naturally, you can wear this as a regular shirt over a T-shirt or a cut-and-sew, or as an inner layer under a sweatshirt or knit, but you can also choose a size larger and wear it as an outer layer over bulkier items like sweatshirts.
A shirt using wool material was something we had been wishing for all along. As with every RAL meets holk item we have released, I don’t think this would have been possible without Mr. Yamamoto of holk, and I am simply filled with gratitude for the craftspeople who worked with such great care to bring this chosen fabric to life as a shirt.
In any case, I intend to wear this shirt as much as I possibly can this season, and I hope many of you will have the chance to slip one on as well.