The heat that felt as if it were already summer seems to have eased a little since the start of the rainy season. Although it has become somewhat more comfortable, once the rainy season ends, the temperatures will rise along with this humidity, and a very hot summer will be upon us.
It was just about a year ago that we completed the Player Shirt by RAL meets holk, which was born from our desire to create a shirt that you could throw on easily for any type of activity. Depending on the day, the climate could be hot or cool, and this thin, durable chambray shirt was incredibly useful as something to quickly and lightly throw on. Since then, I have been wearing the long-sleeve version throughout the year as an essential piece, but I find myself realizing just how fast time flies now that the season has arrived to put on short sleeves.
Over the past year, the Player Shirt has been very well received by many, and we have heard numerous requests for a reproduction. However, as this shirt is carefully made one by one at a shirt factory in our home region of Aichi, it could not be mass-produced, and we were unable to easily meet those requests.
I thought we would be able to get it to you sooner, but about a year has passed, and we are finally able to introduce it to you all once again.
Light and Cool Chambray Fabric
For last year's Player Short Sleeve Shirt, we used a polyester and cotton blended COOL MAX®︎ chambray fabric for its moisture-wicking and quick-drying functionality. This time, however, we have used the same 100% cotton chambray fabric as the long-sleeve version, which is light, thin, and durable. It feels light and soft to wear, allowing you to throw it on easily even in the hot summer months. It is also breathable and cool, drying quickly even if you break a little sweat. Even though it is 100% cotton, you can spend the summer comfortably in it.
Retaining Ease of Movement, with a Sharper Sleeve Silhouette
It isn't just the fabric that has been changed. While it's a minor detail, I wanted a cleaner sleeve silhouette, so we revisited the pattern. It might be hard to notice at a glance, but the overall silhouette when worn has become more refined. However, this does not hinder body movement in the slightest; the ease of motion achieved through the pattern itself, such as the placement of the yoke and the way the darts are taken, remains as it was in the previous version.
Back Pockets Convenient for Storing Small Items
Of course, the back pocket, a major feature of cycle wear, remains as an essential component. It is very convenient for keeping items that you frequently take in and out, such as keys, a smartphone, a bandana, or energy food, and because it has good depth, your items won't fall out.
Price : ¥12,800-(tax excluded)
Color : Blue
XS, S, M, L, XL
【RAL meets holk】
Player Short Sleeve Shirt
And this time, along with the newly updated short sleeve version, the long sleeve version has also arrived in stock.
Expanded Size Range with the Addition of XS and XL
This is the same style as before, but starting now, two sizes, XS and XL, have been added, making it possible for even more people to wear it. The expansion of the size range also applies to the short sleeve version, and the XS size fits women well, having already been well-received at our store and event booths where it has been on sale ahead of time.
【RAL meets holk】
Player Shirt
Price : ¥13,800-(tax excluded)
Color : Blue
XS, S, M, L, XL
Chambray, which has long been used for work shirts, is plain-woven and quite a bit thinner than denim, but it is extremely durable and characterized by its ability to be worn hard.
Not only does the fabric texture gain character as you continue to wear it, but even if it tears, I would like you to keep wearing it, mending it with stitches or patches just like you would with a pair of jeans.
I myself have been wearing the long-sleeve version, in particular, so much throughout the year that it's almost unbelievable, yet there are still no signs of it tearing. My goal is for it to tear naturally, so I intend to keep wearing it without worrying about the situation.
Of course, many other staff members are wearing them as well, and they have become like a uniform, being worn hard just like real workwear.
I hope you all will wear this Player Shirt without boundaries, from work to play.
