Tuesday, June 13, 2023. The high temperature in Nagoya that day was 33°C (91.4°F) with 68% humidity and a discomfort index of 80, making it one of the most unpleasant places to be in Japan, right after Okinawa at 81. (As the name suggests, the discomfort index is a scale that represents how uncomfortable one feels in a climate, and you can find more information here if you are interested.) This is not something limited to just that day, nor is it a problem exclusive to Nagoya or Okinawa. The heat in Japan is humid, muggy, and lethargic. There will likely be many more uncomfortable days to come.
For days just like those, I want you to wear the Tree Tee by HOUDINI, which uses the Tencel™ Lyocell material I am introducing today. It is a garment that features moisture-wicking and quick-drying capabilities, while also allowing you to enjoy a cool, dry, and comfortable feel.
At Circles, we stock apparel made from merino wool and polyester for those who ride bikes, go hiking, or live active daily lives, but I wouldn't say they are the most suitable choice in every situation.
While both have excellent functionality needed for exercise, merino wool products can sometimes feel a bit too hot, and polyester products can cause a little stress due to the feel unique to synthetic fibers. If your exercise intensity is high, you won't feel that stress, but for daily life, getting around town on a bike, or light hiking in the hills, while functionality is important, you start to prioritize comfort. The products using Tencel™ Lyocell that I am introducing today may be inferior to those in terms of moisture absorption and quick-drying, but in terms of that crisp touch and cooling sensation, I can say they are overwhelmingly more comfortable than any other activity wear.
【HOUDINI】
M’s Tree Tee
PRICE : ¥9,900 (tax included)
COLOR : Blue Illusion, Greeness, True Black
SIZE : XS, S, M, L
The fabric used in this Tree Tee, called Woodland Jersey, is made from 100% Tencel™ Lyocell fabric manufactured in Austria. It features surprising elasticity, a smooth texture, excellent moisture permeability and quick-drying, and a cool-to-the-touch sensation that is perfect for hot summer days. It is also attractive for its higher durability compared to merino wool products.
I will say it again: it is simply a must-have item for mid-summer, with an incredibly pleasant feel and a refreshing sensation.
Furthermore, Tencel™ fibers are made from 100% wood pulp, are certified by FSC® or PEFC™ for sustainable forest management, and carry the EU Ecolabel. They can be recycled once worn out, and since they are biodegradable, they can even return to the soil to be composted.
The Tree Tee is a regular-fit T-shirt with functionality and sustainability suitable for spring and summer outdoor and active lifestyles. It's great to wear on its own, and we also recommend it as an undershirt.
One more point: the sizing is important with this fabric.
In fact, this material shrinks when washed. There is a big difference between a new item and one that has been washed.
I am 170cm tall and weigh 61kg, and I wear size S. The True Black one has been washed several times since I bought it, while the Blue Illusion is brand new. As you can see from the image, it shrinks by about one size. It is originally made larger with that shrinkage in mind, but if you want to wear it with a relaxed, loose fit, we recommend choosing one size up from what you usually wear.
Tree Tee Features
・Regular fit
・Smooth, soft, and stretchy
・Gentle on the skin
・Cool-to-the-touch feel and high breathability
・Natural odor resistance
・Circular product lifecycle
・EU Ecolabel certified
・Weight: 160 g (Size L)
・Fabric made in Italy
・Made in Portugal
Of course, there is also a women's model in the lineup.
【HOUDINI】
W’s Tree Tee
PRICE : ¥9,900 (tax included)
COLOR : Blue illusion, Greeness
SIZE : XS, S, M
The women's model features characteristics typical of an imported outdoor brand, such as slightly shorter sleeves and a cinched waist compared to the men's model, but if you choose a loose size, you can wear it with a relatively casual feel.
The model is 155cm tall and is wearing size M. It has a reasonable amount of room, but please keep in mind that this is in an unwashed state, so it will shrink another size after washing.
By the way, HOUDINI also has other items with "Tree" in the name, such as the Tree Tank and the Tree Polo Shirt. All of them use the same Tencel™ Lyocell fabric as the Tree Tee, so be sure to check those out as well.
In this hot, hot summer, why not wrap yourself in Tencel™ Lyocell and get through it cool and comfortable?
