We are starting to carry a brand that I’ve been keeping an eye on and have always liked.
It’s a brand specializing in aloha shirts called Eanbe.
They aren’t specifically cycling products, but they are seriously, incredibly comfortable to wear on a ride.
I’ll talk about that more seriously later, but regardless, you can tell just by looking at this brand: it’s the best.
The product quality is, of course, top-notch. Their stance is also great. And there’s this unique pop feel combined with a sort of "rustic" charm (in a good way).
Fuzzy, loose, and refreshingly breezy.
That’s how an aloha shirt should be.
Even better, the brand owner, Shimoji-kun, is such a nice guy that you’ll find yourself thinking, "Man, I wish I could live my life like him."
He seems to love drinking, so let’s grab a drink sometime 🍺
For more details, it’s faster to just check out their philosophy on their brand here, but let me talk about why aloha shirts are actually great for riding.
How could a shirt that’s perfect for summer not be great for riding?
It’s exactly as the title says.
Yes, an aloha shirt born in the tropics can’t possibly be bad for summer rides. One theory suggests that aloha shirts originated from shirts made of Japanese kimono fabric, so they are actually well-suited to the Japanese climate as well.
When I participated in last year’s OMM BIKE as part of Team DOPPO, my partner Shige and I wore aloha shirts while riding. So, the fact that they are comfortable is already proven.
Technically speaking, cellulose/rayon-based regenerated fibers (the explanation is long, so please look it up if you’re curious) have excellent moisture absorbency, feel soft against the skin, and have a refreshing, cooling sensation when worn.
Cellulose fibers have a history behind them of being an attempt to artificially create silk-like fibers. (Incidentally, polyester was developed with the goal of being a substitute for wool. Both are materials that aimed to replicate animal fibers.)
Since silk is a fiber harvested from silkworm cocoons, it’s made of protein—basically the same composition as our skin. That’s why it feels so good on the skin, and why it’s used in high-end undergarments and is slowly being re-evaluated for sports use. However, it’s extremely expensive, making it hard to use widely. Cellulose fibers are essentially an attempt to artificially replicate that.
Compared to polyester fibers, their quick-drying property is slightly inferior, but still perfectly dry enough. (At least enough for those riding bikes for fun.)
And because they have a drape that no other fiber has, when you ride with them fully open, the hem flutters in a very pleasant way. As I mentioned before, the cool sensation on your skin feels great.
It’s the best shirt for when you leave the cargo to your bike and want to ride without carrying anything on your body.
When we were developing RAL SHIRTS, I was also very torn about whether to use rayon or polyester. Since RAL emphasized functionality more, I sadly gave it up, but between us, I really wanted to use cellulose fibers like Eanbe does.
Regenerated fibers have also been attracting attention recently from an eco-friendly perspective. More and more outdoor brands are replacing products that used polyester with regenerated fiber materials, and most brands in the so-called "sustainable" sphere are currently using regenerated fibers like "bamboo" or "pulp." It’s a material that has come full circle and is back in the spotlight after all these years.
Furthermore, this shirt is made with Japanese fabric and Japanese sewing—it’s even sewn in Okinawa, the owner’s hometown, which adds high points. This aligns with the RAL philosophy, too.
Given this background, this is also a product I’d love for those who already have RAL SHIRTS to try out.
Circles-style aloha shirt coordination
So, since it’s a genuinely great shirt, you can wear it just like regular casual clothes, but our "Circles-style" recommendation is pairing it with bib shorts. I highly recommend this.
It looks good whether you wear it buttoned up or open.
For years now, tires have been getting wider and off-road/gravel concept bikes have been at their peak, and I’ve been into the vibe of doing both touring and gravel riding in everyday clothes. Lately, however, I’ve been feeling a growing urge to ride bikes that are more on the on-road-oriented side (though still gravel-capable) with tires under 40c. (At Circles, we call this the "All Road" concept. They’re still plenty wide, though! lol It’s a domain we want to propose from here on out. It’s definitely great.)
With that feeling growing, I’m currently in the mood to mix serious gear with playful items to add a bit of a twist.
That’s the "Circles-style" shirt proposal: using items like RAL SHIRTS or this aloha shirt to express that current mood. Of course, wear them as everyday clothes on days you aren’t riding!
Anyway, I’m so happy we can offer Eanbe! By the way, Circles is the only place in Aichi Prefecture where you can buy it. We plan to expand our lineup in various ways, so please give it a try!