"It is seriously too cold..."
Lately, these are the first words out of my mouth when I wake up. In the few seconds before I get out of bed, I’m forced to face the day’s temperature. That’s how most winter mornings start, isn't it?
My daily routine involves washing my face, picking out my clothes, and finishing off the look with a cap or knit beanie before commuting by bicycle. I’ve learned time and again that this final touch actually makes a huge difference in how comfortable my commute is.
The thing is, while my body warms up quickly once I start pedaling, my ears stay freezing cold. The feeling of the cold winter wind hitting me head-on—going beyond "cold" to the point of actual pain—is truly stressful...
Just as I was thinking, "I wish there was the perfect item for times like this," a hat I missed out on last year and had been thinking about ever since was released in an upgraded version.
This is a real winter savior, and I grabbed one immediately.
RAL Fleece Cap
RAL Fleece Cap
Colors: Green, Pink, Brown
Size: Free
Price: 6,600 yen (tax included)
This is the Fleece Cap, a bespoke collaboration between NOCAP and RAL.
No Cap is an original brand by "Kokaji Co., Ltd.," a manufacturer of hats made entirely in Japan. Their ability to handle every step of the process—from lining and cutting to sewing, pressing, design, and production—within their own factory, combined with the knowledge and expertise gained over their 70-year history, is a major appeal.
Because they handle production entirely in-house, they are flexible regardless of the production lot size, allowing them to meet every customer's needs. Kokaji’s dedication to manufacturing, overseeing everything from design to delivery, ensures high quality and excellent cost-performance.
In addition to "No Cap," which focuses on coordinates inspired by vintage clothing from the 60s to late 90s and cycling culture, they also feature "FEELCAP," a line specialized in sports like cycling, trail running, and running, spanning everything from sports to fashion.
We offered this as a bespoke item last year as well, but this time, the material has been updated. By opting for a slightly thinner fleece fabric, it’s now even easier to use in everyday life.
Fleece is a reliable material for the dead of winter, but when you pick up the pace on a bike, your body warms up faster than you’d think.
The texture of this new fabric hits the perfect balance, keeping your head at just the right level of warmth from the moment the cold starts to set in until you’ve warmed up from the ride.
What I’m particularly happy about is the ear coverage.
The earmuffs securely cover the ears, which otherwise start to ache the moment they’re exposed to the cold wind.
It’s also easy to wear a helmet over the cap, making it practical enough to "head straight out into the city."
The earmuffs are easily removable, so you can change your style depending on the temperature or your mood.
Whether you're incorporating it into a casual look or using it for serious protection on cold morning or evening rides, I hope you’ll put that versatility to use!
The silhouette offers the best fit—not too deep and not too shallow.
While head shapes and contours differ from person to person,
this is a design I especially want those who have felt that "caps just never quite sit right" to try on.
It features a drawcord at the back for smooth fit adjustment,
so it won't slip off easily whether you're walking or pedaling, giving you peace of mind.
The sizing is quite accommodating, so it can be worn with confidence by women with smaller head circumferences, as well as those who have trouble finding a good fit in larger sizes.
It looks very simple.
But when you put it on, you naturally feel, "Hey, this is nice."
It isn't flashy, yet the comfort and fit feel completely natural.
Before you know it, it’s the one you’re reaching for. That’s the kind of cap this is.
"I'm going to head out in my Fleece Cap today."
That single thought is how I open the front door and start my day.
I think this cap fits seamlessly into both a casual wardrobe and the daily life of a cyclist, blending perfectly into the winter routine.
RAL Beanie
RAL Beanie
Colors: Green, Brown
Material: 85% Acrylic, 15% Wool
Size: Free
Price: 8,800 yen (tax included)
This knit cap is made in the same colorway as the RAL Cycling Wool Jersey. It’s an acrylic blend material that seems perfect for cycling.
Above all else, there are these characteristic three braids.
Often seen among cycling friends on the West Coast, the free and unique hairstyle of braiding long hair is deeply impressive, partly because it's inspired by hippie culture.
I thought that style was just so cool, and I wanted to try it out myself.
"I'd love to try a hairstyle like that!"
That was the feeling that gave birth to this hat.
Depending on your mood for the day, it's fun to change how you tie it, just like styling your hair. It’s that kind of playful knit cap.
This is my first blog post of the year.
Whether in Tokyo or Nagoya, it makes me truly happy when people come up to me and say, "Hey, it's John from the blog," "I always read your posts," or "You've got a very intense face."
It’s freezing in both Tokyo and Nagoya this time of year, so don’t forget to keep your head warm!
Wishing you all the best for the coming year as well.
Let’s all make it a great one.
