Catch The Wind / Catch The Window
Feeling the wind is always a pleasure.
If you know the joy of riding a bicycle while feeling the wind with your entire body, you might understand this feeling—though perhaps the reason for riding a bicycle is simply the desire to feel the wind itself.
Riding a bike with your shirt wide open is a truly wonderful feeling. The fluttering of your shirt hem creates a rhythm that puts you in the best of moods. It makes you feel like you can ride anywhere on that breeze.
Having fallen for that pleasure, I designed a shirt that makes riding a bicycle feel absolutely amazing.
- Breathable for a comfortable ride
- Soft and pleasant against the skin
- Quick-drying when you sweat
- Long sleeves for sun protection
- Design For Cyclist
- Made in the Neighborhood
It is the perfect shirt for spring, summer, and autumn.
Breathable for a comfortable ride
This requirement was the primary reason for its development. I envisioned the weight of an Aloha shirt or a Mexican shirt.
When riding a bike, you want something tough, so I wanted something ultra-thin yet durable. I searched for fabrics with that slightly contradictory image in mind.
Then I found just the right thing: fabric from Uni Textile, who specialize in delicate textures.
The fabric is thin and loosely woven, allowing it to let the wind pass through.
Because it is thin, it packs away compactly enough to slip into your bag when it starts to get hot.
By aiming for a shirt that "lets the wind through comfortably," I was able to select the perfect fabric.
Soft and pleasant against the skin
I was also particular about the comfort. It has a moist, soft feel like a rayon Aloha shirt, so I think you'll find it very pleasant to wear.
And because the fabric has a nice drape, it looks great whether worn true-to-size or oversized, meaning your outfit is complete just by throwing it on over a T-shirt.
I truly hope this becomes a favorite for many people.
Quick-drying when you sweat
Given our always sweat-drenched lifestyle, this condition is quite crucial. We want it to dry quickly if we sweat, and since we wash our clothes frequently, it's a blessing if it dries fast.
To meet those demands, we have adopted 100% polyester fabric.
In addition to the comfort mentioned above, it is also a highly functional fabric.
Long sleeves for sun protection
The style of this shirt was inspired by 50s American vintage wear.
The original piece is actually one of my favorites—a California-style work shirt. Its boxy silhouette and simple sewing specifications are irresistibly American.
It’s frayed and worn out in every possible place, but since this style worked so well for me when riding a bike, I used it as a base to create the design and pattern.
The design features of this shirt are:
- A flat hem, designed to be worn untucked
- An open collar for a casual look
- Dual chest pockets to add volume to the garment, even with thin fabric
These are the key design points.
We've ensured it looks great even when styled simply.
And what's essential is that it comes in a long-sleeve configuration.
I opted for long sleeves to allow it to be worn year-round—protecting you from the sun and keeping you comfortable even in the heat when the sleeves are rolled up.
I would be happy if you could take it with you on a camping and touring trip.
Designed For Cyclist
While RAL aims for a simple style that can be worn as everyday clothing, we incorporate specific details for cycling, just as we do with our caps and pants.
・Snap Button Closure
By using snap buttons throughout, you can open and close the shirt or adjust the sleeves with one hand while riding, allowing for various actions with a single touch.
・Chest Pockets
We intentionally left these without buttons for quick access. Go ahead and stash small items or nutrition bars in there!
・Back Pocket
A detail you don't necessarily need, but are happy to have.
You can store small items or your smartphone. However, since we used a lightweight fabric, the balance might be affected by weight, so we recommend storing light things for everyday use. It works great for earphones, bandanas, etc., and features a secure button closure.
・About Sizing
・Made in the Neighborhood
The RAL series aims to "make things in places where we can meet face-to-face and see the process with our own eyes."
This time, we worked with a factory in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture (they are so popular in the fashion world, like our pants, that I can't name them here).
The situation in manufacturing has changed significantly over the last 30 years, and Japanese production sites have decreased dramatically. However, in our region, centered around Gifu Prefecture, clothing manufacturing facilities still remain within a one-hour drive.
Bicycles are the best means of traveling locally, and bike shops are crucial hubs that contribute to the regional infrastructure—I believe they also have the meaning of local support shops. Growing up in that culture, we want to create things with a local-first spirit.
RAL SHIRTS
Material: 100% Polyester
Color: Beige, Blue, Green, Pink
Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Price: ¥16,500
Made in Japan, Gifu, Gifu-City
ALL photo by Go Satoh
