Looking back, about 20 years ago, my life was surrounded by T-shirts. The clothing store where I worked part-time back then was like a treasure chest, with a cramped shop floor packed tight with import brands that still haven't lost their appeal even today. In one corner, you'd find CHAMPION Reverse Weave sweatshirts and LEVI’S 501s—both raw and over-dyed—but alongside them, there was also a spectacular and almost surreal display of plain T-shirts from American brands like ANVIL and ONETA, which were often used as bases for band or souvenir tees, stacked in dozens of colors and sizes ranging from women's to men's 2XL.
I owned many of those plain T-shirts and wore them almost every day throughout the year—changing colors and sizes in the warmer seasons, layering two different colors, or using them as an undershirt when it was chilly. They were unadorned, lacked any prints, and even their silhouette was rugged; they weren't clothes for dressing up, nor were they technical wear designed for cycling or running. But I wore them constantly, without a second thought, as clothes for my casual, everyday life.
I hadn't worn such T-shirts much lately, but recently I’ve regained an interest in them, so I purchased a PATAGONIA Men’s Long Sleeved Organic Cotton Midweight Pocket Tee.
【PATAGONIA】
M’s Long Sleeved Organic Cotton MW Pocket Tee
Price: 6,800 JPY (excl. tax)
Color: Pigeon Blue, Pumice, Surfboard Yellow
A sense of security from refined patterns and solid fabric
While it is a truly casual T-shirt made by Patagonia, its silhouette is different from the rugged American brands I used to wear. Everything from the shoulder width and chest to the length is neatly tailored, making it look sharp just by putting it on, and giving me the confidence to wear it anywhere I go.
The fabric has a slightly substantial weight to it. Rather than being soft and limp, it features a sturdy texture, appealing in that same "stiff" way as the 100% cotton T-shirts I wore in the past. It provides a sense of security, making you feel like it won’t fall apart no matter how much you wear it.
Organic Cotton that is gentle on the global environment
Furthermore, the cotton used in this T-shirt is organic cotton, which considers the global environment. Because this process takes time and requires knowledge and technology, it involves economic risks for a company. However, it is an expression of Patagonia’s strong commitment to aiming for a stronger, better environment that leads to the future, rather than just prioritizing profit.
Ensuring everyone involved in the product is happy
When checking out Patagonia products, you might notice the term Fair Trade Certified. This is a system where, by selling products made with Fair Trade Certified sewing, it’s not just that Patagonia makes a profit—which is expected—but also that the many people who actually do the manual work of making them are paid fair wages. Caring not only about the materials and the global environment but also about the happiness of the many people involved is another charm of the company that is Patagonia.
Just like with a piece of clothing, I think it’s interesting to take an interest in the process of how products are made when you go shopping.
Details about these processes and products are thoroughly listed on their website, but related articles are also featured in the Gear Catalog distributed every season. In the current Spring/Summer catalog, along with details on several featured items from their diverse lineup, there is an article focusing on organic cotton. Given the current situation amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I would love for as many people as possible to read this article, so starting today, we are giving away this catalog and a sticker to anyone who purchases a Patagonia product. Please note that supplies are limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Products other than the one introduced here are also available on our WEBSHOP, so please be sure to check them out.
By the way, this T-shirt obviously pairs well with long pants, but it also looks fantastic with shorts. In the photo above, I have paired it with the SWRVE Durable Cotton Camp Shorts. These shorts, which were well-received last year, have arrived alongside the Cordura Combat Wool Work Jacket and Grey Wash Cordura Skinny Jeans, which I introduced in a recent blog post.
【SWRVE】
Durable Cotton Camp Shorts
Price: 14,800 JPY (excl. tax)
Color: Grizzly Brown, Olive Drab, Dark Grey, Navy, Black
"Durable Cotton," a blend of cotton and polyester, is an incredibly tough, abrasion-resistant material. The addition of nylon and Lycra® provides excellent stretch, and the nylon content not only increases durability but also allows for faster wicking of sweat away from the skin. Furthermore, with the 4-way stretch provided by the Lycra®, these shorts deliver excellent performance for climbing, cycling, and other activities.
SWRVE products possess functionality suitable for cycling that you would never imagine from their appearance. Please be sure to check out their other products as well.
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